The Southwest province of Yunnan, in China, is a land of assorted climates and diverse ethnic minority groups. From the tropical rain-forest of Xishuangbanna in the south, to the cold and high plateau of Shangri-La in the northwest, Yunnan will inspire and fulfill your desire for adventure. With 40 million people made up of over 25 different ethnic minority groups, diverse customs and unique festivals are not lacking in Yunnan.
One of the most interesting and adventure-filled traveling routes is the Northwest trail to Shangri-La. Beginning in Kunming, and heading west, you will first arrive in Dali. Lijiang is next on the stop off list, then the Tiger Leaping gorge, and then Shangri-La; the tourist trail peaks at the highest pinnacle of Yunnan – Meili Snow Mountain.
Yunnan's capital city
Yunnan’s capital city is Kunming and is populated by five-million people. With a Holiday Inn, McDonalds and KFC, you won’t feel like you’re in Asia at all, let alone communist China’s Yunnan. The most interesting things to do in Yunnan’s Kunming are to visit the West Hills or the Stone Forest. These destinations are outside of Kunming, but going further out of Kunming will take you to the most interesting places of Yunnan.
Dali in Yunnan
Take the public bus or a tour bus out of Yunnan’s Kunming and after four hours heading west, you will arrive in Dali. The city walls still surround this long forgotten ancient kingdom. Yunnan’s Dali is home to the Bai ethnic minority group. The old-town of Dali’s streets are fascinating and full of charm.
The Dali's three pagodas are situated approximately two kilometers out of town and are rich with intriguing history. Dali rests at the feet of Yunnan’s Cangshan Mountains and you can trek or take the cable car to get a great view of Dali and the massive Erhai lake. Walk the trail of the Cangshan Mountains to see one of the many beautiful waterfalls.
Lijiang in Yunnan
Heading three hours further northwest in Yunnan will take you to Lijiang. Lijiang has become increasingly famous after an earthquake in 1996. The buildings in the newly built town crumbled, but the buildings of Lijiang’s old town remained standing. It was at this time that Lijiang became heritage listed by UNESCO. Lijiang is where the Naxi people of Yunnan are located and there are many engrossing things to do.
Visiting Lijiang’s Jade Dragon Snow Mountain will not leave you dissatisfied. Hire a minivan to go to the bottom of the Snow Mountain or take the cable car to the top where you can take a photo with a Tibetan yak, play in the snow and admire the lofty peak of Yunnan’s Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that stands at 5596 meters (18 355 feet).
Wading through Lijiang’s captivating old town be spell binding and you will never regret getting distracted in this way. The bridge at the Black Dragon Pool with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background is the quintessential photo spot. Before heading straight for Shangri-La, make sure you stop half way between Lijiang and Shangri-La to see the Tiger Leaping Gorge. The rushing torrents running through the narrow canyon is worth the walk.
Shangri-La in Yunnan
Yunnan’s Shangri-La belongs to the Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Diqing. More information on Shangri-La can be found here. The monastery, ten minutes out of town, is one of the most fascinating ways to learn about the culture and religion of Tibetan people. Shangri-La lies on the tea horse road, an ancient trade route linking the people groups of this area together for centuries.
Continuing northwest from the town of Shangri-La traveling four hours will take you to the town of Deqin. From here you need to hire a minivan to take you to the viewing platform of Yunnan’s highest mountain – the jaw dropping Meili Snow Mountain. With an unconquered peak standing at a staggering 6740 meters (22 110 feet), this is the perfect way to end your adventure traveling experience in Yunnan. This is a high altitude area, so take care.
Yunnan is unforgettable
From Shangri-La you can fly back to Kunming, to Lhasa or travel to other Tibetan areas. Traveling through Yunnan’s diverse landscapes, people groups, climates and customs is an unforgettable experience that will enrich your life. Wherever you go from the northwest corner of Yunnan province you will forever remember Yunnan and the NorthWest trail to Shangri-La.
Sources:
Emmanuel, R. Shangri-La, accessed online at http://suite101.com/article/shangri-la-a336129 January 2011.
Emmanuel, R. Tea horse road, accessed online at http://suite101.com/article/tea-horse-road-a329643 January 2011.
Emmanuel, R. Travel Tibet - The roof of the world, accessed online http://suite101.com/article/travel-tibet-a328149 January 2011.
Travel China Guide, Yunnan travel guide, accessed online at http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/yunnan/ January 2011.
Ye, L. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, accessed online at http://www.chinahighlights.com/lijiang/attraction/jade-dragon-snow-mountain.htm January 2011.
Rhys Emmanuel - Living and doing development work as a medical professional in Asia has given me unique insight into many areas of life and work and a ...
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