1. Cangshan Mountain – Most of the year, Cangshan Mountain is covered with snow. Once the temperature starts to rise during summer, the snow melts to form streams flowing down into Erhai Lake. The mountain is covered with thick green forests and clouds cover the mountains sides. The mountain is also home to the Clear and Green Stream, the Zhonghesi Temple, and the Dragon and Phoenix Cave.

2. Erhai Lake – When the moon is bright, gaze in awe at the reflection of Cangshan Mountain on the surface of the lake. Visitors can also take a night time cruise around the lake. The lake is well-known for its four shoals, three islands and nine bends.

3. Butterfly Spring (Hudie Quan) – Butterfly Spring is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain. It has become very famous because of the thousands of butterflies that congregate here at springtime. The silk trees are the butterflies’ favorite places for resting and mating. The flowers are also good sources of nectar. The many colors and patterns of butterflies give rise to this annual spectacle being called “butterfly party”.

4. Lijiang Ancient Town – A large Naxi settlement which was built during the Southern Song Dynasty. In 1997, it was included in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage Site. This ancient city has flag-stoned streets and alleyways. Most of the houses are made up of bricks and tiles with painted windows and carved doors.

5. Black Dragon Pool – Legend has it that a black dragon was living in the pool during the Ming Dynasty. Aside from the pool, visitors also visit the Dragon Spring Temple (Longquan Temple) and Black Dragon Palace. Longquan Temple was built during early Han Dynasty while the Black Dragon Palace was built during the Ming Dynasty.

6. Stone Forest – A 350-kilometer scenic resort which contains eight natural attractions. These include Naigu Stone Forests, Moon Lake, Large and Small Stone Forests, Feilong Falls, Long Lake, Fairy Lake, Large and Small Zhiyun Caves, and Qingfeng Cave.

As one looks at the area from afar, it seems like there is a dense forest. However, as one draws closer, one will find that the “trees” are actually slender stone pinnacles.

Yunnan is known for having one of the most ethnically colorful provinces in China. Among the 56 recognized ethnic groups in the country, 25 are existing in Yunnan. More than two-thirds of its population is now made up of Han Chinese. The Bai and Dai, also known as ethnic Tais, still exceed one million. Their villages are found in the mountainous regions and plains of Yunnan.

Some of the other ethnic groups in the province include Hani, Miano, Hui, Yao, Jingpos, Nu, Mongolian, Lahu, De’ang, and Derung.

Yunnan cuisine is also called Dian cuisine. The local delicacies of Yunnan can be identified into two distinct categories—the northeastern part as well as the western and southwestern part.

The dishes of the northeastern part of the province are greatly influenced by nearby Sichuan. Thus, most of their food has a pronounced spicy flavor. On the other hand, the dishes of the western and southwestern parts of Yunnan are influenced by neighboring Laos and Vietnam.

1. Xuanwei huotui (Cloud Ham, Yuntui, Yunnan Ham)– Country-cured ham which possesses a distinct strong taste. It is one of China’s three most famous hams.

2. Qiguoji (Steamed Pot Chicken) – The mouth-watering soup is produced from the steam and natural juices of the chicken. A special steaming pot is used solely for this purpose. Ginseng, dried Himalayan caterpillars or other medicinal herbs are often mixed with the soup to enhance the flavor as well as promote health.

3. Guoqiao Mixian (Crossing-Bridge Rice Noodles) – Soup which is kept boiling hot with the addition of a thin layer of vegetable oil. The oil in the broth coats the noodles and keeps the both warm. Aside from rice noodles, other ingredients include a fat chicken, pig bones, and other types of meat. Vegetables, chili oil, sesame oil, ground peppers, and salt.

4. Lunan Milk Cake – Butter cake which is made from fresh goat milk.

5. Yunnan Mushrooms – the province is well-known for many species of edible mushrooms. These mushrooms are main ingredients to some of Yunnan’s most tasty and delectable dishes.