Basics

History

Yunnan was territory of State Dian in ancient times. It came to be known as Nanzhao in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and Dali in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Yunnan Xingzhong Administration was established in the region in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and Yunnan Province was formally proclaimed here in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), which has remained unchanged until now.

Culture

Yunnan's cultural life is one of remarkable diversity. Archaeological findings have unearthed sacred burial structures holding elegant bronzes in Jinning, south of Kunming. In Zhaotong in northeastern Yunnan, there has been discovered, frescos of the Jin Dynasty (265–420). Many Chinese cultural relics have been discovered in later periods. The lineage of tribal way of life of the indigenous peoples persisted uninfluenced by modernity until the mid-20th century. Tribal traditions, such as Yi slaveholding and Wa headhunting, have since been abolished. After the Cultural Revolution (1966–76), when many minority culture and religious practices were suppressed, Yunnan has come to celebrate its cultural diversity and subsequently many local customs and festivals have flourished

Climate

Yunnan has a humid monsoon climate typical of subtropical and tropical plateau zone, with distinctive dry and rainy seasons and drastic changes in climatic conditions. The climate on the plateau is mild all year round. However, a sudden rain will bring in winter. The annual average temperature of the province is between 4-24ºC, while that of many regions is around 15ºC. The average annual precipitation of the province is between 600-2300mm.

Tourist: The Western Hills

The Western Hills stands on the west bank of Lake Dianchi, stretching over forty kilometres and with an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level. According to legend, a phoenix was spotted on the Hills in ancient time. Not knowing what it was, people mistakenly called it green cock, hence, the Western Hills also came to be known as the Green Cock Hills. Lake Dianchi: Also known as Lake Kunming, Kunming Pool or Lake Diannan, Lake Dianchi which lies south of the City of Kunming, covering an area of 340 square kilometres. Daguan Pavilion: It is situated on the bank of Lake Dianchi, in a picturesque setting, facing the crystal clear water and standing against the verdant woods. Built in 1696, the Pavilion has been frequented by many literary figures, who have written numerous inscriptions on the wall of the Pavilion. The Golden Temple: It is situated on the Mingfeng Hill. The Temple was constructed in the Ming Dynasty. The Qiongzhu (Bamboo) Temple: The Temple is situated on the Yu’an Hill northwest of Kunming. According to the legend, two hunters in the Tang Dynasty, Gao Guang and Gao Zhi, chased a rhinoceros to this spot, only to find it missing. Anning Hot Spring: It is situated at the foot of Yuquan Hill in Anning County southwest of Kunming, being one of most renowned hot springs In Yunnan. The temperature of the spring water is above 40C.The Stone Forest: Situated in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County about 120 kilometres southeast of Kunming, the Stone Forest is also known as the Lunan Stone Forest. It covers an area 27,000 hectares, of which the scenic area occupies over 80 hectares.