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China
Yunnan, China's Lost Horizon
In the far flung remote frontier of China lies stunning Yunnan. Yunnan
province may not be at the top of the list of plans for a vacation holiday for
most tourists however, this laid back southwestern Chinese province, which
borders Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Tibet probably encompasses a wider and more
fascinating mix of climates and cultures than any other parts of China.
The landscape and scenery of Yunnan is a sight to behold. From steamy
tropical rainforest and jungles to the south and the majestic Himalayan
mountain ranges to the northwest and rolling horse riding plains bordering
Sichuan to the north, Yunnan certainly have many wonders to offer to any
tourist.
When James Hilton wrote his classic book, The Lost Horizon, he used the
Tibetan side of Yunnan as an inspiration for Shangri-la which is that magical
valley where tome stood still and nobody ever age.
Yunnan's Kunming City
Most tourist traveling to Yunnan will start their tour in Kunming city.
Kunming is an average size city with clean streets and air so fresh it is as
if you are breathing air from an oxygen tank. Kunming city's climate is almost
perfect with cool nights and warm non humid day time temperature. This is why
the city is sometimes referred to as the city of eternal spring. However, as
cities being cities, there are modern amenities like shopping malls, flea
markets and horrors of horrors, Starbucks cafes
Dali Town
Laid back Dali is another town in Yunnan province. It is a
lovely and is rich in cultutre and history which stretches bacl to the Silk
Road days and beyond. Evidence of the Dali's majestic past are depicted in
monuments such as the white pagodas which were erected since the 9th century.
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To the east of Dali lies the great blue expanse of Er Hai lake where you can
see fishermen at work with their nets on tiny boats admist chugging tourists
cruise boats. Within the walls of Dali town, between four imposing gates are
artisan shops, tourist inns and guest houses, restaurants and street side
cafes somewhat like an oriental Paris. Perhaps, because of cheap accomodations
in Dali town, there is an Bohemian atmosphere where budget travelers and
backpackers showed up in astonishing numbers.
Surprisingly, there is even a community of Rastafarians in one of
Dalian's side street. There are pubs with odd sounding names like Kafka,
Caffeine Club and Bad Monkey.
Of course, when traveling to Yunnan on vacation holiday, one must
definitely include Lijiang town in the itinerary. However, I won't be
describing the stunningly beautiful Lijiang here as you can read about it at "Yunnan's
Lijiang Old Town"
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