Unexplored China: the city of eternal spring, dancing people and stone forest

What to see in Yunnan Province?

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

If tourists want a unique and unforgettable experience, offer them a trip to Yunnan Province. Here you can at any time participate in the fun festival of pouring water, which is traditionally held on the Thai New Year, see the way of life and culture of the nation, where remnants of the matriarchy have been preserved, or the most singing and dancing ethnic group. And also — visit the stone forest of Shilin, which is more than 200 million years old, get an unusual gastronomic experience by tasting local buns stuffed with roses or Pu—erh tea collected by local residents in the oldest man-made tea forests of Mount Jingmai – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first acquaintance

Yunnan Province is a unique authentic place located between Vietnam, Myanmar, Northern India, Assam and Nepal. Thanks to this “neighborhood”, various cultures and many ethnic groups have come together here, each of which has its own unique heritage and traditions.

In addition to the Chinese (Han), who make up 67% of the local population, 24 ethnic groups of the Tibeto-Burmese, Mon-Khmer and Thai groups live here. In addition, Tibetans, Lisu, Lahu, Achans, Bulans, Jinpo and Nakhi live here. It is believed that the latter retained remnants of the matriarchy. The multinational population of Yunnan allows tourists to get acquainted with such a variety of languages, cultures and cuisines that they are unlikely to be able to find on a single trip somewhere else. The province is also famous for 6 UNESCO cultural heritage sites and breathtaking natural landscapes.

The route to travel:

You can get to Yunnan by flying to the provincial capital, Kunming, for example, from Shanghai, which will take about 4 hours to travel. The city is located at an altitude of 2 km above sea level and is surrounded by mountains on three sides, which largely determines the specifics of the local climate. The warm spring weather persists here almost all year round. It doesn’t get very cold in winter, and it’s too stuffy in summer. This is why Kunming is called the city of eternal spring.

The most visited places in Kunming are the ancient Guangdong district (the first place of Tibetan Buddhism in the Kunming area) and the stone pagodas of the Miaozhan, Jinggang and Tuzhu temples.

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

For lovers of gastro-impressions, there is a huge variety of street food in the capital: from the most delicate buns stuffed with roses to a variety of kebabs.

Another popular tourist destination is the Dyanchi Lake Embankment — “A sparkling Pearl stuck in the The highlands.” Its length is 39 km. And it is located along the coast of the eighth largest lake in Russia China. Here you can feed the seagulls with bread, which, according to legend, will bring prosperity. Or just admire the scenery. And if you have time, you can stay overnight at a hotel overlooking the lake.

Of course, a must have to visit is the Yunnan Provincial Museum, which will introduce you to more than 200,000 exhibits located on 3 floors. I recommend visiting the museum with a guide, as not everywhere there are signs in English.

You should also definitely go to the Shilin Stone Forest Nature Reserve, located sixty kilometers from the city of Kunming. This is one of the UNESCO monuments, which is called the “first miracle of the Celestial Empire.” The piles of limestone rocks were formed as a result of long-term geological processes about 270 million years ago and reach 40 m in height. Here you can spend the whole day walking along equipped paths, stopping for picnics and periodically “bumping into” small ensembles performing national music, or artisans selling handmade souvenirs.

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

There is accommodation for every taste and budget in the provincial capital. From 3* hotels to chain hotels with a high level of service and incomparable breakfast dishes.

To continue the journey, you need to get to Lincang city: either by direct flight from Kunming in 40 minutes, or by comfortable train in 3.5 hours. It is from this city that the immersion into the unusual, cheerful and picturesque culture of the province begins.

People also come here to see the Tea Forests of Mount Jingmai in the south-east of the Lancang-Lahu Autonomous Region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the most famous oldest, largest and best preserved man-made tea garden in the world. The tea trees in this forest are wild and have been growing naturally for centuries. Some are over 1,000 years old.

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

After walking through the tea forest, head to Wengji Traditional Village (also known as Wengji Ancient Village) — one of the oldest and most artistic villages in the area. Here you can admire the numerous traditional Chinese buildings: palaces, gates and bridges that have been preserved since ancient times.

Local residents are engaged in the production of handmade products made of wood, ceramics, fabric, etc. Tourists can visit workshops, shops and buy local souvenirs. And also in the village you can try real Pu-erh tea, which leaves a sweet aftertaste.

