China Tour Hotline Series -- Yunnan Tour

Author: Yue Zhen/Ken Qin (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: Explore the vastness of Cangshan and Erhai; celebrate the Water Splashing Festival and dance the Peacock Dance; enjoy a drink with Ashima and revel with the Mosuo people; admire butterflies by the Butterfly Spring and listen to songs by the shores of Lugu Lake; fulfill your dreams in Xishuangbanna and seek customs in Shangri-La.
A magical and diverse tourism route in the southwestern part of mainland China is the "Yunnan Tour" Golden Tourism Line. Yunnan is located in the southwestern frontier of China, with steep terrain. The northernwest is dominated by the rugged Hengduan Mountains, which are snow-capped year-round, with many peaks exceeding 5,000 meters in height. The eastern part is the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, characterized by limestone landscapes. These mountainous areas, covering 94% of the province, are elevated and isolated, with numerous magnificent rivers flowing through them, forming dramatic gorges, canyons, and spectacular waterfalls, creating a rustic and exquisite natural scenery.
Over a distance of 990 kilometers from north to south in Yunnan, almost all climate types in China from south to north are concentrated, featuring natural landscapes of cold, temperate, and tropical zones. On this 394,000-square-kilometer land, five vast key nature reserves are preserved, maintaining their original and intact landscapes. Many rare flowers, grasses, primeval forests, and precious birds and animals are hidden here, making it a rare natural paradise.
Unique natural environments, numerous ethnic minorities, and a long history have endowed Yunnan with exceptional tourism resources. There are currently 10 national-level scenic areas and 47 provincial-level scenic areas, covering over 10,000 square kilometers and spanning 16 prefectures, cities, and autonomous regions in the province. The natural landscapes include rivers, lakes, waterfalls, springs, mountains, forests, caves, and snow, showcasing a variety of forms. Both cultural and natural landscapes are equally unique and rich in diversity. Whether you choose ethnic cultural tours, natural ecological explorations, adventure tours, or archaeological tours, you will be left with unforgettable experiences.
Kunming is the transportation hub of Yunnan. Whether you are traveling to nearby areas around Kunming or to other parts of Yunnan, using Kunming as a transfer point is a more ideal itinerary. If you plan to explore the entire province, you may need to visit Kunming several times. To give you a comprehensive understanding of Yunnan, this book centers on Kunming, the provincial capital, and divides it into four main tourism routes, guiding you through this magical and beautiful land.