Hello, I am from the united states and am hoping to travel to China with my husband. We arrive in Beijing, then we ideally hope to travel to Yunnan Provence to stay at Banyan Tree Ringha and Lijiang resorts. I have a question about the entrance requirements. Of course will need the China visa, but how about entry to Yunnan Province of China? We are not going through a tour, and our itinerary would ideally be the following:

STAY 1: BEIJING
Several nights in beijing

STAY 2: RINGHA, China
From Beijing, we'd fly to Diqing (PKG-KMG, KMG-DIG) to stay at the Banyan Tree Ringha. We would not be with a tour.

STAY 3: LIJIANG, China
After two nights in Banyan Tree Ringha, the hotel will transfer us to their nearby sister hotel, Banyan Tree Lijang where we would stay two nights.

RETURN TO USA:
After two nights in Lijiang, we would return to USA by way of Bejing (LJG to PEK, then PEK back to USA).

Our question: do we need a Tibet Permit -- even if this is Yunnan Provence, and not actually Tibet? If so, how do we obtain this? I am worried our dream itinerary to stay at Banyan Tree might be too complex with the travel permit as I do not know how to obtain if not on a tour. If this is the case, we will change our itinerary to stay in mainland china. Please advise if we can go to Yunnan and best way ... and thank you.