Yunnan is a province in southwestern China that stands out for its significant cultural and geographical diversity within the country. The province boasts a rich biodiversity, including the last 250 wild elephants in China, which are strictly protected. Its landscapes range from snow-covered mountains with alpine vegetation to valleys adorned with subtropical and tropical flora.
Yunnan is home to nearly half of China's ethnic groups, making it both geographically unique and culturally diverse.
Situated at the foot of the Himalayas, Yunnan experiences a climate that spans from icy highlands in the west to tropical lowlands in the east, bordering Myanmar and Laos.
Known as a paradise for nature lovers, Yunnan captivates travelers with its multifaceted population and vibrant traditions, offering a province of picturesque and mystical beauty. Some historians argue that James Hilton's novel "Lost Horizon," which portrays Shangri-La, is set in the northwest of Yunnan.
Kunming is located approximately 2640 km southwest of Beijing at an elevation of 1980 meters. Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," Kunming enjoys a mild climate year-round, making it an ideal destination for visitors. Surrounded by pristine nature and flowers that bloom throughout the year, Kunming is home to approximately 4 million people, representing all 26 ethnic groups of Yunnan Province.
Due to its 2000-year cultural heritage, Kunming has been designated as a special tourism center. The colorful Yunnan Nationalities Institute and the Provincial Museum are must-visit attractions. Nearby is Dianchi Lake, located in a national scenic area where Huatin Temple and Taihua Temple from the Tang Dynasty blend into the surrounding hills. Also nearby is the Ethnic Village, showcasing houses in the architectural styles of 14 ethnic minorities of the province. Here, visitors can experience traditional dances, songs, customs, and rituals of the local ethnic groups.
Approximately 120 km from Kunming lies the Stone Forest in Lunan, a deep, airy labyrinth of limestone formations crisscrossed by pathways. These large karst rock formations and a forest of stone columns, formed 270 million years ago, attract visitors from around the world to Kunming.
The Water Festival usually takes place in mid-April in Yunnan Province. Celebrated by the Dai ethnic group, the festival typically lasts three to five days during which people splash water on each other extensively. This tradition symbolizes washing away old worries and welcoming good wishes for the new year. In some areas, you can also find dragon boat races and other competitions as part of the festivities.
Kunming Changshui International Airport was opened in 2012. As the fourth largest airport in China, it is also one of the most modern in the country. It is located approximately 22 kilometers east of the provincial capital Kunming.
Several bus routes operate between downtown and the airport, and there is also Metro Line 2 to Kunming.
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Due to increasing tourism in the Shangri-La area, the airports in Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La have been expanded and upgraded in recent years. All airports offer domestic flights and a few flight connections to other Asian countries, particularly Vietnam. Buses connect the airports with downtown areas, and taxis are also available.
