Differing much from any other places in China, Yunnan is an exotic, amazing and unforgettable place, if you travel around Yunnan and see everything with your own eyes, it’ll make you believe that these words are true. Being one of the most popular tourism destinations, here you will find that this is such a pure place which contrasts as far as you can feel the harmonic neighborhood of high mountains, tropic forests, waterfalls, and distinct folk customs.

Yunnan is so popular and attractive tourism destination as far as when you travel Yunnan you have an opportunity not only to visit the best places in Yunnan and enjoy the fascinating sightseeing and attractions but also spend an unforgettable time on such a diverse minority group people living places. Yunnan as one of the largest provinces in China, it becomes an important and most attractive tourism destination nowadays. In case you decide to travel Yunnan, we suggest that the best places in Yunnan or even in China such as Shangri-La, Lijiang, and Dali and so on.

Basic Information

Chinese Name: 云南（Yun nan）
Location: Southwestern in China, borders Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guizhou Province in the east, Sichuan Province in the north, and Tibet Autonomous Region in the northwest, and shares a border of 4,060 km with Myanmar in the west, Laos in the south, and Vietnam in the southeast.
Provincial Capital: Kunming
Area: Total area is394,000 square kilometers and the average elevation is 2,500-3,000meters
Famous Cities: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna
Population(2018): Yunnan has a population of 48.300 million (as of 2018)
Major Ethnic Groups: Yi, Bai, Hani, Zhuang, Dai, Miao

Yunnan History

Yunnan used to be an independent kingdom which was occupied by a large number of non-Chinese aboriginal peoples who lacked any strong political organization during the Qin and Han Dynasties (201BC-263AD). During the Tang Dynasty (618-906), the local minority Bai established a powerful kingdom, Nanzhao, south of Dali. Initially allying its power with the Chinese against the Tibetans, this kingdom extended its power until, in the middle of the 8th century, it was able to challenge and defeat the Emperor's armies, Tang troops. It took control of a large slice of the south-west and established itself as a fully independent entity, dominating the trade routes from China to India and Burna.

Dali Three Pagodas The Nanzhao kingdom fell in the Song Dynasty (960-1279)and was replaced by the kingdom of Dali (the name Dali has been used until today for the Bai Autonormas Prefecture). During the Yuan Dynasty (1280-1368), Khubla Khan conquered the area. This part of the south-west was finally integrated into the empire as the province of Yunnan. During the Second World War Yunnan was the strong point of defense against the Japanese invaders. The "Burma Road" ended in Yunnan and the "Flying Tigers" earned their reputation flying military supplies and equipment into this province. After World War II Yunnan was largely spared the fierce fighting between the Communists and Nationalist/Imperialists with only a few small skirmishes taking place on Yunnan soil.

Yunnan Geography

Yunnan is located in the southwest and borders Sichuan to the north, Tibet to the northwest and Guangxi and Guizhou to the east while sharing a western border with Myanmar, a southern border with Laos and a southeastern border with Vietnam. It is China’s sixth largest province, covering an area of 394,000 sq. km.
Yunnan possesses a mountainous terrain that stretches across the province and reaches a high point of 6,740m at Kawagebo Peak in Deqin. The average elevation is 1,980m. In addition to the vast mountains, Yunnan is also characterized by canyons and rivers, specifically the three parallel rivers that include the Nu River, the Yangzi River and the Mekong.
There are also many lakes in Yunnan that have provided a foundation for human civilizations for over a million years, most notably Dian Chi in Kunming, Erhai Lake in Dali and Lugu Lake in northern Yunnan.
In the east, Yunnan covers a limestone plateau with dramatic karst formations and southern Yunnan covers a lush, tropical jungle along the border of Vietnam and Laos.

