Yunnan Information

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Fast facts

Yunnan in a nutshell: Available English-language newspapers, Yunnan currency, Yunnan demographics, travel tips, ...

Until Kubla Khan conquered the kingdom of Nanchao, and many of its people fled to the south, this was the homeland of the Tai people. Today large numbers of ethnic Tais - known as Dai, Bai and other names - still inhabit many of the mountainous regions and plains, though two-thirds of Yunnan's 41 million population are now Han Chinese.

Yunnan's varied and diverse climate means that, while Kunming enjoys pleasant spring-like weather for most of the year, the elevated eastern plateau experiences warm summers and mild winters, and the climate can change substantially during a journey of just a few kilometres.

The wide range of ethnic groups and mix of religious beliefs has left Yunnan with so many festivals it would be impossible to list them all here. Many festivals are based on the Chinese lunar calendar and so have variable dates that relate to the new and full moon. Learn more about festivals celebrated throughout the province.

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.