Explore hidden gems in lesser-known travel destinations in Yunnan

Yunnan has many of the busiest travel destinations in China; we have heard a lot about Dali, Lijiang, and Shangrila. But Yunnan still has so many hidden gems waiting for you to explore.

Shaxi, the last living town in The Tea and Horse Caravan Road

The Tea and Horse Caravan Trail refers to the international trade trails that zigzag through the southwest mountainous area of China, on which civilian caravans are the major transportation. The Tea and Horse Caravan Trail shaped a large-scale business and trade network and played a critical role in economic and cultural communication. The trail, once the toughest pathway on the highest terrain, bears numerous cultural heritages and is now a tourist route with the most magnificent scenery and attractive culture. In 2001, the Shaxi Market Area was nominated by the World Monument Fund for one of the 100 most endangered sites list, together with the World Trade Center, Which was already demolished in the 9.11 terrorist attack in New York. (The Tea and Horse Caravan Tour)

The Three Parallel Rivers

In Southwest China, there is a region where three big rivers run unusually close to each other. In 1985, an expert from UNESCO saw a fantastic satellite map showing three rivers running together at the least distance of 19 km. This geographical wonder is so unusual, and after a long journey of investigations, the three parallel rivers region went on the list in 2023. Most importantly, it’s the only world heritage site in China that meets all four criteria of UNESCO. This site contains 15 different protected areas, each representing the diversity of biological and geological in this 1.7 million hectares. (The Big Adventure of Three Parallel Rivers)

YuanYang Terrace Field

Yuanyang locates in the Ailao mountains of Hengduan Mountains region. Clouds shroud it for over 180 days a year. It is a masterpiece created by the Hani, Yi, and other nationalities for generations. The reclaimed terraces adapt to the local hills and terrain. Based on a hillside, the highest terrace has 3,000 rungs, which is rare in the terraced landscape in the world. In 2013, Yuanyang Hani Terraces were listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. (The masterpiece of human and nature)

Chengjiang Fossil Site

Fuxian Lake is located south of Chengjiang, 70 kilometers from Kunming. It is famous for its crystal clear water, beautiful surroundings, particular local fish, and the best-known biota fossil, the Cambrian Explosion. “Chengjiang Fossil present the most complete record of an early Cambrian marine community with exceptionally preserved biota, displaying the anatomy of hard and soft tissues in a vast variety of organisms, invertebrate and vertebrate,” cited from the UNESCO’s website. It shows the diverse geological evidence with the high-quality of preservation and record. （Chengjiang Fossil Site Tour)