Fun things to do in Yunnan Sheng

New leader the secret of China's success?

In Kunming, Yunnan China awaits the 40-foot Optimus Prime, ending all doubt about the existence of transformers :)

We didn't get there yet, but thought it a noteworthy in a world of giant Mao statues that a new monument has arisen.

A fan movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs3hha_dER4

Xishuangbanna is an unique and beautiful place in Southern China which has a tropical environment as it forms part of Indochina. In this place, life is very relaxed and there are many minority groups living here, especially the Dai people who are related to the people of Thailand. The capital of Xishuangbanna is Jinghong city situated next to the famous Mekong River. If you visit Yunnan, do consider visiting Xishuangbanna.

The theme of '99Kunming International Horticultural Exposition is Man and Nature-Marching into the 21st Century. The design of compound is characterized by the harmony of architecture and the nature, i.e., forest, hills, flowers, turf and stone to provide visitor a place where they'll have the feel of back into the nature, appreciate floras and masterpieces of Chinese and foreign gardens, acquaint themselves with biological knowledge and environmental protection and to cultivate their characters.

The compound consists of:

A: Five halls, nameluy China hall (exhibitors Come from governments of the provinces, cities and autonomous regions of China and Chinese enterprises); Man and Nature Hall (displaying relations between man and ecological system); Science and technology Hall (exhibitors come from foreign governments and enterprises).

Basics theme gardens, namely Bamboo garden (planting various varieties of bamboo); Vegetables and Melons Garden (planting new varieties of vegetable and melons of ornamental value); Potted Landscape Garden (displaying potted landscape from various schools of China); Medicine Herbs Garden (planting traditional medicine herbs of ornamental value): Tea Garden (displaying tea culture and tea processing). C. Out—door Exposition Areas

On display will be representative gardens from 31 province, cities and autonomous regions of Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Macao and Taiwan, 60 other countries as well as 20 international organizations. There'll be over 1,700 species of flore inside the compound. Royal garden from Beijing, Jiangnan Garden, Baobeilinka from Tibet, Japanese and British Gardens and other gardens will make the compound a magnificent place of exquisite gardens from all over the world. Valuable presents contributed to the exposition will make the visit mare enjoyable, like totem pillar (Huabiao) from Beijing, copper carriage from Shaanxi, Copper-flying horse from Gansu, stone lion from Hebei and Zisha (purple sand) mural from Jiangsu.

The best thing you can do at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is to climb to peak after the cable car at YanShanping dumps you at 4506m above sea level. The view from the top is gorgeous since it's devoid of crowds.

Difficulty Level :3-4, if you're fit as a fiddle. 5-6 if you're physically challenged (see below), 8-9 if you are prone to Altitude Sickness.

Equipment Required:1-2 cannisters of oxygen if your Vo2 max level is low*.

Cost:One can of oxygen cannister cost 8RmB at Lijiang Town, 20Rmb at Shops Near the Mountain, 40rmb at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. 160Rmb for the Cable Car Ride.

*Efficiency level of your lungs. It might be lower if you don't do any form of sports.

While traveling on the road in Yunnan, you will be amazed by its scenery. You would never get bored while on the bus. You will see small charming villages, mountains, rivers, etc. I sure had enjoyed my journey from one destination to the next.

The Stone Forest (Shilin) is an area full of these dark grey rock formations that created by nature. Many of the rocks are given names based on their shapes. I have to give credit to the chinese people. Their imagination is what that makes the visit to the Stone Forest more interesting. Aparently, another place on earth that has the same type of rock is in Czech Republic.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (or HuTiaoXia) is the deepest gorge in the world. It is located north of Lijiang. It has stuning view! On one side you can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, on another side you can see Haba Snow Mountain. It's a good place for hiking.

Kunming is the provincial capitol of Yunnan. It is nicknamed the Spring city for it's climate. It is comfortable as in spring time all year long. If you are flying into Yunnan, Kunming is probably the city that you will arrive in. The city is mid size by China's standard. But it has lots to offer.