8 Reasons Why You Will Love Yunnan

1.WHATEVER TIME OF YEAR YOU GO, THE WEATHER WILL BE GREAT – As you’d expect from a geographic gateway leading into South and Southeast Asia, Yunnan Province benefits from a pleasant climate all year round. Even in winter, it averages 20°C. A typical altitude of 2,000m shields it from the climatic influences of the Pacific and Indian oceans, and the further south you journey the more you’ll be able to enjoy the reliable sunshine that enables an abundance of flora and fauna to thrive.

2. YUNNAN HAS AN EXCEPTIONAL HISTORY FOR YOU TO UNCOVER – For millennia, Yunnan has played an important part in the development of Chinese culture. In 279 BC, as the Western world was preparing for the rise of the Roman Empire, Yunnan’s oldest recorded civilisation – the Dian Kingdom – was established beside the grand Dianchi Lake. The sophistication of the tribes there meant that during the era of the Dali Kingdom, founded in 937 AD, the province was able to establish diplomatic relations with the Song Dynasty. It was also a significant stop-off point on the Silk Road – the ancient trading route that spanned from China to the Mediterranean.

3. THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE LANDSCAPES IS UNSURPASSED – Mountains account for 94% of Yunnan’s surface, making it one of the most visually arresting provinces in China. The scenery is split by the grandeur of the Lancang River, which flows continuously through Yunnan on its journey to the South China Sea. Crystal-clear lakes also provide a contrast to craggy views, with expanses of water such as Erhai, Lugu and Fuxian lakes offsetting the untamed landscape. There’s no shortage of vistas for keen photographers to capture.

4. IT’S THE PROVINCE WITH THE MOST BIODIVERSITY IN CHINA – With a terrain that ranges from 76 to 6,740m above sea level, Yunnan is able support a wide range of plants and animals. Alpine meadows and pine trees give way to palm-fringed pastures and large root trees, while snow-capped mountain peaks lead all the way down to the troughs of hot and humid valleys. You’ll also spot an array of wildlife including the elegant black-necked crane, the full-lipped Yunnan golden monkey, the majestic Asian elephant and the showy peacock. During migration season, the sky is filled with further exotic birdlife.
5. THERE’S A RICH CULTURAL MIX – Yunnan’s population is made up of people from at least 26 different cultural backgrounds, practising religions including Han Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. You’ll observe the customs and beliefs of the Hani, Naxi and Mosuo people, who have preserved their own religious practices for hundreds of years. On certain days, you’ll hear traditional songs echo across the mountains and villages, with the province’s spiritual diversity reflected in the grand shrines to a variety of local deities.

6. IT HAS A NUMBER OF PRECIOUS WORLD HERITAGE SITES – China has 48 Unesco World Heritage Sites in total, five of which are in Yunnan Province. Highlights include the popular tourist destination of the Old Town of Lijiang, noted for its perfectly preserved 800-year-old architecture adapted to straddle the hilly layout of the province. Also, the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces on the bank of the Red River demand a glimpse, offering as scene as perfect as stepping into an elaborate landscape painting. Here you can sample red rice noodles, made from produce harvested from the surrounding paddy fields.

7. THE LOCAL CUISINE – Sweet, hot flavours and fresh, delicious ingredients are characteristic of Yunnan’s native dishes. Taste the wild mushrooms that grow in Canshan Mountain, sample fresh shrimp from Erhai Lake or opt for the homemade dairy products of Dengchaun. In Dali, where fisheries and livestock support regional trade, expect hearty recipes involving fish and pork. Travel southwest of Yunnan and the cooking style is closer to that of Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand – fragrant, with just a touch of spice.

8. YOU CAN GET BACK IN TOUCH WITH THE GREAT OUTDOORS – With so many inspirational destinations, you’re bound to find somewhere to ignite your passion for nature. Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La in the northwest have been enduringly popular with visitors to the region, while the serene riverside views in Wenshan and the southeast are ideal for peace and tranquillity. But if you’re in search of a setting that has retained its raw beauty, the allure of Xishuangbanna and its tropical rainforests will prove impossible to resist.