Yunnan Travel Tips

What you will see in Yunnan

China's Yunnan Province is rich in natural resources and ethnic minority cultures. It has over 25 different ethnic minority groups and some of the most beautiful ancient towns in China. Visitors to Yunnan can witness the ancient ethnic minority cultures that have been handed down for centuries. The ancient towns of Lijiang, Dali, Shangri La, and the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture are very popular destinations in Yunnan Province.

Travel Tips in Yunnan

1. Bring some necessary medicines with you, such as: the medicines for flu, sore throat, coughing, diarrhea, etc that you use at home; and some Antihistamine, used for allergic reactions and insect bites;
2. Wear gym shoes or comfortable walking shoes, which will be good for your feet and ease your trip. Sunscreen is also recommended, as well as carrying bottled water with you. If you are photography lover,do not forget your camera, film and batteries, or you will never forgive yourself;
3. Foreign currencies cannot be used directly in Yunnan,but you can exchange your money at the many Bank of China outlets throughout the province. Most major hotels in Yunnan's larger cities will accept major credit cards. Your hotels also can change money for you and ATMs are easy to find;
4. There are many star rated hotels in the major cities or towns of Yunnan. Tiger Leaping Gorge,due to its rocky terrain only has guesthouses available. Although they lack many of the amenities found in star rated hotels,the guesthouses are family run and quite clean;
5. There are many options for getting around in Yunnan, such as taxis, busses, minibuses, pedicabs and of course by your private driver. There are also cars and bikes for rent;
6. The water in streams or valleys is not drinkable, just drinks boiled water or bottled water;
7.Don't tease dogs in villages or along the way; some dogs are very furious to the strangers;
8. Respect the customs of local people when you are planning to visit minorities villages; your tour guide will tell about the proper etiquettes, behaviors; just follow the guide to avoid conflicts with locals;
9. Most Chinese people are friendly; but it is suggested you ask for permission before taking their pictures;
10. Take measures to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times and wearing long, loose fitting, light colored clothing when you are travelling during summer.

Ethnic Minorities Festival in Yunnan

Yunnanhas so many colorful minority festivals that you can not miss them. When you travel at the festival times, you will not only enjoy the minority culture, but also enjoy the delicious food.

Ethnic Minority	Festival Name	Festival Activities	Dates (2013)
Yi	Torch Festival	Torch Dance, Wrestling, Bull Fight, Performance	31, July
	Ikebana Festival	Ikebana, Folk Song	19, March
	Tiger Festival	Tiger Dance Performance	17-24, February
	Mouding March Fair	Trade Fair, performance	6-8, May
Bai	Dali March Fair	Trade Fair, Horse Race, Performance	24, April -- 30, April
	Qing Lady Festival	offer sacrifices, performance	24, February
	Raoshan Ling	transplant seedlings	1-3, June
	Torch Festival	Torching, Dragon Boat Race, Performance	1, August
Dai	Water Sprinkling Festival	Dragon Boat Race, Water Sprinkling, Performance	9-11, April
Hani	Ant Festival	Hani Cuisine with Ant	31, July
	Lady Festival	Swing, Performance	19, March
Lisu	Bath Gathering	Spa Bath, Singing Tournament	13, February
	Sword Festival	Climbing Sword Mountain, Diving into Fire Sea, Performance	19, March
Naxi	Bangbang Fair	Horse Race, Performance, Farming Trade Fair	24, February
	Sanduo Festival	offer sacrifices, Bullfight	17-21, February
Lahu	Kuza Festival	Elephant Dance, Folk Song	Between March and April in Dai Calendar
	Cucurbit Festival	Bonfire, Performance	16-19, November
Tibetan	Tibetan New Year	Horse Race, Picnic, Performance	10, February
	Horse Race Festival	Horse Race	May, June
	Danu Festival	Wushu, Ball Tournament, Singing and dancing	6, July
	Getang Festival	Dating, Lover's Song	19, November
Zhuang	Longduan Festival	Opera, Acrobatics, Performance	4, May
De'ang	Water Sprinkling Festival	Water Sprinkling, Performance	7-8, April

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