Visit to Yunnan

We are from Singapore. We plan to visit Yuanyang County and Xishuangbanna next year. We will have to fly to Kunming from Singapore which says that we could either work out our plans 2 ways ie. Kunming - Yuanyang County - Xishuangbanna and from there fly back to Kunming and return to Singapore or fly direct from Kunming to Xishuangbanna after arrival in Kunming from Singapore. What would be a better option? Also, between the two which would be more scenic? Also what are the key differences between the two locations?