Yunnan is one of China's most diverse and fascinating provinces. While Lijiang and Dali attract most tourists, there are lesser-known spots offering equally memorable experiences.
The Yuanyang Rice Terraces in the south of the province are an unparalleled visual spectacle. Built by the Hani people over centuries, these terraces change colour with the seasons and offer a dreamlike landscape at sunrise.
Shaxi is a town on the ancient Tea Horse Road that has preserved its original charm. Its central square, Xingjiao Temple and surrounding mountains make it a perfect destination to escape mass tourism.
Tiger Leaping Gorge, between Lijiang and Shangri-La, offers one of the world's most spectacular treks. The two-day trail takes you through vertigo-inducing scenery with the Yangtze River roaring hundreds of metres below.