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39.4 million |
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394,000 sq km |
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Year round warm days though temperatures drop at night and at high altitudes. |
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Yi, Bai, Hani, Zhuang, Dai, Miao, Hui, Lahu, Vazu, Naxi, Blang, Tibetan etc |
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Yunnan is a province of great diversity. Surrounded by Tibet, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Guizhou, Guanxi and Sichuan and with almost a third of its population belonging to one of 25 different minority groups, the colorful cultural mix is fascinating and contrasting influences are seen everywhere.
Geography is varied with tropical forests in the south in Xishuangbanna and snowy peaks along the northern Tibetan border. Forest covered mountains and sparkling lakes in fertile plains make for staggering scenery. An amazing array of fruit, vegetables and flowers are grown in Yunnan all year round.
For centuries the province remained an independent kingdom despite the Han Dynasty's attempts at invasion. In the 13th century, Yunnan was conquered by Kublai Khan and the Mongols ruled the province for a century or so, before being overthrown by the Ming dynasty. Yunnan has stayed somewhat isolated from mainstream Chinese culture due to its location "South of the Clouds" (yu nan) but is strategically important because of its position at the crossroads of Asia and China.
Yunnan is still a remarkable contrast to the rest of the country although it now has good communications and accessibility. Kunming, the capital, is a melting pot of all the province's history and influences rich with well restored temples, and natural wonders such as Stone Forest and Lake Dianchi. Lijang is in the heart of Naxi minority country amid the mountains. Dali was the capital of the independent Nazhao Empire, is home to the Bai people and has a beautifully preserved old city. Xishaungbanna is the tropical home of the Dai People and borders the Mekong region.
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