2 day trip to Yunna, China

Located in southern China on the borders of Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos, Yunnan is well on the backpackers trail. This diverse province, home to the highest concentration of Chinese ethnic minorities and over sixteen languages, is arguably one of China’s most beautiful and perfectly demonstrates that China is not a homogeneous country. Tourism makes up over 12 percent of the province’s GDP, but due to its size and incredible number of attractive destinations, few spots feel overcrowded at any one time.

Lijiang Ancient City

Being one of the only 2 ancient cities listed as the World Cultural Heritage in China, Lijiang Ancient City is a must-go place. Its more than 800 years history enables the ancient city be filled with rich antique flavor, therefore, you can not only see those very fancy Mu’s Residence and other old houses, bridges, attractive natural landscape in places like Black Dragon Pool, but also be immersed in the featured ancient romance of Lijiang people and the shining culture of Naxi people.

Kunming

Known as the “spring city” for its equable climate, Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, is an enjoyable place to spend two or three leisure days.

During the daytime, you can take a deep breath while observing the rarely-seen karst landscape at Stone Forest, which was also recognized as the natural oxygen zone of china. When the dark comes, you can enjoy a grand and unique dance musical show name Dynamic Yunnan Impression Show at Kunming auditorium. The show will display different dances of the minority tribes in Yunnan to you. Kunming is also the transport hub of Yunnan province. For most of the time, Kunming is served as the gateway city to transfer to its amazing surrounding wonders, such as Dali, Shangri-La, and Lijiang.

See more: Top must-visit destinations in Kunming, China

Dongchuan Red Land

Located at the northeast of Kunming city, Dongchuan Red Land is a wonderful place to get close to the nature’s cool fabricate and shot for a series of excellent photos. Being the most magnificent red land besides that in Rio de Janeiro, Dongchuan Red Land shows amazing sightseeing before you, with layers of red colors from bright to dark, which is extremely rare.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Yuanyang Rice Terraces, superposed layer upon layer, was created by the Hani nationality in south Yunnan for more than 1,200 years. One top thing to do in Yuanyang is to see the spectacular sunrise and sunset view of the rice terraces; another is to feel the unique customs of Hani villages.

These terraces are divided into four parts, namely, Bada, Laohuzui, Duoyishu and Qingkou. The golden clouds at sunrise in Duoyishu Rice Terraces are the most attractive. There is a large slope in Duoyishu Village for watching the sunrise, which can accommodate over 1,000 people at the same time. If you want to shoot the sunrise, getting up early to take the best position is necessary. The sunset of Laohuzui and the clouds sea of Qingkou will not let you down.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a dramatic and scenic canyon on the Jinsha River, winding its way between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Hiking the length of the gorge will require several days and some strenuous trails not recommended for beginners. It is possible to drive the length of the gorge as well, although the hiking trail offers more varied scenery.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

30 kilometers from Lijiang downtown, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has a very sacred status among the local Naxi people. As the southernmost mountain and a well-known mountain in China, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is rich in multiple types of glaciers, eye-pleasing sightseeing of snow of its 13 peaks, distinct beautiful scenery in all seasons, etc. Moreover, you will be amazed at the large-scale live-action performance in Ganhaizi, which provides you the real history and life in Lijiang this charming destination.

Source Internet

Top must-visit destinations in Kunming, China

Kunming is the economic and cultural center of Yunnan Province and a portal to Southeast Asia and southwest China. A large number of travelers have been attracted there to enjoy its spring-like climate and spectacular scenery.

Stone Forest

Kunming Stone Forest, Shilin in Chinese, is a spectacular set of limestone groups and the representative of south China’s karst landscape. Known since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as the 'First Wonder of the World', it is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. An old local goes that if you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.

Dianchi Lake Scenic Area

The Dianchi Lake Scenic Area is located in the southwest part of Kunming City. Dianchi Lake is, beyond question, the center of the resort. There are numerous attractions along the lake captivating tourists. Among these are the Yunnan Nationalities Village, Grand View Park (Daguan Park), White Fish Park (Baiyukou Park), Haigeng Bank, Kwan-yin Hill, Western Hills Forest Park, temples and pagodas. Towns, big or small near the lake provide visitors with an opportunity to experience customs of the local people.

Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park)

Green Lake Park, aka Cuihu Park, situated almost in the city center and facing Yunnan University, is one of the most beautiful parks in Kunming city. It is at the foot of Luofeng Mountain and on the west side of Wuhua Mountain. Green Lake itself occupies 15 hectares (37 acres) in the 21-hectare (52 acres) Green Lake Park and used to be a part of Dianchi Lake, but has become an independent lake now because of the water level decreasing of Dianchi. Now the park is for daily leisure and playing with seagulls in winter for locals and travelers in Kunming.

