Yunnan Province is without doubt one of the most alluring destinations in China.Its the most varid of all of Chinas provinces,with terrain ranging from tropical rainforest to snow-capped Tibetan peaks.Its also the sixth-largest province and home to a third of all Chinas ethnic minorities(nearly 50% of the province is non-Han) and half of all Chinas plant and animal species. There are 25 different ethnic minorities in Yunnan, making it the most culturally diverse province in China. This multiplicity of cultures has endowed the province with a rich heritage that it shares with all who come to visit. There is always something wonderful to see and do here.
The natural beauty of Yunnan Province defies description. It has mountain ranges and glaciers that are snow-capped all year round, deep virgin forests, lakes and hot springs, alpine landscapes, precipitous valleys, beautiful farmlands, mountain rivers and valley streams, floral splendor that blooms throughout the year, and vast skies with amazing clouds.
Yunnan is also well known for its mild climate year-round-its name meansSouth of the Clouds.The provincial
capital,Kunming,is similarly refered to as the Spring City.Thus,if you could only go to one province,this might well be it.
Until recent times most of Yunnan was not easily reachable as it was cut off from communication with the outside world by precipitous mountains. Many believe that the Shangri-la referred to in James Miltons Lost Horizons, was here in Yunnan. It now may be the last virgin land where one can observe cultures whose layers go back for thousands of years into the past. Visit Yunnan and be prepared to be enchanted. She welcomes you! |