Yunnan Province, due to its beautiful landscapes, mild climate and colorful ethnic minorities, is one of China's major tourist destinations. Most visitors are Chinese tourists, although trips to Yunnan are organized by an increasing number of foreign travel agencies as well. Mainland tourists travel by the masses; 2.75 million Chinese visited Yunnan last October during National Holiday. Also a different trend is slowly developing; small scale and environmentally friendly ecotourism. At the moment projects in this field are often being set up with help of NGO's.
In 2004, tourism revenues amounted to 37 billion RMB, and thus accounting for 12, 6% of the provincial GDP. Another fact indicating the importance of tourism in Yunnan Province is capital Kunming hosting the China International Travel Mart every two years. This tourism trade fair is the largest of its kind in Asia and serves as an important platform for professionals in the sector. More than 80 countries and regions were present during the 2005 edition.
Tourist centres in Yunnan include:

• Dali,the historic center of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms.
• Chuxiong, the first stop on the way to Dali and Lijiang. Home of the Yi ethnic minority and their respective ancient town.
• Jinghong, the center and prefectural capital of the Xishuangbanna Dai minority autonomous prefecture.
• Lijiang, a Naxi minority city. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
• Shangri-La County (formerly Zhongdian), an ethnic Tibetan township and county set high in Yunnan's north-western mountains.
• Shilin (Stone Forest), a series of karst outcrops east of Kunming.
• Yuanyang, a Hani minority settlement with vast rice-terraces.
• Xishuangbanna, a national scenic resort, famous for its natural and cultural attractions.

Places of Interests:

• Black Dragon Pool
• Cangshan
• Erhai Lake
• Ganlan Basin
• Green Lake Park
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
• Lancang River
• Manting Park (Chunhuan Park) in Jinghong
• Meili Snow Mountain in Deqin
• Pujian Temple
• Sanchahe Nature Reserve in Jinghong
• ShaPing Market, Dali
• Shaxi
• Stone Forest
• Three Pagodas
• Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Visitor Center for Nature and Culture in Northwest Yunnan
• Wase markets, near Dali
• Xishuangbanna Tropical Flower & Plant Garden
• Xizhou
• Yuantong Temple
• Yunnan Provincial Museum