South of Colorful Clouds: A Comprehensive Guide to Charming Yunnan Tourism

2. Top Ten Famous Scenic Spots in Yunnan

(1) YunnanShilinScenic Area

As a World Natural Heritage Site and a Global Geopark, Yunnan Shilin Scenic Area possesses stunning and unique charm. This is a classic representative of karst topography, where nature has carved out this magical land over billions of years. The stone forest has various shapes, including sword shaped, column shaped, tower shaped, mushroom shaped, etc., as if it were a natural sculpture museum. Walking in the stone forest, it feels like being in a magical world, with tall and exposed rock formations fully showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of nature. Shilin is not only a geological and geomorphological relic wonder, but also a typical type of karst landform, known as the "number one wonder in the world". Its scientific and aesthetic value ranks among the top in similar karst areas around the world, attracting countless geological enthusiasts and tourists to explore

(II) Lijiang CityYulong Snow MountainScenic Area

As the southernmost snow mountain in the Northern Hemisphere, the Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area in Lijiang City is renowned for its spectacular glaciers, alpine meadows, and rich ecology. The main peak fan has a steep altitude of 5596 meters and is covered in snow all year round, with a snow line between 4800 and 5000 meters. Here is the temperate oceanic glacier closest to the equator on the Eurasian continent, with magnificent scenery. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is composed of 13 peaks, resembling a giant dragon soaring and dancing, hence the name "Jade Dragon". The mountain not only has magnificent natural landscapes, but also contains rich cultural connotations. It is the sacred mountain of the Naxi people and the embodiment of the legendary Naxi protection god "San Duo". There are famous scenic spots such as Glacier Park, Yunshanping, and Blue Moon Valley in the scenic area, attracting many tourists to experience the charm of nature and the cultural heritage of ethnic groups

(III) the Old Town of LijiangScenic Spot

the Old Town of Lijiang Scenic Spot, as a world cultural heritage, has a long history and unique architectural style. The ancient city was built in the late Song and early Yuan dynasties, with streets built along mountains and rivers, paved with red breccia. There are attractions such as Sifang Street, Mufu, and Wufeng Tower in the ancient city, which are filled with a rich ethnic cultural atmosphere. The architecture of the Old Town of Lijiang combines the styles of many ethnic groups. It has the characteristics of both the ancient buildings in the Central Plains and the local ethnic groups. Here, you can enjoy traditional Naxi dwellings, feel the ancient streets and bridges, and experience rich and colorful ethnic cultural activities. With its unique charm, the Old Town of Lijiang has become a tourist attraction for tourists at home and abroad

(IV) Dali Old City

Dali Old City has a long history, which can be traced back to the Tang Tianbao era. The ancient city is bordered by the rippling Erhai Lake to the east and the evergreen Cangshan Mountain to the west, forming a unique pattern of "one water surrounding Cangshan, Cangshan embracing the ancient city". The architectural style of Dali Old City is dominated by Bai architecture. The architectural form of "three blocks and one screen wall" and "four in five patios" reflects the traditional virtue of respecting the old and caring for the young of the Bai people and the exquisite architectural conception. In addition, Dali Old City also has a "romantic" natural landscape. Xiaguan wind, Shangguan flowers, Cangshan snow, Erhai moon constitute a beautiful picture. As a famous historical and cultural city, Dali Old City has witnessed the rise and fall of Nanzhao and Dali, and is an important carrier of Bai culture

(V)Shangri LaShangri La, Diqing PrefecturePucuoScenic Area

Shangri La, Diqing Prefecture Shangri La Pucuo Scenic Area, as a natural pearl, includes various natural landscapes. There are internationally important wetland Bitahai Nature Reserve and Zhudu Lake Scenic Area here, with Bitahai, Zhudu Lake, and Militang Yagao Mountain Ranch as the main components. There are abundant flora and fauna resources in the scenic area, making it a great place for hiking and exploration. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of primitive forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature here. Meanwhile, the unique Tibetan culture of Shangri La has also added a strong humanistic atmosphere to the scenic area

(VI)Tiger Leaping GorgeScenic Area

As the largest canyon on the Jinsha River, Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area has spectacular scenery and extremely high tourism value. Tiger Leaping Gorge is located in the southeast of Shangri La, 105 kilometers away from the downtown area of Shangri La. It is divided into three sections: Upper Tiger Leaping, Middle Tiger Leaping, and Lower Tiger Leaping. On both sides of the canyon, towering mountains stand tall, and the river surges and roars with great momentum. Here, you can feel the power and majesty of nature. Tiger Leaping Gorge is not only a natural landscape, but also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting many hiking enthusiasts to come and challenge themselves

