Two weeks Yunnan and Zhangjiajie possible

Question

I'm looking at 2 weeks in September and am in the initial stages of planning was thinking of seeing Yunnan and Zhangjiajie. I would be flying from UK.

I was thinking of starting in Zhangjiajie for 3/4 days and then going to Yunnan and seeing Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La for remainder. Is this feasible? Is September a god month to see Zhangjiajie and avoid heavy rainfall

What's the best airport to fly into China to get to Zhangjiajie (Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport) quickly and then fly from there to Kunming?

Thanks

Answer

Visiting Zhangjiajie and Yunnan in two weeks is feasible, but it requires careful planning due to travel distances and limited flight options between some destinations. September can be a good month for Zhangjiajie as the summer rainy season starts tapering off, though occasional showers are still possible. The temperatures are generally mild, and the scenery, especially the sandstone pillars, is stunning with fewer crowds compared to July and August.

Your suggested itinerary of starting in Zhangjiajie for 3-4 days and then moving on to Yunnan for Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La is workable, but you should account for flight times and airport transfers.

For Zhangjiajie:

Best airport: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG) is the most convenient for visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Direct international flights are limited, so you would likely connect via Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
3-4 days in Zhangjiajie is sufficient to explore the main park areas including Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream, and possibly the Tianmen Mountain.
Use the park shuttle buses and cable cars to optimize your time and reduce walking, especially if traveling with family or for a more relaxed pace.

For the Yunnan portion:

After Zhangjiajie, fly from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport to Kunming Changshui International Airport. Flights are limited but usually one connection is enough.
In Kunming, spend 1-2 days visiting the Stone Forest, Green Lake, and the city’s temples and markets.
Take the high-speed train or a short domestic flight to Dali. Spend 1-2 days exploring Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake, and the surrounding villages.
From Dali, travel to Lijiang for 2-3 days. Highlights include Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pool, and nearby Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Finally, head to Shangri-La for 1-2 days to explore the Tibetan culture, Songzanlin Monastery, and surrounding natural scenery.

Additional planning tips:

Book flights early, especially for Zhangjiajie to Kunming, as schedules are limited.
September is generally a comfortable month in Yunnan with mild temperatures and less rain than summer months, ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Allow some buffer days for travel delays or weather disruptions, especially in Zhangjiajie, where sudden showers can occur.
Consider internal flights within Yunnan to save travel time, for example Kunming to Dali or Lijiang, instead of long bus journeys.

Overall, a two-week itinerary with 3-4 days in Zhangjiajie followed by Yunnan’s main highlights is achievable, provided you plan transportation carefully and prioritize the key sites at each location.

Two weeks Yunnan and Zhangjiajie possible

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