Yunnan Provincial Museum

Yunnan Provincial Museum is located in the east section of Guangfu Road in Guandu District. As a comprehensive museum, it has rich collections of more than 200,000 pieces. For tourists, the museum can help them to know Yunnan's history and the rich ethnic culture; for history lovers, its rich collections give them the opportunity to better understand Yunnan and the ancient Dian Kingdom's (278 - 115BC) historical features as well as bronze culture.

Western Hills

In the western suburbs of Kunming lies Western Hills. They are also called 'Sleeping Buddha Hills'. From a distance, they have the appearance of a giant sleeping Buddha. They have also been given another name - 'Sleeping Beauty Hills' for the hills as it looks like a beautiful young lady laying beside Dianchi Lake with her face upward and her hair trailling into water. You can see the outline of her face, chest, and legs clearly.

Grand View Park

Daguan, which means 'the grand view', is the most befitting name for the Daguan Park and the Daguan Pavilion, which are on the terminus of Daguan Road in the southwest of Kunming city.

Golden Temple

Golden Temple, also known as Tongwa Temple, is the largest copper temple in China. As part of Taoist Taihe Palace (Hall of Supreme Harmony), it's located on top of Mingfeng Hill (Singing Phoenix Hill).

World Horticultural Expo Garden

Sitting in the northeast suburbs and about 6 kilometers (3.8 miles) from the city center of Kunming, the World Horticultural Expo Garden is a venue for the 1999 Kunming International Horticulture Exposition. It is a first-class Daguanyuan (Grand View Garden), which has typical Chinese and local Yunnan characteristics. The World Horticultural Expo Garden is about 218 hectares (nearly 540 acres) in area, with vegetation coverage reaching 76.7%, including gradual slopes of 120 hectares (about 300 acres). And 10% to 15% of the garden is covered by water. Gardening works of many domestic and foreign places are on display here.

See more: Best attractions to visit in Guangzhou, China

Source: Internet

6 underrated destinations in China

China, the getaway to East Asia is a fascinating country with diverse in landscape and culture. Visitors making their first trip to China usually stick to the larger cities and forget small cities. Here are 6 beautiful underrated destinations in China you should visit.

1. Hangzhou

Hangzhou is known for its stunning natural beauty with the idyllic West Lake being the very best of what is on offer with the Broken Bridge being the romantic highlight. Taking a boat trip on its tranquil waters is heavenly and you can stop off at various islands which each have their own individual features. A number of temples and pagodas are scattered around the area and, with the water glimmering behind them; there are a plethora of beautiful views to be found. One of the most famous sites in the country, Lingyin Temple is a must-see in this breathtaking city.

2. Yangshuo

Yangshuo in south China was once a magnet for backpackers because of its cheap prices and laid-back atmosphere, but today it draws all sorts of travelers to enjoy its beautiful scenery and karst mountains. Yangshuo also makes a good base to take a day trip to Guilin for a leisurely trip on the Li River. Many people choose to rent bicycles for the trip back since the route is relatively flat and gives them the opportunity to view farmers toiling in their fields.

3. Lhasa

The capital of Tibet, Lhasa is a mesmerizing city to visit and it is situated in a beautiful and mountainous environment in the Himalayas. The Potala Palace is the primary site of interest and the incredible building looks absolutely amazing. Jokhang Palace is also memorable to visit and it is home to Tibet´s most prized possession – an ancient and delightful statue of the Buddha. Very different from the rest of China; head here for an insight into the rich Tibetan culture.

4. Kunming

Located in the south of the country, ´The City of Eternal Spring´ as it is known as a great place from which to set off and explore the delights of the beautiful Yunnan Province. In Kunming itself, the spectacular Yuantong Temple dates back to the eight century and is definitely worth a visit for the impressive stone carvings that can be found scattered around its premises. Tanhua Temple is becoming increasingly popular due to the lovely scenery it offers up.

5. Suzhou

Famed for its lovely gardens and traditional buildings that hug the waterside of the canals, locals and foreigners alike flock to Suzhou as it is the most famous water town in China. Its picturesque canals are delightful to wander along as small footbridges cross the water and paper lanterns hang from the buildings. Although it has modernized drastically in recent decades, the city has retained pockets of its charming features that harken back to days gone by.

6. Guilin

The otherworldly scenery that is found in Guilin and its surroundings makes this an awe-inspiring place to visit. Relaxing on a boat drifting down the Li River is a magical experience as the spectacular karst features of the landscape pass by on either side of you. Shrouded in mist, they look mysterious and if you venture into the heart of breathtaking Yangshuo, you will find caves and grottoes hidden amidst the undergrowth. An incredibly beautiful city, many visitors to Guilin head to the Moon and Sun Pagoda for the lovely view it offers over the area.

See more: Foods that define China

Source Touropia