Pushpitha Wijesinghe
As the home state of Shangri La, Yunnan is a holiday hub like no other in China. From vast landscapes with gorges to ancient cities and its own unique cuisine here are the province's main hotspots.
Frequented by locals and tourists alike it would be an understatement to proclaim that Yunnan's cultural heritage is contained within its ancient communities. Occupying various corners of the province in areas such as Kunming, Lijiang and Tengchong the ancient towns and villages of the region remain unchanged by the currents of time. From age old structures displaying traditional architectural styles to the simplistic lives of the locals these intriguing municipalities occupying the river banks and the foothills of the province's mountains allow visitors to step back in time to a simpler era. Highlights include the Baoshan Stone Village and Shube Ancient Town in Lijiang as well as the Lijiang Ancient Town while Dali's Shaxi town and Tengchong's Heshun Ancient Village is also worth exploring. Kunming is also home to the Jianshui Ancient Town and Mengzi Ancient County which are other points of interest in Yunnan.
Blessed with cloud piercing snow mountains and magnificent gorges the natural attributes of Yunnan province is staggering to say the least. Offering active visitors a true challenge exploring the province's diverse landscapes is one of the most rewarding activities on offer in Yunnan. From hiking trails to mountaineering expeditions some of the most coveted naturally stunning landscapes in the province include Lijiang's Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Tiger Leaping Gorge. The highlights in Shangri-La on the other hand include the Haba Snow Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain, White Horse Snow Mountain and the Mingyong Glaciers.
Having served as the administrative capital of many a kingdom in Chinese history Yunnan Province has been the home base of many a Chinese dynasty since its founding centuries ago. From ruins of ancient capitals to remnants of lost civilizations the historic sites littering Yunnan are countless as they are intriguing. Must-visit points of interest include the ruins of Taihe City , The Culture Town of Nanzhao and The Three Pagodas in Dali while the Qiongzhu Temple and The Golden Temple of Kunming. Lijiang's Mufu Wood Mansion is no less impressive as is The Mural in Baisha Village. Tours of these sites can be arranged via resorts such as the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa or any other Hotel Yunnan counts among its best rests.
As the home of many a minority tribal community Yunnan is a melting pot of diverse cultures. As the historic dwelling of minority communities such as the Dai, Bai, Naxi and Yi people the province is one of the best locations to uncover china's lesser known minorities and their traditions. Culture buffs can stopover at the Yunnan Ethnic Village in Kunming or pay a visit to the Dongba Museum to learn more about these indigenous groups. The Nazi Pottery Village in Shangri-La and Dali's Bai community homes in Xizhou are must-experience hotspots in this regard.
Resembling the breathtaking environs of Tibet in China Shangri-La is the Chinese epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism. With grand and captivating monasteries occupying its confines visitors can experience a piece of Tiber here in Yunnan. The Singzanlin Lamasery is one key highlight as the venue is often compared to Potala Palace in appearance. The Gedan Eastern Grove Monastery as well as the Feilai Monastery are equally intriguing religious edifices in Shangri La.
