Yunnan Minority Travel guide

Yunnan Province is the most southwest region of China bordering the countries of Vietnam, Laos, and Burma, well known for its magnificent landscapes and enchan-tingly natural scenes. There are many reasons to travel to Yunnan: to explor the rainforest in the area known as Xishuangbanna where you will find many rare and endangered species of plants and animals; to taste the ancient flavor of China in Dali town; to seek the Shangri-La referred to in James Milton's Lost Horizons; to be shocked by the stunningly beautiful scenery in Lijiang, or just to hang out in Kungming, enjoying the pleasant weather and local dishes… Yunnan is a great travel destination where you will never get bored but refreshed everyday.

However charming and traditional these sights are, though, it is the ethnic minority culture that Yunnan’s main draw is. Over 12 million of the people belong to one branch or another of 25 different minority nationalities, the largest number of minority groups in the country, comprising melange in the region. This multiplicity of cultures has endowed Yunnan with a rich heritage that it shares with all who come to travel. Almost every major city in Yunnan, such as Dali, Dehong, Ruili, Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna, Yuxi and Zhongdian, represents the "capital" of one or more ethnic group. There is always something wonderful to see and do here. The Dai Water Splashing Festival, the Third Month Fair of the Bai Nationality, and the Torch Festival of the Yi people all attract people to experience them.

Throughout the Yunnan are scattered the 25 ethnic minorities, with their separate, distinctive folk customs and colorful pageantry. For example, Dai and Zhuang inhabit the south while Miao and Yao the southern jungles; Bai live in the old Nanzhao domain, while the Hui, left over from Kublai Khan conquering armies, inhabit various parts of the province. The villagers regularly perform cultural displays, allowing travelers to experience their unique, colorful culture and traditional customs. Yunnan's topography in its central region is mainly mountainous and the climate fresh and spring-like all year round, with mild winters and cool summers. It also boasts modern air traffic facilities which allows vistors a convenient travel to Yunnan.