Although Yunnan Province is less developed economically, when compared with China’s eastern provinces, its tourism resources are so rich that one should not explore China without visiting Yunnan. From the world-famous Lijiang to lots of small ancient towns, from the amazing karst formations(喀斯特地貌) to the World Heritage Site Hani Terrace, Yunnan can be a complete eye-opener for even the most smart travelers. Here are three Yunnan destinations not to be missed, although we are sure that the place’s natural wonders and cultural landscapes are far beyond the sites listed here.

The Old Town of Lijiang

The Old Town of Lijiang, located in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, is one of the last surviving ancient towns in China. The Old Town of Lijiang has been a commercial, political and cultural center of the Naxi people and other ethnic minorities for eight centuries.

Zhengying Ancient Village

Zhengying Village has a history of more than 600 years. In 1999, Zhengying Village was named as historical and cultural village of provincial level. After that it was given the name “No.1 Village in Yunnan”.

Naigu Stone Forest

A central part of Stone Forest Park that was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2007, the 30-square-kilometer Naigu beautiful area is known as a natural museum of karst landforms. The word “naigu” means “ancient and black” in the language of the Yi ethnic minority group, a fitting description of the mass of blackish limestone(石灰岩) that formed about 270 million years ago. The Naigu attraction has much stone columns(柱) that appear as shapes ranging from animals and figures to towers and blockhouses. The highest is more than 40 meters tall.