Yunnan

Yunnan is located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and its name literally means the "south of the colorful clouds". Yunnan is a renowned destination at home and abroad, attracting numerous tourists with its agreeable climate, complicated karst features and landscapes, diversified plant life, historical sites and rich ethnic cultures.

Its capital city, Kunming, is undoubtedly worth-seeing due to its mild temperature all year round, and the famous scenic spots such as the Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake and Western Hills. The 800-year Lijiang Old Town, with its unique traditional buildings, cobbled streets, fantastic natural scenery, and amazing ethnic culture and customs, has become a destination not to be missed. Shangri-La, a Tibetan town in the northwest of Yunnan Province, is a hidden paradise of spectacular landscapes and ethnic culture. Other top attractions include the holy Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Dali Ancient City, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lugu Lake, and Erhai Lake and Mt. Cangshan,

Percentage in 2012: 24 percent

Rank in 2011: 3

Travel Tips:

  -- Best time to visit: Kunming: All seasons; Lijiang: April to May, and September to October; Shangri-La: May to July, and September to October

  -- Local snacks: Yunnan Romantic Rice Noodles, Braised Termite Mushroom, Xuanwei Ham, steamed rice with pineapple