(VII)XishuangbannaScenic Area

Xishuangbanna Scenic Area has become a tourist destination with its rich flora and fauna resources and unique ethnic culture. Here is the tropical rainforest of the Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where various rare plants are dazzling. Manting Park is full of the charm of Dai culture, while Wild Elephant Valley is a paradise for wildlife, where you may encounter cute wild elephants. In addition, the lively night market of Starlight also makes people linger and forget to leave. Xishuangbanna has a warm and humid climate, with four seasons like spring, making it a place full of vitality and energy

(VIII)Dianchi LakeKunming Dianchi Lake Scenic Area

Dianchi Lake Kunming Dianchi Lake Scenic Area, as a national level tourist resort, has unique characteristics. Dianchi Lake is one of the iconic scenic spots in Kunming, with a wide surface and clear water. This is the habitat of the red billed gull. Every winter, thousands of red billed gulls come to Dianchi Lake to spend the winter, attracting many tourists to come and watch. Dianchi Lake is closely connected to Kunming, with many scenic spots and leisure facilities around it, making it a great place for Kunming citizens and tourists to relax and vacation

(9)TengchongGeothermal Volcanic Scenic Area

Tengchong Tengchong Geothermal Volcanic Scenic Area highlights its numerous hot springs and good therapeutic effects, with a wide and rare area. There are more than 80 gas springs and hot spring groups here, among which 14 hot spring groups have water temperatures above 90 ℃, and hot springs can be seen roaring everywhere. There are many places in the world with hot springs, but it is rare to find such a wide area, numerous springs, and excellent therapeutic effects as Tengchong Hot Sea. There are also volcanic geological landscapes within the scenic area, allowing tourists to experience the magical power of nature

(10)Lugu Lake

As a boundary lake between Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, Lugu Lake has clear water, unique culture, and beautiful scenery. The lake water is clear and blue, with a maximum visibility of 12 meters. It is the highest lake in Yunnan and one of the deepest freshwater lakes in China. The area around Lugu Lake is mainly inhabited by the Mosuo, Yi, and Pumi ethnic groups. The unique culture of the Mosuo people, such as the walking marriage system, attracts many tourists to come and learn about it. The scenery of Lugu Lake is as picturesque as poetry, and it is a place that brings peace to the soul

III. Ten must see scenic spots in Yunnan. The residential buildings in the ancient city blend multiple ethnic styles, with houses made of wood, brick, and wood structures in various forms, such as "three squares and one screen wall" and "four in five courtyards", showcasing unique architectural charm. The ancient city is centered around water, with Yuquan water flowing southward through streets and alleys. Water flows in front of every household, and buildings are built across the water, forming a unique spatial layout of water lanes. Sifang Street is extremely lively, with performances of Naxi ancient music, ethnic dances, and more that are overwhelming, fully showcasing the rich cultural activities of the ethnic group

(II)Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

As a symbol of Lijiang and a sacred mountain of the Naxi people, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain holds a significant position. Its magnificent glaciers shimmer with dazzling light under the sunlight, like countless diamonds set on the mountain. The water in Blue Moon Valley is clear to the bottom, as blue as a mirror. The aquatic plants in the lake sway gracefully, and the stones at the bottom of the lake are colorful and breathtaking. Yulong Snow Mountain is not only a treasure of natural landscapes, but also an important carrier of Naxi culture

(III)Dali Old City

has a long history, unique architectural style, and the characteristics of many nationalities. The ancient city is bordered by Erhai Lake to the east and Cangshan Mountain to the west. The natural scenery of "wind, flowers, snow, and moon" is enchanting. Foreigner Street is full of exotic charm, where tourists can experience slow life and taste various delicacies. Strolling along the stone paved roads of the ancient city, it feels like traveling back to ancient times and feeling the traces left by the long history

(IV) Yunnan Stone Forest

As a World Natural Heritage site, Yunnan Stone Forest has typical karst landforms. The stone pillars here come in various shapes, including sword shaped, pillar shaped, tower shaped, mushroom shaped, etc., as if they were a natural sculpture museum. Shilin is known as the "number one wonder in the world", and its unique geological and geomorphological relics and typical types of karst landforms attract countless tourists to explore and experience the amazing craftsmanship of nature

(V)PudacuoNational Park

Pudacuo National Park contains a variety of natural landscapes and is an excellent place to get close to nature. Here, there are dense primitive forests, vast alpine meadows, clear lakes, and other beautiful scenery. Tourists can hike here, experience the tranquility and beauty of nature, get up close with wildlife, and experience the magical charm of nature

