Why Golf in Yunnan Should Be on Every Golfer’s Bucket List
If you are looking for a golf destination that is both cool and has breathtaking scenery and offers unique cultural experiences in China, then Yunnan might be your best choice. Located on the southwest plateau, where the climate is temperate all year and pristine nature stretches from snowy mountains to clear blue lakes, Yunnan not only has world-class golf courses but is also a palace where you can combine golf with relaxation, explore ethnic identity, and enjoy typical highland cuisine. In this article, let’s explore the complete golf journey in this wonderful land!
Overview of Golf in Yunnan
Yunnan is one of the most attractive golf destinations in China, where you can experience the swing of snow-capped mountains, clear lakes, and rich ethnic cultures. Located in the southwest plateau of China, Yunnan has a cool climate, fresh air, and moderate rainfall all year round, making it an ideal place to play golf all year round.
The uniqueness of golf in Yunnan lies not only in favourable weather conditions but also in magnificent scenery. Golf courses here are usually built by lakes, hills, or dense pine forests. The combination of primitive nature and international standard course design makes Yunnan the first choice destination for golf lovers at home and abroad, especially tourists from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
Most of the outstanding golf courses in Yunnan, such as Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, Lakeview Golf Club, and Lijiang Ancient Town Golf Club, are designed by legendary architects Jack Nicklaus or Robert Trent Jones Jr. The common feature of golf courses in Yunnan is the perfect combination of natural terrain and technical characteristics, creating challenging and inspiring courses, which are suitable for both beginners and seasonal players.
Furthermore, the bonus point for Yunnan is the integrated golf resort ecosystem, where you can not only play sports but also relax at the spa, enjoy local cuisine, and explore the cultures of ethnic minorities such as Bai, Yi, Mongolian, and Tibetan.
From things considered above, it is the perfect combination of sports, resort, and cultural discovery that helps golf in Yunnan go beyond the framework of a sport, becoming an exciting and memorable journey of experience.
Best Golf Courses in Yunnan
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club
Since officially going into operation, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club has quickly become “one of the must-play” golf courses among golf enthusiasts. Located near the ancient city of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the course is located right at the foot of the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain at an altitude of over 5,500m. At over 3,100 meters above sea level, Jade Dragon is known as one of the highest golf courses in the world. And not only is it high, but it is also the longest in the world, with a total length of up to 8,548 yards. However, thanks to the thin air on the plateau, golf balls fly further than usual, making the experience here not as stressful as you think at first.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club
The course is designed by the famous architect Neil Haworth, the one who made use of the hilly natural terrains to create a harmonious layout, which is poetic but remains challenging. Large fairways, bunkers, and strategically placed lakes are placed logically, just enough to boost the difficulty but not fade away the natural beauty around. One of the most outstanding is the par-5 with 5 slight doglegs towards the snowy mountains, providing players a unique experience while hitting the ball, it feels like getting lost in a vivid ink painting.
In particular, the par-3 no. 15 with an island green is one of the highlights not to be missed, where you have to hit the ball onto a small island in the middle of the lake, while the surrounding scenery is snowy mountains and rusting pine forests. This feeling is both thrilling and overwhelming.
Despite its location in the highlands, Jade Dragon still boasts modern facilities with a Tibetan-style clubhouse, a restaurant with panoramic views of the Snowy Mountains, and a team of professional caddies, always ready to give advice on choosing the right club for this special altitude condition.
>>> Embark on our Yunnan Golf Holiday 10 Days 9 Nights Golf Tour to experience most scenic and premier golf courses and explore local culture.
Lakeview Golf Club
Located just a 20-minute drive from downtown Kunming, Lakeview Golf Club is one of the most prominent golf courses in Yunnan Province and is also a top choice for those who want to combine golfing with exploring the city of “Eternal Spring.” This golf course is designed to international standards, with 18 holes, par-72, stretching over undulating hills overlooking a clear lake and distant mountains, as the name “Lakeview” suggests. The peaceful, airy space and cool climate all year round make Lakeview always one of the top favourite golf courses in southern China.
Lakeview Golf Club
The course design cleverly takes advantage of the gentle hilly terrain, creating many downhill shots and fairways winding around the lake, bringing an exciting feeling to players of all levels. Although the golf holes here are not too long, they require precise calculation, especially at holes with greens surrounded by water or deep bunkers. Some prominent holes, such as par-4 no. 7 with an S-shaped fairway or par-3 number 13 across a large lake, make golfers have to consider whether to take a risk or not.
Lakeview is not only famous for its well-maintained grass but also for its modern and professional amenities. The modern clubhouse overlooks the lake, and clean, fit rooms and a local-cuisine-serving restaurant all create a complete relaxing atmosphere for players after the game.
It is worth noting that the course has hosted many domestic and international tournaments, confirming its position as one of the top courses in China. Moreover, with a team of well-trained, friendly, and knowledgeable caddies, Lakeview will always accompany you to make each round more effective.
