Trekking
There are many tracks and paths through wildlife reserves
in the province and it may be possible to arrange trekking
tours through specialist agencies.
Wildlife
Abundant flora and fauna make this province a naturalists
dream, particularly in the prefecture of Xishuangbana, where
many wildlife reserves have been established. Asian elephants,
oxen, peacocks and monkeys can all be viewed on specially
arranged tours, while the huge Menglun Botantical gardens
has a wide variety of tropical and sub-tropical flora.
Eating
From the deliciously delicate to the hearty and spicy, Yunnan's
cuisine is a collage of fresh vegetables, fruits and local
herbs, flavoured with local know-how and many foreign influences.
Crossing the Bridge Noodles is a particularly famous local
dish, which acquired its name from the story of an earnest
student who shut himself away on an island while he was studying
for his exams - the only way to get this meal to him was via
a connecting bridge.
There are many other local specialities, including huoguo
(hot pot), introduced by the Mongols, mingcai (roast duck),
qiguoji (chicken steamed in an earthen pot) and shaguoyu (fish
casserole). Popular snacks include walnuts and sunflower seeds.
Drinking
Yunnan is one of the major tea-producing areas of China,
and there are many different varieties of tea grown in the
hills around the province, and drunk in the tea shops of Kunming
and other towns. For a slightly stronger concoction, there
are several locally brewed liquors, known as jius, including
baijiu and qingjiu, made from corn, and chingkojiu, distilled
from barley. Fruit juices, soft drinks and locally brewed
beer are rarely refridgerated and are consumed at room temperature.
Bottled water is widely available.
Entertainment
With over 800 titles in its repertoire, Yunnan opera is
an interesting blend of influences and styles, including Anhui,
Hubei and Han opera, and leans heavily on the languages and
folk songs of the province.
Shopping
Yunnan has abundant shopping options. Though it is easiest
to shop at the large department stores - the quality is usually
good, they have fixed prices, and they will replace any defective
items - shopping in markets can be cheaper, but requires bargaining
skills. Few vendors speak any English.
Thriving cottage industries exist in some ethnic communities,
offering many attractive handcrafted items. There are also
government tourist centres selling a variety of handicrafts
and many silk shops will make clothes to order.
Chess
Yunnan has been making chess sets for over five hundred-year
and craft some elegant and startling pieces.
Chinese Medicines
Rich in medicinal plants and herbs, thanks to its varied
climate and topography, a wide variety of locally manufactured
traditional medicines are available. These include White Powder
- a well-known Chinese patent medicine, apparently effective
for invigorating the blood is circulation and treating inflammation.
Cloisonne
One of the highest forms of traditional Chinese handicrafts,
this enamelware uses thin metal strips to separate colours
and designs.
Jewellery, chopsticks, boxes, and other decorative items
are among the many attractive items available.
Dai Brocade
Bags, skirts and other decorative items are beautifully
spun and woven by the Dai people.
Dali Marble Products
Many unusual and decorative items are carved from the abundant
and beautiful marble found at Dali.
Embroidery
This extraordinary skill, dating back thousands of years,
requires the artist to use micro-thin filaments to conceal
the ends and joints, so that the picture on both sides of
these exquisite double-faced pieces appears flawless. There
are countless different designs and qualities, and the most
precious and expensive pieces feature different colours on
each side.
Jewels and Jades
Chinese master jade carvers are recognised as the finest
in the world and Kunming, Ruili, Yingjiang and Manshi are
well-established centres for precious stones and jades from
Myanmar.
Lacquerware
Carved or inlaid with mother-of-pearl, these decorative
and durable pieces are equally appealing.
Pearls
Shops are willing to make a necklace with a wide selection
of individual strands.
Tea
Yunnan tea is one of the world's finest, its industry dating
back 1,700 years.
Green tea, jade green tea, mixed tea, Xuanchun tea, Hongbao
and Yinzhen tea are all available, as are the scented varieties,
including smoked, white orchid, and the popular jasmine tea.
Teak Carving
Yunnan's famous and gifted wood carvers create a wide range
teakwood items, including many in the form of animals and
birds.
Yunnan Bronze
There are many beautifully crafted bronze items cast using
special techniques dating back hundreds of years. This technical
skill has won Yunnan's craftsmen international recognition
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