Yunnan Travel Guide
 Yunnan
is a province in most southwestern China, sharing a border
of 4,060 km (2,523 mi) with Burma in the west, Laos in the
south, and Vietnam in the southeast as well as the Chinese
provinces and regions of Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan and Tibet.
From snow-capped mountains to true tropical
environments, the average altitude of Yunnan is 1,980 m(6,496
ft). The mountains are highest in the Northwest where they
reach more than 5,000 m(16,404 ft). The highest point in the
Northwest is the Kawagebo Peak(main peak of the Meili Snow
Mountain) in Deqin County, which is about 6,740 m(22,113 ft)
high; and the lowest is in the Honghe River Valley in Hekou
County, with an elevation of 76.4 m(251 ft). Due to the wide
different on geography in such a short distance about 850
km(528 mi) from east to west, a wide range of flora and fauna
can be found in this area, therefore the province has been
called a natural zoological and botanical garden.
Yunnan is also known for a very high level
of ethnic diversity. It has the highest concentration of ethnic
groups in China. Of the country's fifty-six recognized ethnic
groups, twenty-five are found in Yunnan, as well as a number
of small ethnic clans which are not nationally recognized.
Each ethnic group supports its own unique culture, making
Yunnan a true melting pot where scores of different cultures
have mixed and contributed to the areas amazing diversity.
Yunnan Tours
Because of its mild climate, colorful ethnic
minorities, beautiful scenery, quaint towns, and rugged mountains,
Yunnan has become one of China's top tourist destinations.
There are three typical routes you can choose from when touring
Yunnan.
When travel in Yunnan, all the routes centered
on Kunming, which is the transportation center, are designed
for the tourist. All in all then, there are three routes which
can be divide into Northwest route, south route and western
route.
Yunnan Travel Northwest Route
 The
most popular route is the north route which highlights all
of the famous cities including Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and
Shangri-La. There are direct flights and expressways from
Kunming to these hotspots, making travel convenient and quick.
These four cities will give you a broad
view of the different cultures in Yunnan as each is home to
its own minorities, culture, history, and architecture. The
geography also changes quickly, getting steadily higher the
farther north you travel.
From Stone Forest in Kunming which represents
a typical landform of South China Karst to Meili Snow Mountain
in Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Area. From the
Bai People's unique"Three Courses of Tea" in Dali to Tibetan's
Buttered Tea in Shangri-La. From Buddhism Temple - Three Pagodas
Temple in Dali to Tibetan Monastery - Songzanlin Monastery
in Shangri-La. From peaceful Pudacuo National Park which features
lakes and wetlands to roaring Tiger Leaping Gorge in Lijiang.
Not to mention that enthusiastic people from every kinds ethnic
minorities, all of these created out colorful northwest of
Yunnan.
Yunnan Travel West Route
The west route is centered on Baoshan City
and Tengchong City which is still virgin land for toursim.
The Burma Road and the Hump route are built during World War
II run across this area. Tengchong is famous for its terrestrial
heat pool.
Drive into the Three Parallel Rivers of
Yunnan Protected Area on narrow road along the Nu River Valley
to the home of Lisu People whom has a traditional custom that
both men and women are bathing together in an open-air pool
during Chinese Spring Festival in order to pray for the bless
in the next year.
Hiking on the original route taken by 19th
century French missionaries whom brought Christianity to this
remote area and built Catholic churches along the Nu River(Salween
River) and Lancang River(Mekong River). There is a more than
126-year-old church in this area and still thriving. With
lucky, you will be able to catch the magical chorus that consists
of boys and girls. Appreciate the stunning views over the
valley with the sound from heaven, it would be your unforgettable
moment in your lifetime. But one thing must mention that the
tourism infrastructure outside Baoshan and Tengchong including
road, lodging and etc are quite basic.
Yunnan Travel South Route
The south route is becoming popular in the
recent years due to Yuanyang Terrace. Set out from Kunming,
drive 197 km(122 mi) to arrive in Jianshui City, which is
a stretch of magical land with reputation of"famous region
with rich culture of Confucian in China". The beautiful scenery
of the Red River Valley will give you plenty to look at on
the way and the moisture in the air will make you fresh from
head to toe.
The other hot destinastion is Xishuangbanna,
home of Dai People whom are similar to people in neighboring
Tailand and Laos. It is surrounded with tropical rain forest,
famous for many rare animals and plants.
Yunnan Travel Information
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