Saturday, January 25, 2025 Kunming, China, known for its springlike climate, is now a hotspot for Southeast Asian tourists, drawn by its snow-capped peaks and magical winter landscapes. For Nguyen Khanh Linh, snow has always been a rarity in southern China, particularly in Kunming, a city celebrated for its perpetual springlike weather. However, after spotting social media photos of friends enjoying snowy scenes in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province near Vietnam, the Vietnamese traveler decided to experience it herself.
Jiaozi Snow Mountain, standing at 4,223 meters above sea level, is among China’s lowest-altitude snow-capped peaks during winter. Its icy lakes, frozen waterfalls, and delicate frost make it an enchanting getaway for Southeast Asian tourists seeking a wintry escape from tropical climates. Thanks to its picturesque snow-covered landscapes and close proximity, Yunnan is emerging as a favored destination for travelers from Southeast Asia.
The region’s growing appeal is bolstered by improved accessibility via the China-Laos Railway, more direct flights, and streamlined customs processes. Beyond Kunming, the Dechen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan boasts over 100 peaks rising above 5,000 meters. In Diqing’s Shangri-La city, the Seven Star Snow ski resort opened in late 2024, offering the northern hemisphere’s closest alpine skiing experience for Southeast Asians, according to Zhuang Zhiping, chairman of Diqing Tourism Group.
The late 2023 openin.