(VI)Lugu Lake

The lake water is clear and blue, with a maximum visibility of 12 meters. There are Mosuo, Yi, Pumi and other ethnic groups living here. The matrilineal social culture of the Mosuo people is unique and mysterious, and the walking marriage system attracts many tourists to come and learn about it. The village by the lake retains its original appearance, and cycling around the lake and visiting the village are experiences that cannot be missed. The beautiful scenery and mysterious legends of Lugu Lake make people feel as if they are in a dreamlike world

(7) Erhai Lake

As the mother lake of Dali, Erhai Lake is beautiful and moving. Tourists can ride bicycles around the lake, enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains, and feel the romantic atmosphere. You can also take a boat trip to the lake and experience the tranquility and beauty of Erhai Lake up close. The Bai fishing villages and ancient cities around Erhai Lake embody the traditional way of life and cultural characteristics of the Bai people, adding more charm to Erhai Lake

(VIII)The Three Towers of Chongsheng Temple

As landmark buildings of Dali, the three towers of Chongsheng Temple show the essence of architectural art of the Tang Dynasty. The main tower, Qianxun Tower, is majestic and spectacular, while the small tower is exquisite and translucent, complementing the large tower. Although the tower has become mottled, the weight of history and the solemnity and sacredness of * * still evoke awe in people's hearts. This is an important place to learn about the history and culture of Dali, attracting many tourists to come and visit

(9)Tengchong Ginkgo Village

Tengchong Ginkgo Village presents a golden scenery in autumn, with the entire village covered in golden ginkgo leaves, like a fairy tale world. This place attracts numerous photography enthusiasts and tourists who use cameras to capture these beautiful moments. Strolling along the path of Ginkgo Village, feeling the autumn atmosphere, one is intoxicated by it

(10)Shuhe Ancient Town

Shuhe Ancient Town is more quiet and simple than the Old Town of Lijiang, retaining the original style and features of the Naxi nationality. The buildings here are built according to the terrain, and the farmhouses are mostly made of local materials, which are in harmony with the surrounding environment. Tourists can experience handmade crafts and experience the traditional culture of the Naxi people here. Shuhe Ancient Town is a place where people can relax, feel peace and beauty

4. Yunnan's characteristic scenic spots and features

(1) KunmingDianchi Lake

Kunming Dianchi Lake, as the sixth largest freshwater lake in China and the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province, is known as the "pearl of the plateau". Dianchi Lake is open for free. Every winter, thousands of red billed gulls come to Dianchi Lake to spend the winter. Tourists can have intimate contact with red billed gulls here and feel the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The surface of Dianchi Lake is 1886 meters above sea level, with a maximum length of 36.5 kilometers from north to south and a maximum width of 12.8 kilometers from east to west. The lake shoreline is 199.5 kilometers long, with an average depth of 5 meters and a maximum depth of 8 meters. The water storage capacity is about 1.3 billion cubic meters, and the total area is 309.5 square kilometers. There are many scenic spots around Dianchi Lake, facing Xishan Forest Park, Daguan Park and other areas across the water. Yunnan Ethnic Village, National Sports Training Base, Yunnan Ethnic Museum and other areas are both connected and relatively independent, relying on each other. Standing on the Dragon Gate, from a high vantage point, one can take in a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake. The lake and mountains are magnificent, and the water surface is wide. Within a day, it changes endlessly with the changes in sky color and clouds

