about yunnan

Yunnan, literally "South of the Clouds", locates in the far southwest of China spanning approximately 394,000 square kilometers (152,000 square miles). The capital of the province is Kunming. The province borders Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Vietnam.

Yunnan is situated in a mountainous area, with high elevations in the northwest and low elevations in the southeast. The average altitude is 1980 m. Most of the population lives in the eastern part of the province. In the west, the relative height from mountain peaks to river valleys can be as much as 3,000 m.

Yunnan Province is endlessly fascinating. Among the country's fifty-six recognised ethnic groups, twenty-five are found in Yunnan, which makes it the most culturally diverse province in China. Some 38% of the province's population are members of minorities, including the Yi, Bai, Hani, Tai, Dai, Miao, Lisu, Hui, Lahu, Va, Nakhi, Yao, Tibetan, Jingpo, Blang, Pumi, Nu, Achang, Jinuo, Mongolian, Derung, Manchu, Shui, and Buyei. This multiplicity of cultures has endowed the province with a rich heritage that it shares with all who come to visit.

There is always something wonderful to see and do here.

• Get lost in the spectacular Stone Forest, the World Karst Landscape Museum with countless stone pillars weathered into countless bizarre shapes.
• Step back in time in the narrow cobblestone streets of Lijiang Old Town, and have a cycling adventure around the countryside Visit the Naxi Baisha Village and witness the Naxi people's ancient music, and see how they have lived unchanged for centuries.
• Wander the ancient streets of the Dali Ancient City, and witness the Bai people with their ancient and fascinating culture.
• Discover the mystery and tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in Zhongdian by visiting the Gedan Songzanlin Monastery, the Napa Hai Grassland and even a Tibetan family.
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Majestic and colorful are the most frequently used words to describe people's life in Yunnan.

Until recent times most of Yunnan was not easily reachable as it was cut off from communication with the outside world by precipitous mountains. The main challenge that Yunnan faces is its lack of major development. Its low productivity and competitiveness restrict the rapid development of the province. Yunnan is one of China’s relatively undeveloped provinces with more poverty-stricken counties than the other provinces. The province also faces great challenges in social issues such as environmental protection and poverty elimination.