Yunnan Climate

Yunnan enjoys a tropical highland humid monsoon climate, characterized by cool summers and warm winters. The annual average temperature lies between 13-20°C; January average temperatures range from 8°C to 17°C, and July averages vary from 21°C to 27°C. The annual rainfall is 1100 mm, with over half the rain occurring between June and August.
The fair weather is the result of the province's location on south-facing mountain slopes, receiving the influence of both the Pacific and Indian oceans. The plateau region has moderate temperatures. The western canyon region is hot and humid at the valley bottoms, but there are freezing winds at the mountaintops.
In Kunming, it always feels like Spring. In Dali, it is, despite its the altitude of 2000 meters, most often warmer. Sometimes a cool fresh wind blows through the area. This is the result of Dali's location between the beautiful Lake Erhai and the Cangshan mountains, rising up to a height of 4200 meters (1300ft).
Lijiang is located at an altitude of 2200 meters. It can get quite warm during the day, but in the evening it soon turns chilly. In Shangri-La, the sun may be even stronger than in Lijiang. But, because of the town's altitude at a height of 3200 meters, and its situation close to Tibet and the Himalayas, warm clothing is advised for evenings and nights.  The southern part of Yunnan (Xishuangbanna) enjoys sub-tropical to tropical temperatures.
Yunnan also is very beautiful and fairly warm during winter. In January the trees are full of flowers, with sometimes some snow left on the tops of the mountains.
In fact, there is not such a thing as "Best time to travel" applicable in Yunnan. It is actually very pleasant all year round.

Yunnan Minority Culture

In total, you can find 56 ethnic minorities. Only in Yunnan, you encounter 26 officially recognized ethnic minorities, among which are the Bai, Dai, Yi, Naxi, Hui, Mosuo, Hani, Miao, Pumi, Lahu, Tibetans, and Lisu. Just to mention a few.
Different ethnic minorities have different customs, etiquettes, costumes, religious beliefs and even languages. Their colorful lifestyle, dancing, and singing are a feast to your eyes and ears.
These 26 minorities form one-third of the total population of the province. Besides, the province is home to around 30 million Han Chinese. The Han constitute the majority of the people in China.
Yunnan is one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Asia. The Bai and Dai are among the few registered ethnic minority groups to have populations over the one million mark. Yi, Naxi and Hani ethnic groups have also surpassed this mark. The Miao, Lisu, Hui, Lahu, Wa, Yao, Jingpo and Tibetan minorities all have populations exceeding 100,000, while the Bulang, Buyi, Pumi, A'chang, Nu, Jino, De'ang, and Mongolian groups each exceed 10,000. The Shui, Manchu, and Dulong have more than 4,000 members each.
The Southwest had been invaded many times in the course of the Chinese emperors’ attempts to unify the empire. Through these invasions, culturally uniform Han Chinese standards and values were introduced to ethnic minorities’ civilizations. On the other hand, inter-ethnic and cross-cultural exchanges were common along the trade routes in the mountainous regions of Yunnan Province.

Yunnan Cuisine

With its rich biodiversity and diverse ethnic minority population, Yunnan is a tantalising melting pot of exotic ingredients, vibrant flavours, and ethnic flair. Yunnan cuisine is sometimes referred to as Dian cuisine and is known for its moderately spicy and sour dishes that boast an unexpected sweetness. Each signature dish attempts to preserve the original taste of each ingredient used and this is what makes Yunnan’s style so unique.
Mushrooms and mints feature as a prominent ingredient in many dishes, but other unusual ingredients include flowers, ferns, algae and even insects. Just don’t try to worm your way out of eating these peculiar treats, or you’ll regret it! In the south of Yunnan, the signature dishes have also been heavily influenced by Burmese, Lao and Thai style cuisine, meaning that ingredients such as lime juice, coconut, and palm sugar feature widely.

Tourism Resources

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. The Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas is one of the most exotic and enchanting areas in China. The charms of it are composed of torrential rivers, soaring mountains, splendid ethnic cultures, rare plants, and animals, highlighted by world-famous Lijiang Old Town and Shangri-la, a lost paradise for tourists.

In the north, there is the old Tea and Horse Road which leads to Tibet; the region is also the origin of tea in China. Due to the topography, Yunnan has the most abundant vegetation of the country. Additionally, the snow covered peaks add an extra charm to the region.

