Yunnan province is in the far Southwest of China and is of particular interest because of the diverse population of minority peoples. Twenty-four different ethnic minorities live in this province which borders Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. Many of these people have costumes, religious customs and lifestyles more in common with their Tibetan and Southeast Asian neighbours than with the Han Chinese. The major tourist attractions are:

Kunming

The capital city of Yunnan is also known as Spring City and particularly noted for its variety of colourful flowers. It is an historic and scenic city with many attractions in and around it.

Stone Forest

Around 120 km south-east of Kunming, is a massive collection of grey limestone pillars, split by rain water and eroded to their present unique forms, covering 80 hectares.

Western Hill

Western Hill is 15km from Kunming and formed by four mountains and famous for the remarkable sculptures, corridors, grottoes, pavilions and pathways.

Lake Dian

To the south on the outskirts of Kunming, the natural lake Dian covers 300 square km with some fabulous views particularly at Dragon Gate in the Western Hills.

Lijiang

Situated in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province, Lijiang is a region covering an area of 7,425 sq.km. With a total population of 301,000, there are more than ten nationalities living in the area.

Lijiang Old Town

Yufengsi Lamasery

Yufengsi Lamasery is located in the south side of the Yulong (Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain. The lamasery was built in the last year of the reign of the Emperor Kangxi (1661–1722) of Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) and is one of the Scarlet Sect lamaseries of Lijiang.

Jade Fountain Park

It is known as the ‘Black Dragon Pond’ and is located in the centre of Lijiang. The pond is divided into two parts by a bridge. For hundreds of years, this pond has never dried up, even in drought years. Wonderful view with the stunning backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.

Dongba Cultural Museum

Dongba culture refers to ancient Naxi culture, a Chinese minority culture that originally derives from the Dongba religion which is believed to be one thousand years old. It chiefly consists of scriptures, paintings, music, dances, ritual implements and religious services.

Stone Drum and Tiger Leaping Gorge

From Tangula Snow Mountain in the Northern Tibetan Plateau, the Yangtze River first flows to the south, and then north, the river has shaped a dramatic triangle about 50 sq km. From the Stone Drum Village, you can view the First Bend of Yangtze River and Tiger Leaping Gorge, is one of the deepest canyons of the world.

Dali

Alongside Yangshuo, Dali is one of the places in China where you can truly relax. The main inhabitants of the region are the Bai, a minority national people. Erhai Lake is one of the main attractions on the outskirts of Dali.

Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake is one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China with an area of 41.5 by 6.9 kilometres. On the boundless expanses of the lake, the picturesque scenery makes you feel relaxed and happy.

Butterflies’ Fountain

Shaded under tall trees, the fountain is a square pond some 20 metres in circumference. The 'butterfly glasshouse' houses an amazing array of butterfies and the museum presents thousands of well displayed butterflies.

 

Three Pagoda Temple

The three elegant pagodas arise on the Cangshan Mountain slope overlooking the Erhai Lake and were built in the Five Dynasties (907–960). The tallest one is in an architectural style of Tang Dynasty (618–907). The smaller two have a beautiful appearance with their exquisite carvings.

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