If you are looking for an organized trip to Yunnan, you are in the right place. Traveling in China can be complicated by the language barrier so the route includes an experienced guide who has lived in Yunnan for years and will make your trip much easier. Also, getting around China, looking for stations, buying…
If you are thinking about going to work as an English teacher in China, you are wondering what it must be like and what requirements are needed; here I am going to tell you a little about my experience during the 3 years I was working for a Chinese school in the city of Kunming,…
Here is a list of the best of Yunnan; the essential places to visit if you are planning a trip to Yunnan. Yunnan is a province in southwestern China that is known to be the most diverse in the whole country. Every year, more and more people are coming to Yunnan to learn about its…
Have you ever heard of Kunming? Do you know where Kunming is and what to see in Kunming? Kunming is the capital of the Yunnan Province, located in southwestern China. It has a population of approximately 7 million inhabitants and a temperate climate year-round. The first thing I knew about Yunnan Province was what I…
During my stay in Yunnan (China), I crossed the land border between China and Vietnam, passing through Hekou (Yunnan, China) and Lao Cai (Vietnam). It had been five years since my first visit to Vietnam, and I was eager to return. We spent two weeks visiting Vietnam and returned to China via the same border,…
Living in China is quite an experience and, after 7 years in China, if there is one thing I have been able to prove is that this country is so different that it surprises you every day. Even when you’ve been there for a while, and you think you’ve seen it all, suddenly, it surprises…
Here is a guide for traveling to China, with a few tips for traveling to China and things you should know before you go: general information about the country, how to get a visa, what places to visit, tips for preparing your trip to China, and some curiosities that may help if you decide to…
I went on a trip to Sichuan to see the province just north of Yunnan, where I have lived for years, working as an English teacher in Kunming. Western Sichuan (四川) not only borders Tibet, but is an area that formerly belonged to a region of Tibet until 1955 when it was annexed to Sichuan…
Many people ask me about which route to take in Southeast Asia and how long to stay in each country. The reality is that there are hundreds of combinations depending on your time, what you want to visit, what you are willing to spend and your preferred mode of transportation. One of the most fashionable…
Jinghong (景洪) is the capital of Xishuangbanna Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳). Located in China, in the southwest of Yunnan, 400km from Kunming, Xishuangbanna borders Laos and Myanmar. They call it the “little Chinese Thailand” thanks to the cultural and architectural heritage left by the Dai ethnic minority. At the time of feudal China, because of continuous wars, much…
The Old Town of Lijiang is located in Yunnan Province (云南), approximately 500 km from Kunming and 190 km north of Dali, another well-known city in Yunnan. Lijiang is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and its well-preserved Old Town. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as…
The ancient city of Dali is one of the most visited towns in Yunnan by both Chinese and foreigners. It has a history dating back more than 4,000 years. However, it was consolidated as a city in 738 AD when it was established as the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom (738-902 AD). Almost the entire…
400 years old, Wengding is reputed to be the best-preserved village in all of China. After the Monihei festival, we went to Wengding (翁丁村). This village has the privilege of being the best preserved Wa village in China and it is even said to be the last real tribal village left in China. From Cangyuan…
Monihei（摸你黑）is a mud festival held in southwestern Yunnan, specifically in Cangyuan, a city bordering Myanmar. The tradition of this festival is based on spreading mud on people to spread health and prosperity. It’s believed that the more muddy you get, the better. Held every May 1 and 2, this festival comes from the Wa ethical…
When it comes to traveling, the destination matters, but also the means and the good company. In my case, this was going to be my first cycling trip through China (Yunnan), in company of good friend. We had two weeks of vacation, it wasn’t much, but it was enough to get us where we wanted…