Sunshine Golf Club
If you are looking for a convenient course that is near the city centre and retains beautiful natural landscapes and high quality, Sunshine Golf Club is unmissable. Located only 10 km from the city centre, the golf course is the ideal choice for those who want to combine a business trip, relax, and play golf all at once!
Sunshine Golf Club owns an 18-hole par-72 course with a modern design, reasonably distributed between difficulty and relaxation. Unlike golf courses located deep in the mountains or near large lakes, Sunshine focuses on a smooth playing experience in an open space with gentle hilly terrain, moderately curved golf holes, and a carefully maintained grass system. This course is suitable for both professional golfers and beginners.
Sunshine Golf Club
The big plus point of Sunshine is its convenience and fast playing speed. Due to its proximity to the city, the course often welcomes local and international golfers to play during the day. The diverse tee box system allows for adjustment of difficulty depending on skill level, while the wide fairways and few hazards help players focus on swing technique rather than avoiding obstacles.
Some memorable holes at Sunshine include the par-5 no. 9 with an open view of the forest area in the distance and the challenging par-4 no. 16 with a double bunker right in front of the green. Although it does not have as much drama as a course on a mountain or near a lake, Sunshine scores points for its stability and accessibility, a golf course where you can truly enjoy every shot without having to travel far or worry about inclement weather.
The clubhouse of Sunshine is modern and equipped with luxury amenities, from fitting rooms and lounges to a restaurant that serves Asian and European dishes, offering a relaxing atmosphere for players. Sunshine Golf Club is not a place where you come to conquer technical heights, but a place where you return to enjoy a gentle, effective, and complete round of golf under the Kunming sunshine, just like the name “Sunshine.”
Spring City Golf & Lake Resort
Located on the banks of the blue Yang Zhou Hai Lake, about 40 km from Kunming City, Spring City Golf & Lake Resort has long been considered a symbol of high-class golf in China. The resort owns two beautiful golf courses: Mountain Course and Lake Course, both designed by the world’s leading names and regularly appearing in the list of the Top 100 most beautiful golf courses in the world, voted by Golf Digest.
Opened in the 1990s, Spring City quickly conquered the golfer community thanks to its prime location on the plateau, cool climate all year round, and open views of the clear lake, surrounded by misty mountains. This is where you can play the ball in the fresh air at an altitude of 2,000 m, while immersing yourself in the peaceful natural scenery that few golf courses can match.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, the Lake Course is a masterpiece that stretches around a lake, with soft fairways that follow the terrain and challenging water-edge holes. Every shot here requires careful planning, the slightest mistake can send your ball swimming in the lake. The par-3 is one of the most beautiful, with a green framed by water and a majestic mountain backdrop.
Spring City Golf & Lake Resort – Lakeview Course
Meanwhile, the Mountain Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is more dramatic, with many uphill and downhill holes interspersed with strategic bunkers. Here, you will often have to hit the ball through valleys or adjust to the wind to get the ball over pine trees. This course is especially popular with golfers who like a challenge and want to improve their technique.
Spring City Golf Lake Resort – Mountain Course
More than just a golf course, Spring City is also an international-class, all-inclusive golf resort with lakeside villas, luxury restaurants, saunas, spas, and light recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Playing golf at Spring City is not just a sport but a chance to be in harmony with nature, enhance your sporting experience, and enjoy true relaxation. If you could only choose one golf course to play in Yunnan, Spring City would be on the top of the list!
Lijiang Ancient Town International Golf Club
Lijiang Ancient Town International Golf Club, one of the world cultural heritages recognised by UNESCO is a perfect combination of sports, spectacular landscapes, and rich cultural history. This is an ideal golf course for those who like to swing in the sacred atmosphere of the southwest mountainous area of China.
The stadium is built at a height of about 2,400 m above sea level, with a spectacular view towards the Yulong Snow Mountain range covered in white snow all year round. This is not only a golf course but also a journey to feel the sacred beauty of Lijiang land, where the Naxi, Tibetan, and Han cultures intersect.
Lijiang Ancient Town Golf Club has 18 holes, par-72, cleverly designed according to the typical plateau terrain, where the fairways snake through the hillsides, interwoven with small valleys and natural streams. The open space, fresh air, and constantly changing terrain require players to adjust their techniques and flexible playing strategies. Thanks to the height, the ball flies further, helping players clearly feel the “plateau swing” effectively.
Lijiang Ancient Town International Golf Club
One of the highlights here is the golf holes facing directly towards Snow Mountain, creating a scene that is both majestic and surprisingly peaceful. The par-3 hole no. 2 is a testament to hitting the ball from a high tee box through the air with the snowy mountains as a backdrop, a shot that you will remember forever.
