Name in Chinese: 云南 Yún Nán [junæ]
Location: Southwestern China, GMT+8
Population: 48.58 million
Keywords: Lijiang, Shangri-La, Diverse Cultural Traditions
Overview
Yunnan Province is located in Southwestern China, bordering Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos. It also adjoins some Chinese provinces, namely Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi and Tibet. The land stretches from the southeast part of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the west part of Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, covering an area of 394,100 square kilometers(152,163 sq.mi). The province is divided into 16 prefectures. Some of the popular holiday destinations are Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and Honghe. Yunnan Province is a world of mountains. Its altitude ranges from 76 meters(249 feet) to 6,740 meters(22,113 feet) above sea level. The semi-tropical climate and an elevation difference of 6,664 meters(21,864 feet) create fabulous scenery. Yunnan is rich in sightseeing resources. It does not only attract visitors with its outstanding natural beauty, but also the diverse cultural traditions. The province is the home to 26 native peoples, such as, the Han, the Yi, the Bai, the Dai, the Naxi and the Hani. The ethnic minorities each have their own distinguishing features.
Attractions
Lijiang Ancient Town
Lijiang Ancient Town was founded in the late thirteenth century. It covers an area of 728 hectares(1,799 acres). As a national five-star scenic area, the old town is one of the must-see attractions in Yunnan Province. It combines the features of ethnic minorities’ architecture, such as the Naxi Group, Tibetan People, the Bai People and the Yi Nationality. The houses are built and decorated in the traditional way. Sometimes, locals dance together to entertain themselves in the town square in the evening, wearing their own folk costumes.
The Jade-Dragon Snow-capped Mountain
The Jade-Dragon Snow-capped Mountain lies in the north of Lijiang Prefecture, 21 kilometers(13 miles) to the city. It is the southernmost mountain in the Northern Hemisphere which is capped by snow all year round. The principal range of the mountain runs south to north. The mountain consists of thirteen peaks which stand on the range. It looks like a white dragon lying on the ground. The summit is called Shanzidou Peak which is 5,596 meters(18,360 feet) above sea level. Its view is amazingly gorgeous and magnificent. Ganhaizi Wetland lies at the foot of the mountain. The wetland is at an elevation of 2,900 meters(9,514 feet) above sea level, is a lovely pasture giving stunning views of the snow-capped mountain. Yuhu Village is located in the southern foothills of the Jade-Dragon. It is a picturesque village where the Naxi people dwell. Joseph Rock was a celebrated explorer, geographer, linguist and botanist in the twentieth century. He travelled to Lijiang in the year of 1922. Then, he lived in the village for many years. The former residence of Joseph Rock has been maintained by the locals.
Potatso National Park
Potatso National Park lies about 24 kilometers(15 miles) to the east of downtown Zhongdian. It is noted as the First National Park of China. The park is a component of the Three Parallel Rivers Heritage Site, is a national five-star scenic area. Shudu Lake is the highlight of the park. It measures 15 square kilometers(5.8 sq.mi). It gives the impression of the authentic Shangri-La.
Dali Ancient Town
Dali Ancient Town was founded in 1382. It covers an area of 300 hectares(741 acres). It has been the homeland of the Bai people for thousands of years. It used to be the capital of both the Ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and the Ancient Dali Kingdom. The town is located by Erhai Lake. The lake is noted for its gorgeous view when the moon casts a silver glow over the lake. Chongsheng Temple is situated on the eastern slope of Cangshan Mountain, overlooking Erhai Lake. It can be dated back to the early eighth century. There are three pagodas in the compound of Chongsheng Temple. The pagodas are the landmark of Dali.
Lunan Stone Forest
Lunan Stone Forest is a national five-star scenic area, is located 78 kilometers(48 miles) to the east of downtown Kunming. It takes about one and a half hours to drive from Kunming to the stone forest. The scenic area covers an area of 350 square kilometers(135 sq.mi). It feature the Karst landform. As a component of South China Karst, Lunan Stone Forest was added to the list of world natural heritage sites and designated as a World Geo-park by UNESCO in 2007. It is a typical example of pinnacle Karst landscapes.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Yuanyang Rice Terraces Scenic Area lies in the south of Yunnan Province, about 330 kilometers(205 miles) from Kunming. It covers an area of 2,450 hectares(6,054 acres). The scenic area is divided into three parts, namely the Tiger-Mouth Terraces, Duoyishu Terraces and Bada Terraces. Some villages are surrounded by the terraces. The Hani people reside and lead a tranquil life in the villages. The Hani is an ethnic minority in Yunnan Province. They maintain a strong cultural tradition. Yuanyang Rice Terraces Scenic Area was added to the list of world cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 2013. It attracts photographers with its breathtaking scenery.
Climate
The big difference of elevation leads to various climate features in different parts of the province. The northwestern high plateau has a cold climate, while the rest keeps a temperate or subtropical climate through out the year. The average temperature in Yunnan Province ranges from 6℃(42.8°F) to 20℃(68°F) in spring, 15℃(59°F) to 26℃(78.8°F) in summer, 17℃(62.6°F) to 25℃(77°F) in autumn, and 8℃(46.4°F) to 19℃(66.2°F) in winter. Both spring and autumn are the best time to travel to Yunnan. The spring comes in February and goes in April, while the autumn lasts from September to November.
Local Specialities
Yunnan people are good at cooking mushrooms and fish. The flavour of local dishes are less spicy than that of Sichuan dishes, less sour than that of Guizhou dishes. Yunnan cooking is notable for the tender texture and delicate flavour. Some of the popular dishes in Yunnan are the Fried Mushroom with Chilli, the Dai’s Grilled Fish and the Mutton Hot Pot. The locals love tea. Pu’er Tea is their favourite drink. The production of the tea has a long history of over 1,100 years. It is commonly believed that drinking Pu’er tea is good for our health.
How to Get to Yunnan
Kunming is the capital city and aviation hub of Yunnan Province. Kunming Changshui International Airport is located about 30 kilometers(19 miles) to the northeast of downtown Kunming. It operates flights to 47 overseas metropolises and 122 cities within Mainland China. The overseas terminals include Paris, Moscow, Vancouver, San Francisco, Sydney, Dubai, Seoul, Osaka, Kuala Lumper, Singapore, Bangkok, etc. Tourists can also directly fly to Lijiang or Shangri-La from some major cities in China, such as, Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Author: Tina Luo
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