Yunnan in November

Question

Hi all,

Still hesitant on a Yunnan itinary...

We'll have 10 days in Yuannan after a trip in Gansu. We are wondering whether to include Yuanyuang (in mid November). I read contradictory inputs on that topic regarding the weather and the brown colour of the terrasses.

Should we concentrate on the Dali and Lijiang (and maybe Shangri La) areas instead ?

Does anybody know Balagezong ? It really looks beautiful but I heard it was far touristy with lots of groups.

Answer

Yunnan in November offers a quieter travel experience compared to the busy summer months, but it also comes with specific weather considerations, especially if you are thinking about visiting the Yuanyang rice terraces. The region is known for its dramatic landscapes and ethnic diversity, but the timing of your visit affects what you will see.

Yuanyang Terraces:

Yuanyang is famous for its spectacular rice terraces, which are at their most vibrant when flooded for the rice planting season in the winter months (November to February). By mid-November, much of the terraces may be in transition: the old crop has usually been harvested, and the fields may not yet be fully flooded, which is why some travelers report seeing brown rather than green or reflective water-filled terraces. Weather can be cold and foggy, which sometimes obscures views but can also create atmospheric photo opportunities.

Pros and cons of including Yuanyang:

Pros: Fewer tourists, authentic rural life, and the chance for atmospheric photographs with mist and local ethnic minority villages.
Cons: Brown terraces instead of lush green or reflective water, colder weather, and longer travel times as Yuanyang is relatively remote compared to Lijiang or Dali.

Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La:

These areas are more accessible and still offer stunning scenery in November. Lijiang’s old town and surrounding mountains are picturesque year-round, and Dali offers pleasant weather, lake views, and Bai minority culture. Shangri-La, at higher altitude, can be quite cold in November but provides stunning Tibetan landscapes and a quieter, less crowded experience.

Recommendations if focusing on these areas:

Dali for lakeside scenery, relaxed town atmosphere, and easy access to villages like Xizhou and Zhoucheng.
Lijiang for Old Town exploration, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (weather permitting), and nearby Shuhe Village.
Shangri-La for Tibetan culture, Songzanlin Monastery, and scenic treks in the surrounding mountains, though pack warm clothing for the high altitude.

Balagezong (Bala Gorge):

Balagezong is indeed beautiful, offering dramatic karst landscapes, waterfalls, and forested valleys. However, it has become increasingly popular with tour groups. If you value less crowded natural sites, visiting Balagezong may feel busy during weekends or peak Chinese travel periods, even in November. Private tours or visiting on weekdays can improve the experience.

Summary advice for a 10-day itinerary in Yunnan in November:

If your main goal is iconic rice terrace photography, Yuanyang can be included, but manage expectations about colors and weather.
For easier travel, reliable weather, and cultural immersion, concentrating on Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La is practical and rewarding.
Consider Balagezong if you want natural scenery beyond the more touristic sites, but try to schedule carefully to avoid large tour groups.
Plan travel logistics carefully, as Yuanyang is remote and can take 8–10 hours by bus or combination of train and bus from Kunming, while Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La are more connected by high-speed trains or short flights.

Overall, for a 10-day trip in November, a combination of Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La is likely to offer the best mix of accessibility, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences. Yuanyang can be included if you are particularly interested in rice terraces and rural life, but be prepared for brown fields and colder weather.

Yunnan in November

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