Travel to SW China - SW China Cities and Attractions
Travel to SW China - SW China Cities and Attractions
South-West China is home to the greatest number of China's ethnic minorities, most of whom live in Yunnan. The province has 26 different ethnic groups and their culture and lifestyles are making for fascinating places to visit.
The major city and gateway from China to SE Asia is Kunming, often known as the "Spring City" because of its year-round mild climate. The city is also known for flowers and its famous 'Bird and Flower' market is well worth a visit. Kunming is also known for its many parks which are an ideal place to relax and watch the old men (and women) smoking their bamboo water pipes. But also visit the parks early in the morning to watch the local people practice their tai chi and other forms of exercise.
Near Kunming is the famous "First Wonder of the World", the Stone Forest (Shi Lin). This is a UNESCO listed site of astonishing stone pillars. Many of these pillars are said to resemble animals such as snakes, elephants, birds, and dragons, but most resemble trees, hence the name Stone Forest.
But Kunming is, for most people, a stopping off point on the way to SW China's other attractions. Among these are the ancient towns of Dali and Lijiang and the tropical area of Xishuangbanna.
Dali, home to the Bai people, sits on edge of Lake Erhai and is surrounded by mountains on the other three sides. The small city is overlooked by Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. Here we can still find ancient buildings, city walls and the old city moat and watch the Bai people go about their daily business wearing their traditional dress. Nearby is the Butterfly Spring, known across China for its romantic connections. Hundreds of butterflies settle on the trees and this is where every young Bai man will propose to his sweetheart.
Lijiang, a World Heritage Site, is the home of the Naxi people, one of the world's few matriarchal societies. The 800 year old city has been restored after being badly damaged in an earthquake in 1996. The old part of the city is car free and you can wander the cobbled streets admiring the unique local architecture and crossing the many bridges over its ancient but still working water supply system.
In the far south of Yunnan is Xishuangbanna. Here you will find the Dai people and their rich culture. This area is noted for its biodiversity. Its tropical climate and remoteness led to an abundance of plant species which exist only here. The area is particularly known for rare orchids. It is also home to China's only wild Asian elephants. The capital of the area, Jinhong is an ideal base for exploring the many Dai villages.
In North West Yunnan, is the ethnically Tibetan town of Zhongdian which has been renamed Shangrila. Here you can explore the Tibetan culture in the old town or hire horses to explore the surrounding countryside. There is also a number of hot springs in the area. A key attraction is the restored Songzanlin Monastery on a hill to the north of the town. In the winter months it's even possible to do some skiing on the nearby Shika Mountain.
Yunnan means 'South of the Clouds' and here it is easy to forget your worries and relax and enjoy the timeless wonder of alternative cultures. Wanna get more information about SW China? Please visit Indochina Odyssey Tours The Benefits Of Working As A Travel Therapist Ideas on Producing Unique Christmas Cards Travel to China - Guizhou Local Lifestyle Packing A Baby Travel Kit: What You Will Need The Latest Footwear from Fly London Kashmir Tours - Journey Of Paradise On Earth Hisense Kelon Products Winning The Fifth Round Of Section 240 Appliances To The Countryside - Koh Samui Rentals - Luxury Villas For Holidays In Koh Samui, Thailand How To Find People Again This Holiday Season Supplies To Keep On Hand For Holiday Baking How To Locate Reliable Periodontists In Colorado Springs Share Those Treasured Moments in a Custom Personalized Christmas Card Adventure Tour Packages In Ladakh