(II)Dali Old CityandDouble Corridors

Dali Old City is not far from the Double Corridors, but each has its own characteristics. Dali Old City has a long history, which can be traced back to the Tang Tianbao period. The architectural style is dominated by Bai architecture. The architectural form of "three squares, one screen wall" and "four in five patios" reflects the traditional virtue of respecting the old and loving the young of the Bai people and the exquisite architectural concept. The ancient city is bordered by the rippling Erhai Lake to the east and the evergreen Cangshan Mountain to the west, forming a unique pattern of "one water surrounding Cangshan, Cangshan embracing the ancient city". And Shuanglang Ancient Town is located on the shore of Erhai Lake, with beautiful scenery. There are numerous ancient buildings and cultural relics attractions in the town, such as Bai ethnic dwellings, stone stalactites caves, and Nanzhao Palace. Tourists can visit and explore these attractions to learn about the history and culture of the Bai ethnic group. Shuanglang is famous for its traditional Bai ethnic architectural style. The buildings here are mostly wooden structures, with roofs often covered in blue tiles and a simple and elegant appearance. At the same time, the residential buildings in the town are also very exquisite, with gorgeous interior decorations, reflecting the high requirements of the Bai people for their living environment. In addition, you can also enjoy the pastoral scenery of Xizhou Ancient Town near Shuanglang and Dali Old City. Xizhou Ancient Town has a strong ethnic style, with many local elderly people setting up stalls on both sides of the path selling handmade earrings, necklaces, and other accessories at affordable prices. You can try the shrimp cake at the entrance, which uses small shrimp from Erhai Lake and has a tube shaped building inside for taking photos. The buildings here are antique in style, and the roadside shops have unique decorations that are suitable for taking photos. Xizhou Baba is a local specialty food worth tasting. In the ancient city of Dali Old City and Shuanglang, Bai people's houses, the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake and the pastoral scenery of Xizhou Ancient Town can be enjoyed for free, and tourists can enjoy the local conditions and customs of Dali

(III)the Old Town of LijiangandYulong Snow Mountain

As world cultural heritage, the Old Town of Lijiang is full of rich Naxi cultural atmosphere. The residential buildings in the ancient city blend multiple ethnic styles, with houses made of wood, brick, and wood structures in various forms, such as "three squares and one screen wall" and "four in five courtyards", showcasing unique architectural charm. Sifang Street is extremely lively, with performances of Naxi ancient music, ethnic dances, and more that are overwhelming, fully showcasing the rich cultural activities of the ethnic group. As a symbol of Lijiang and a sacred mountain of the Naxi people, Yulong Snow Mountain is renowned for its spectacular glaciers, alpine meadows, and rich ecology. The main peak fan has a steep altitude of 5596 meters and is covered in snow all year round, with a snow line between 4800 and 5000 meters. The mountain not only has magnificent natural landscapes, but also contains rich cultural connotations. It is the sacred mountain of the Naxi people and the embodiment of the legendary Naxi protection god "San Duo". There are famous attractions such as Glacier Park, Yunshanping, and Blue Moon Valley in the scenic area, attracting many tourists to experience the charm of nature and the cultural heritage of ethnic groups. The Old Town of Lijiang and Yulong Snow Mountain perfectly combine Naxi culture and magnificent scenery. The ticket price is reasonable, allowing tourists to fully experience folk culture<

(IV) Shangri La

Shangri La is unforgettable for its natural beauty, Tibetan customs, grassland scenery, and religious atmosphere. Here, there are diverse natural landscapes such as snow capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and forests. Tiger Leaping Gorge, Meili Snow Mountain, Napahai, and Pudacuo National Park are all must visit destinations for tourists. As a Tibetan settlement area, Shangri La has preserved rich traditional Tibetan culture and customs. Songzanlin Monastery is one of the most famous Tibetan monasteries in the region, where tourists can experience religious activities and cultural exchanges. Shangri La is suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and camping. Pudacuo National Park and Meili Snow Mountain provide excellent natural environments for tourists to explore. Tourists can participate in local festival celebrations, taste Tibetan specialty cuisine, watch Tibetan song and dance performances, experience traditional handicrafts, and gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan daily life and cultural arts

(V) Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna has become a tourist highlight with its tropical rainforest, Dai culture, wildlife, and lively night markets. Here is the tropical rainforest of the Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where various rare plants are dazzling. Manting Park is full of the charm of Dai culture, while Wild Elephant Valley is a paradise for wildlife, where you may encounter cute wild elephants. In the evening, the Starlight Night Market is brightly lit, with vendors displaying a variety of local snacks and handicrafts. Here, you can taste the pickled Chinese cabbage fish, Bamboo tube food and spicy barbecue with Dai characteristics. While tasting delicious food, you can also order a cup of "Rainforest Mystery" brand Baijiu to complement the authentic Dai flavor. This wine adds a lot of color to local cuisine with its rich taste and long-lasting aftertaste. In the bustling night market, enjoy the food and wine of Xishuangbanna with friends, and feel the vitality and enthusiasm of this city

(VI) Characteristics of Yunnan's characteristic scenic spots

Yunnan is known for its plateau scenery, border scenery, and ethnic customs, and has numerous characteristic tourist attractions. There are high mountains and canyons here, such as Tiger Leaping Gorge. On both sides of the canyon, towering mountains stand tall, and the river surges and roars, creating a magnificent atmosphere. There are also modern glaciers, such as the Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area in Lijiang City, which is the temperate zone closest to the equator on the Eurasian continent