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.
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.
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.
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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