In contrast, southern Yunnan has a very impressive tropical region. The famous Xishuangbanna gives the impression of a trip to South America in the Amazon rainforest. Near Kunming, capital of the province, there is the end of the karst peaks chain started in Guilin area, several hundred kilometers away. This splendid mountain ends in the amazing Kunming Stone Forest.

Folk Festivals

Yunnan Province lying in the Southwest China has 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Dai, Hani, Miao, Hui, Naxi, Lahu, Jingpo, Yao, Achang,etc. It has the largest number of ethnic minorities in China which promotes its colorful culture and customs.
Every ethnic minority has its special festivals and celebrations. Numerous folk celebrations are held during the festivals in Yunnan.

Water Splashing Festival

Water Splashing Festival is the grandest festival for Dai ethic minority which is mainly celebrated in Xishuangbanna Prefecture. The festival is Dai people’s New Year which is around April 15 in the Gregorian calendar every year. Usually, the celebrations last three days and the third day is the New Year in Dai’s calendar. In the morning, all the Dai people wearing their festive costumes go to temple to wash the Buddha with clear water. Then they begin to express their sincere blessings by splashing water to each other. The clear water with best wishes can help people get rid of diseases and difficulties. People are pleased with being poured water which means more blessings.

The Torch Festival

 The Torch Festival is one of the Yi people’ traditional festivals, originated in Yi regions in Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan Provinces. Bai, Naxi, Jino, Lahu ethnic minorities also celebrate the important festival. Naxi Torch Festival in Lijiang is the most famous festival among all the celebrations.

The celebrations are held on June 24 or June 25 in Chinese lunar year. A three-day celebration is with some different activities. People light a big torch or a bonfire in front of the house in order to pray the new life in the next year. The torch or the bonfire should be on for 3 days. Some young men go through the farmland and hills with small torches to pray a bumper harvest in the new year. Besides, there are horse racing, bullfighting, archery, wrestling, tug-of-war, swing matches and other entertainment activities during the Torch Festival.  

Dage Festival

On February 8th in Chinese lunar calendar, Yi ethic minority in Dayao County collect all kinds of colorful flowers and tie up into flower arches or flower pergolas which symbolize a good luck. People also decorate cattle, sheep, houses, and fields with wild flowers. Yi people will get together to sing and dance with the instrument Lusheng.

There is a wide known legend of Miyilu who is a beautiful and smart girl. In order to help other girls get rid of getting harm by the bully she made a pretense of marrying him. In the end she died because the bully and she drank the poisonous wine in the wedding. Yi people in this region hold a grand flower arrangement in commemoration of the goodness Miyilu.

March Fair

March Fair, also call Sanyuejie in Chinese is celebrated by Bai people in Dali which is another famous place after Lijiang in Yunnan Province. The celebrations are held in the ancient Dali town during March 15 to March 21 in Chinese lunar year. The March Fair of Bai ethic minority is evolved from in ancient Buddha temple fair with a history of more than 1000 year. There are big trade fair, horse racings, dances during the March Fair. Thousands of people take part in the trade fair when the festival comes.

Miao people’s Huashan Festival

Huashan Festival is one of the most important festivals to Miao People. The time of this festival varies in different places. Usually, Huashan Festival in South Yunnan is celebrated from Spring Festival to January 15th in Chinese lunar Calendar. However, the celebrations are held on May 5th in Chinese lunar year in Kunming, Chuxiong and Zhaotong in Yunnan.

A large number of Miao people get together in the dance ground with festive costumes. Young people can express their love to each other. There is a ceremonious dance in the centre of the ground. Additionally, the celebrations also include climbing the pole, horse racing, bullfighting and archery matches.

Lisu Sword Pole Festiva

February 7th in Chinese lunar year is Lisu people’s Sword Pole Festival. The celebrations for the festival are held in Lisu hamlets along the Nu River (Nujiang in Chinese). A few strong young men jump into a sea of fire with bare feet and perform a variety of stunts. They also climb a pole with sharp swords without shoes and act some difficult moves on the dangerous pole. These performances are not only a kind of folk traditions and customs activities, but also show people the Lisu people’s extremely hard and bitter life experience and their indomitable spirits. At night, there are dances and singing around a bonfire.