China Travel Guide: Yunnan

Azheke Village

Surrounded by cascading rice terraces and verdant greenery, over 60 "mushroom cottages" with brick walls and thatched roofs are widely regarded as the best-preserved cluster of Hani ethnic group traditional architecture in Yuanyang county, Yunnan province.

Spanning an area of 1.43 square kilometers with about 60 households, the village features a rich, diverse and layered landscape, with the coexistence of forests, water systems, houses and rice terraces.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain), Lijiang

Looking north from the Old Town of Lijiang 15 kilometers away, the snow-covered and fog shrouded mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence, the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain).

Consisting of 13 peaks, among which Shanzidou is the highest one with an altitude of 5,600 meters, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretches a length of 35 km, 20 km wide. The 13 peaks, which have the altitudes of at least 4,000 meters, are covered by snow all year round.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sanctuary for rare animals and wild plants. In fact, one fourth of all plant species in China can be found here. These species live in different temperature levels and create different kinds of views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Puzhehei Scenic Area

"Puzhehei" is the language of the ethnic Yi people, which means a lake full of fish and shrimps. Covering a total area of 388 square kilometers, the Puzhehei scenic area belongs to the karst area in southeastern Yunnan and is a typical mature plateau karst landform. It is also a national-level scenic spot, a national 5A-level tourist attraction, and a national wetland park.

The Puzhehei Scenic Area is famous for its six landscapes of "the Water Pastoral, the Yi Family Water Town, the Lotus World, the Karst Wetland, the Lake Peaks and Forests, and the Migratory Bird Paradise". In this tourist attraction, there are soaring peaks, clear streams, secluded caves, eccentric rocks and small bridges, all exuding ancient charms.