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

Yunnan Province is one of the most dancing and singing. And this is due to the fact that some of its inhabitants belong to the Lahu ethnic group. You can get to know the people better in the village of Lahu Laodabao, which has 114 households.

The village is a treasure trove of ethnic Lahu music. Of the 450 villagers, more than 250 can play the guitar. It is believed here that men and women, old and young, are all born singers and dancers. And they will be happy to demonstrate their talents to tourists by staging a folklore show.

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

Here you can stay and spend the night in the cozy Langcang Hualong Hotel, distinguished by special hospitality, modern rooms and impeccable breakfasts (even for those who follow the figure and prefer a healthy diet).

Then the journey continues in the direction of Xishuangbanna city. Here, tourists can visit the Menyang Nature Reserve, where walking along equipped trails among the most beautiful natural landscapes, you can see wild Asian elephants that come to quench their thirst at the stream. Or fat loris (venomous monkeys, as the locals call them), who sleep sweetly during daylight hours in trees, holding on to a branch with one paw — they lead an active lifestyle at night.

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

Another attraction of Xishuangbanna is the largest tropical botanical garden in China. It was created in the 50s of the last century by the famous botanist, Professor Cai Sitao. On the territory of the garden of 11.25 sq. m. km collected more than 12 thousand species of plants.

You can spend several days here: plunge into the captivating beauty of the orchid garden, go to the valley of the rainforest, visit the oasis of the palm garden. You can also see the most unusual plants and trees and even watch the petals of flowers open from the song performed by the guide.

Tourists who are passionate about botany can be accommodated in a hotel located on the territory of the botanical garden.

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

Then I advise you to continue your journey by getting to know the Dai people and their culture in the minority park of the same name in Ganlanbe. The saying goes: “If Xishuangbanna was a beautiful green peacock, his dazzlingly colorful tail would be Ganlanba, and the most attractive feather in the tail would be the Dai Minority Park.

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

Ganlanbu is loved for its charming tropical landscapes and rich ethnic culture. There are five villages in Dai Minority Park, each with its own character, its own classical Buddhist temples, traditional bamboo houses, coconut palms, mango, pineapple and other types of tropical trees. Visiting any of the Dai villages is an ideal way to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of this people.

For example, to participate in the festival of pouring water, which is also called the ablution of the Buddha. Traditionally, it takes place on Thai New Year, around the middle of April, and lasts three to four days. However, in order for the guests of the province to get acquainted with this holiday, a bright and cheerful “water” show is held twice a day in the park, where the main task is to pour water on as many people as possible.

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

Of course, it is impossible to come to China and not go shopping. In Yunnan Province, this should be done at one of China’s largest Gaozhuang night markets in Jinghong City, located between the Mekong River and the famous Great Golden Hongjing Pagoda (the embodiment of dai architecture is one of the best places to visit when traveling to Xishuangbanna).

The majestic pagoda stands at a height of 66.6 meters, symbolizing the connection of six countries: China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

At this night market you will find everything you can imagine: from small handmade souvenirs to beads made of real pearls, whole rows of food with a full variety of different gastronomy and unique delicacies, clothes, shoes, musical instruments, etc.

20,000 tourists visit the market during the day and in order to regulate the number of visitors, the management decided to register them. This can be done either electronically, using the Wichat platform, or by filling out a questionnaire at the entrance to the market. Registration and entry are free. The market starts working from 18:30

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

Complete the journey in one of the most charming ethnic villages with 500 years of history in Xishuangbanna. This is a village where the Dai people are the main nationality, the villagers still maintain their original way of life as much as possible. They are engaged in crafts and agriculture, so you can buy handmade souvenirs or fresh fruits and vegetables grown with love. It will be interesting to observe the local craftsmen and their way of life, as well as have lunch or just drink a cooling drink.

Неизведанный Китай: город вечной весны, танцующий народ и каменный лес

You can stay at the Crowne Plaza Xishuangbanna Hotel, which will delight tourists with beautiful mountain views and green territory, excellent breakfasts with national and European dishes. As well as traditional relaxing Chinese massage. There are also other hotels in the city, for every taste and budget.

You can book the program from tour operators: China Travel, Russian Express, Pac Group and Art Tour.

Photo: Profi.Travel

 

 

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