 Yunnan has been blessed with many attributes. Located in a warm region with fertile soil, it has a network of many rivers and streams and is protected by layers of rolling mountains. Yunnan also has many flowers and plants, as well as rare birds and animals. Even thought the province has been inhabited for over 1,000 years, many areas remain agriculturally and industrially undeveloped. Without an extensive logging industry and a large population, Yunnan will continue to remain a natural paradise.
Yunnan is located on a plateau in the southwest corner of China. Millions of years ago this plateau was joined to the Himalayan mountain range forming an ancient seabed. This particular geological formation means present－day Yunnan alternates between high mountain ranges and deep gorges carved by rivers. Over 94 percent of the region are covered in mountains including the Yunling and Nushan Mountains. The three main rivers that run through the province are the Jingsha, Lancang and Nu Rivers. Yunnan covers a total area of 394,00 square kilometers, and has a population of 40 million. The three distinctive features of the province are its ethnic groups, mountains and geographic location.
 The province’s topography is inclined from north to south, with glaciers and snow－ capped peaks at a height of 6,740 meters in the north of the province. While the sub－tropical basins and valleys located in the south of Yunnan are only 76 meters above sea－level. This complex geography results in varied climate throughout Yunnan, with icy barren winters in the north and a warm mild climate in the south. Here you can experience a diverse range of scenery and climates.
 Yunnan boasts many attributes, it is rich in mineral resources, has about 18,000 species of plants, rare animals, and many beautiful rivers and lakes. Over 27 percent of the province are covered in forest. Hence the Chinese have given Yunnan the names the “kingdom of plants,” the “kingdom of animals,” and the “kingdom of nonferrous metal.”
 Tourism is booming in Yunnan, with millions of tourists flocking to the province each year to see the archeological, historical and geological attractions. Yunnan’s most famous attractions include the lake－side city of Dali, the old city of Lijiang and Xishuangbanna’s tropical scenery. Visitors can also get a glimpse of human evolution in the region with a history of more than 1.7 million years and 25 minority nationalities. With all this it’s no wonder that tourism in Yunnan is becoming the financial backbone of the province.
Travel is the best way to get to know the world and its people. In Yunnan, tourists can immerse themselves in traditional Chinese culture while enjoying the beautiful natural environment.
 Yunnan is the most ethnically diverse province in China. It has a minority population of 13 million, which represent 26 different nationalities among which 15 cannot be found in any other province. These nationalities contribute to a unique and rich cultural history, which has produced some of the finest pottery and bronze artworks.
Each of the 26 ethnic groups has its own individual customs, clothes, food and architecture. The Yi nationality’s clothes have distinctive patterns and vivid colors, while the Bai nationality’s costumes combine four main colours: white, blue, black and red.
 Yunnan is also known as the land of song and dance, where each nationality has its own particular style of folk song. The province has over 20,000 folk songs, 2,000 dances, 200 traditional operas and 50 classic poems. These dances and songs have become famous both in China and abroad.
The many ethnic groups in Yunnan have evolved side－by－side, sometimes merging with each other culture, while other times developing independently.
 The Bai nationality of Dali has a unique tea culture. This “three－course tea” ceremony involves the presentation of different types of tea. First bitter tea followed by sweet tea and final tea, which numbs the mouth. Part of the custom is to present the drinks in a respectful and reverent manner, accompanied by music and dance.
Yunnan boasts a huge variety of dances. The Yi nationality is known for its Tiaojiao and Three String Dance, while the Hani nationality has a famous Yanhe Dance, the Bai nationality has a Dabenqu and Raoshanling dance and the Dai nationality’s trade mark is the Peacock Dance. But perhaps the most well－known art form is the ancient Naxi music.
Every night when the bright moon rises over the ancient village of Lijiang, the sound of heavenly music filters into the air, and many people are drawn to listen to and experience this serene music. The Naxi musical orchestra, is certainly an inspiring sight－to－see, with old Chinese men gathered in intricately decorated robes to play their ancient melodies on traditional musical instruments.
Yunnan is a rich cultural state that is well preserved due to its geographic isolation. Even today you can still see the living origins of many kinds of Chinese arts including fine art, music, dance and local opera.
In Yunnan, locals seldom leave their villages, even visits to the near－by shop are only made once every few months. Yunnan’s geography places its people into a contented isolation, and many have no desire to see the outside world. Geography also plays a huge part in population movement, with an open geographic environment resulting in a fluid and prosperous society, while a closed environment such as seen in Yunnan encourages a “Poverty Culture.”
 The remote geographic location of Yunnan has meant the region has been slow in opening up and developing, with large valley and river areas remaining untouched. The province’s infrastructure is not highly developed and some of the populations lack a formal education. The majority of Yunnan’s income comes from the large tobacco industry, but this has restricted the development of other industries in the province. Poverty in Yunnan is also a pressing issue, however following increased government focus on the issue the number of people living below the poverty has been reduced to 1.6 million.
China’s reform and opening－up has turned Yunnan into a land of opportunities. Yunnan’s people are longing for prosperity, democracy and civilization, with many showing inspiring personal initiatives and devotion to their careers.
|
