Home to almost half of the
China's total ethnic groups, Yunnan is as geographically
distinctive as it is diverse. Set in the foothills of the
Himalayas, Yunnan's climate ranges from the icy highlands of
the western frontier to tropical lowlands in the east
bordering Myanmar and Laos. Yunnan is well known as a nature
lover's paradise. Travellers will find this a province of
picturesque scenery, affluence, and mystery, thanks to its
diverse ethnic population and traditions that had been preserved. Some historians have
found evidence to suggest
that James Hilton's novel, Lost Horizon, depicting the exotic
"Shangri-La", was based in northwest Yunnan.
Kunming
Kunming is located 640 kilometres from Beijing, at an
elevation of 1,980 metres. Known as the "Spring City",
Kunming is ideal for visitors...mild all year long
like perpetual spring. The city is surrounded by unspoiled
natural beauty with flowers that bloom throughout the year. Kumming is also home to approximately three and a half million
residents, including people representing all 26 ethnic
minorities of this province. Kunming has been designated a
Special Tourism centre for its rich cultural heritage, which
dates back 2,000 years. There is a colourful Nationalities
Institute and Provincial Museum, both worth a visit. Close by
is Dianchi Lake, a national scenic spot and resort with Huatin
and Taihua Temples from the Tang Dynasty nestled in the
surrounding hills. There is also a Yunnan Minorities Village,
featuring the province's colourful ethnic customs and
traditional architecture, where you can experience the unique
folklore and festivals of all ethnic groups residing in the
province.
The Stone Forest
The Stone Forest at Lunan, 116 kilometres from Kunming, is a lofty and
deep labyrinth of limestone formations, crisscrossed by a maze
of interconnecting paths. These large Karst limestone
formations, a forest of stone pillars formed over 270 million
years, bring visitors to Kunming from around the world.
Dali
A one-hour flight west of Kunming, Dali offers an opportunity
to truly experience everyday life in a Bai ethnic minority
village. Here you can drink Yunnan white tea, enjoy dances by Bai girls, and shop for ethnic handicrafts. The Dali Three
Pagodas northwest of the city at the foot of the Gangshan
Mountain are favourite attractions.
Lijiang: A Pearl on the Jinsha River
Lijiang is located in northwest Yunnan Province. The Jinjiang
River zigzags through the region, before joining the Yangtze
River at its northeast part. The Naxi ethnic groups in
the area still keep their unique tradition, architecture,
clothing and life style. Other famous scenic areas include
Yulong Snow Mountain (Yufeng Temple), Dayan Ancient City, and
Lugu Lake, where the Mosuo people still preserve the customs
of marriage and a matriarchal society, forming a "unique matriarchal
kingdom".
 Xishuangbanna
The area near the Myanmar and Laotian borders, in the deep south of
Yunnan Province, is home to more than 300,000 Dai ethnic
minorities and many unique species of plant and animal life.
Near the airport is located the Dai Nationality Village that
has 179 Dai households on display. There are also many Dai
festivals of the region to enjoy, including the Water
Splashing Festival held in mid-April. The octagonal Manfeilong
Tower Group, a Buddhist shrine landmark, graces many Chinese
calendars.
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