The course provides several modern amenities, including the clubhouse, which is built in the traditional Naxi style, with curved tiled roofs and delicately carved wood motifs. Inside there is a restaurant serving Chinese, Western, and local dishes.
Notably, visitors can combine a morning round of golf with an afternoon visit to Lijiang Ancient Town. There are numerous interesting things, such as the cobblestone streets, streams flowing through residential areas, and rows of ancient wooden houses that will take you back in time.
Visiting Lijiang Ancient Town International Golf Club, you will not only play satisfying golf rounds but also uncover unique culture and stunning nature. This is a destination not to be missed when you set foot in northern Yunnan.
>>> For more information about golf courses in Yunnan, China, please visit our Best Yunnan Golf Courses 2025/2026. These courses boast excellent design, scenic surrounding and challenging fairways, promising an unforgettable golf holiday!
Things to Do after playing Golf in Yunnan
Want to try something amazing after playing golf? Here are the top post-course activities you should do when visiting Yunnan:
Explore Lijiang Ancient Town
Strolling through the cobblestone streets, admiring the ancient wooden houses and winding waterways, you will feel the slow pace of life and the rich Naxi culture. At night, teahouses, wine bars, and traditional musical instruments create an atmosphere that is both romantic and strange, like in a fairy tale.
Lijiang Ancient Town
Conquer Yulong Snow Mountain
If you play golf at a course near Lijiang or Shangri-La, don’t miss the cable car ride up to an altitude of more than 4,500 m to see the year-round white snow, ancient glaciers, and the whole Yunnan plateau from above the clouds.
Yulong Snow Mountain
Enjoy a spa session or traditional Chinese therapies
After a long round of golf, relaxing in a spa at a resort like Spring City or resorts in Daloi or Lijiang is a great way to restore your body. Many places also incorporate traditional Chinese therapies, herbal baths, or food baths with hot volcanic stones.
Traditional Chinese therapies
Enjoy local cuisine
Yunnan is a culinary paradise for those who love unique and diverse flavours. You can try mountain mushroom hotpot, the famous Guoqiao Mixian (crossing the bridge noodles), or Yak beef from Shangri-La. Don’t forget the ancient teas and temperate fruits that are specialities of the highland.
Yunnan local cuisine—Guoqiao Mixian (crossing the bridge noodles)
Buy specialties and handicrafts
At local markets such as Dali Ancient Market, Lijiang Night Market, or Shaxi Old Town, you can find handicrafts from the Bai, Yi, and Zang people, such as hand-woven scarves, silverware, Pu’er tea, and hand-carved wood paintings.
Dali Ancient Market
Visit Shangri-La – A miniature land of Tibetan Buddhism
If you have more time, head north to visit Shangri-La, home to Songzalin Monastery, vast grasslands, high-altitude lakes, and a rare sacred and serene atmosphere.
Shangri-La
Some Helpful Tips
For a smooth golf holiday, save these tips below:
- Plan your trip in the best season: Although Yunnan has cool weather throughout the year, it is best to visit between March and June and September and November. During these periods, the weather is dry, the temperature is pleasant, and there is minimal mist, and the surroundings are vibrant.
- Prepare clothes for “four seasons in one day”: With the characteristics of the plateau, the mornings and evenings in Yunnan can be quite cold, while the days are mildly sunny. You should bring a light jacket, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed golf hat to both protect against the sun and keep warm when needed.
- Adjust your swing technique at altitude: Most golf courses in Yunnan are located at an altitude of 2,000 – 3,1000 m, making the air thin and the ball fly 10-15% farther than usual. Therefore, choose your clubs carefully, hit a little lighter, and listen to advice from local caddies.
- Book the course and services before arriving: Many famous golf courses, such as Spring City or Jade Dragon, require tee time reservations at least 2-3 days in advance, especially on weekends and peak seasons. You should also check the policies on club, buggy, caddie, and meal rentals in advance to prepare carefully.
- Combine golf with relaxation and travel: Instead of just playing for the day, consider golf vacation packages at resorts like Spring City, Lijiang Ancient Town, or Dali. Being close to the course means you don’t have to rush around and have more time to explore the surrounding culture, cuisine, and nature.
- Use a translate application to communicate: Although some caddies and resort staff can’t speak fluent English, they are enthusiastic and used to serving international tourists. If necessary, you can use the translation application or book a tour through a specialised golf company to ensure a seamless experience.
From world-class golf courses such as Spring City or Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the majestic scenery of snow mountains, lakes, and ancient castles, Yunnan brings golfers not merely golf rounds but the journey to connect with nature, culture, and themselves. Whether you are golfers who are seeking challenges or simply want to swing in the setting of poetic nature, Yunna will certainly win your heart from the very beginning. If you have felt in love with this beautiful province in Yunnan and want to test your skill here, don’t hesitate to contact us to book tee times and plan your unforgettable golf holiday in Yunnan!
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