“Entering Yunnan was an extraordinary surprise for me” –Paul Salopek
Yunnan, derived its name from a very beautiful legend, means “the south of colorful clouds”. You may witness the colorful clouds coming up over the hills in the morning or evening in Yunnan when weather permits. This lovely places located in the southwestern frontier of China, and bordered with 3 mysterious southeastern Asia countries – Laos, Myanmar (or Burma) and Vietnam. Neighboring with Tibet, Sichuan and Guizhou province, most parts of Yunnan are in mountain and plateau regions. The famed Shangri-La in the northwest mountain area of Yunnan attracts millions of travelers from all over the world every year.
Besides the various landscapes, the diversified ethnic culture in Yunnan is also quite interesting. There are 26 nationalities in Yunnan, which account for almost half of Chinese nationalities. Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-La and Xishuangbanna are all the ideal cities to encounter the…
Must-see Sights in Yunnan
Along the ancient Tea Horse Road, there are many excellent attractions dotted around. The most
far and “dangerous” places are always the home of the most beautiful scenery. People living there absorded both the beauties and temperaments of nature showing us “where you live makes who you are”. Let’s have a look at where to go when travel to Yunnan.
In the northwest of Yunnan, Tibetan, Lisu, Yi and Naxi people have been living there for thousands of years. You will experience the life style of them in Dukezhong Old City, Songzanglin Monastery and Tongle Lisu Village. All of them are the representatives of Yunnan ethnic culture landscapes. Pudacuo National Park, Napa Lake and Tiger Leaping Gorge are showing the beauties of the remote Shangri-La to travelers all over the world.
Walking through Tiger Leaping Gorge, central Yunnan is right before you. Lijiang Old City cannot be missed out, where to see traditional Naxi architecture and Mu Family. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the landmark of Lijiang which can be observed from any corner of Lijiang city. Dali is another place to discover the old towns of Yunnan. Dali Old Town and Shaxi Old Town are both excellent spots for you to know the life of Bai people. Cangshan Mountain & Erhai Lake is the center of Dali, where to have a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy your leisure time.
Transfer in Kunming, which is the capital city of Yunnan, you can reach the southeastern part of Yunnan. Jianshui Old City has become the “new star” of Yunnan travel. Different from other famous cities or towns in Yunnan, JIanshui is an Han style old city with lots of historic relics. Go further south, Yuanyang Rice Terraces in the hinterland of Ailao Mountain has amazed countless photographers and travelers for its splendid beauty.
Southern Yunnan looks like another world compared to the rest of Yunnan. You will feel like in the southeastern Asia when walking into Xishuangbanna and sometimes in Thailand, sometimes in Myanmar, sometimes in Laos. Play with lovely little elephants in Wild Elephant Valley and experience the unique southeastern Asian Buddhist culture in Main Buddhist Temple.
