What to See in Yunnan

What to See in Yunnan

China's Yunnan Province is rich in natural resources and ethnic minority cultures. It has over 25 different ethnic minority groups and some of the most beautiful ancient towns in China. Visitors to Yunnan can witness the ancient ethnic minority cultures that have been handed down for centuries. The ancient towns of Lijiang, Dali, Shangri La, and the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture are very popular destinations in Yunnan Province.

Kunming:
The capital of Yunnan, Kunming, is situated on the high plateau of eastern Yunnan Province. It is well-known as the "City of Eternal Spring". The most famous scenic spots in Kunming are the Stone Forest and The Western Hills Dragon Gate. The Stone Forest is located in the Shilin Yi Minority Autonomous County 70 kilometers away from Kunming. It is often called the best Karst rock formations in the world. It is known for its bizarre rock formations which have been created over thousands of years by wind and rain. The Western Hills Dragon Gate Grotto was built over 72 years during the Ming Dynasty. The grottos include three caves, and the Datian Pavilion. The pavilion is the ideal place to enjoy the cooling breezes and get a fantastic view of the surrounding area and the Dian Lake.

Lijiang Ancient Town:
Originally built in the late Song dynasty, Lijiang Ancient Town has a history of over 800 years. Located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the mountain can be seen from all parts of the ancient town and is an ideal backdrop. The town has many canals, and this combined with the many ancient weeping willows swaying in the breeze make the ancient town feels like a living Chinese painting. The heart of the old town is the Square Street. It was the business hub of northwest Yunnan and a major trading hub on ancient Tea-horse Trail during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. The ancient buildings in Lijiang Ancient Town were built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties and are well preserved. The original designers of these houses felt that both the layout and ornamentation were of equal importance in the construction of their homes. The Lijiang Ancient Town is praised as a museum of ancient folk houses by architectural experts from both home and abroad. The locals like to grow flowers, trees, and miniature landscapes in their courtyards. They take great pride in them, and are happy to show them off to visitors.

Dali Ancient City:
Located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, 300 kilometers northwest of Kunming, Dali Ancient City is the economic and cultural center of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. The city is a beautiful example of an ancient Chinese city and has remained relatively untouched. Beautifully located on a fertile plateau nestled between the Cangshan Mountains to the west, and Erhai Lake to the east, the ancient city has been attracting visitors for centuries. The current city was founded during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1911). Dali Ancient City was a bustling commercial center and the capital of two different ancient Kingdoms. Because of its history and wealth, Dali Ancient city was surrounded by an ancient protective wall which is over 6 kilometers in length, 7.5 meters high and 6 meters thick. Several of the city wall's corner towers and segments of the wall have been restored. The city is noted for its traditional Bai ethnic minority traditional architecture, which is has been well maintained through the centuries allowing visitors to see how the ancient Bai ethnic minority people lived. Located 1 kilometer from Dali Ancient City, at the base of Changshan Mountain, are three ancient Tang Dynasty (618-907) pagodas. These ancient pagodas were built forming a symmetrical triangle, which is unique amongst China's ancient pagodas.

Shangri-La:
The ancient town of Shangri-la is a beautiful place. Surrounded by snow capped mountain, and lush valleys, visiting the town of Shangri-la feels like stepping into the pages of James Hilton's novel where he described Shangri-la as a heaven of peace and happiness. Located on the Diqing Plateau, in the Diqing Zang Autonomous Prefecture, the town was originally named Zhongdian, but because of its beauty, and charm, was renamed Shangri-la in 2002.