Southwest China's Yunnan Province is renowned for its mosaic of natural wonders, and especially for its rich tapestry of ethnic cultures. Celebrated as the "Kingdom of Plants and Animals," Yunnan boasts a stunning diversity of landscapes and species — a richness the result of the ecological wisdom passed down through generations. Long before the term "ecological civilization" entered the modern lexicon, the ancestors of the diverse ethnic groups in Yunnan embraced life rooted in harmony with nature. This enduring harmony between people and the land has long lent Yunnan its timeless appeal to travelers — worldwide.
Earlier this year, Yunnan unveiled six ecological-tourism routes, each welcoming visitors to explore the charm of its ecological treasures. Of the routes, "Deep in Rainforest, All Life Thrives" winds its way from the tranquil plateau lake, in Kunming, to the old tea forests in Pu'er, and then on to the lush rainforests in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. Women of China invites you, our readers, to journey along this corridor of green — to soak in the breathtaking landscapes, encounter living ethnic traditions, and discover how centuries-old wisdom continues to shape a modern ethos of ecological harmony.
Revived Plateau Lake
Hailed as the "Pearl of the Plateau," Dianchi Lake has long been a landmark of Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province. The lake weaves together a stunning natural scenery, rich biodiversity and deep cultural heritage. Due to years of dedicated ecological restoration, Dianchi has become a thriving wetland-based, ecological-tourism destination, for both locals and visitors.
As the lake's water quality has steadily improved, native species have begun to return. Aquatic plants, such as ottelia acuminata, which only live in high quality fresh water, have reestablished themselves in the shallows of Dianchi Lake. Some rare species of fish and birds have also reemerged, after years-long absences.
Each summer, the wetlands around the lake are blanketed in lush greenery. The lake's crystal-clear water mirrors the blue sky and drifting clouds, while a gentle breeze carries the scent of fresh vegetation across the lake. The picturesque greenway, encircling the lake, offers visitors an immersive experience. Whether they prefer walking leisurely, observing birds, or cycling through a scenic adventure, the greenway provides visitors with a unique perspective of the lake's charm.
Every winter, tens of thousands of black-headed gulls migrate to Dianchi from Siberia, Russia, to spend the cold months. The gulls circle and play over the lake's surface, creating a vibrant spectacle that has become one of Kunming's most beloved winter traditions.
Millennia-Old Tea Culture
Jingmai Mountain, deep in the mountainous area of Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, in Pu'er, is home to a millennia-old, tea-growing tradition. Here, ancient tea forests, traditional villages and diverse ethnic cultures are woven together in a landscape, which stands as a living testament to the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Nearly 1,000 years ago, the ancestors of the Blang ethnic group migrated to Jingmai Mountain, and they discovered wild tea trees in the dense forests. They settled down, and they began trying to grow tea with the ancestors of the Dai and other ethnic groups. Over generations, Blang and Dai people perfected a distinct method of growing tea beneath the forest canopy, with trees left standing to provide shade. Fallen leaves nourished the soil, the canopy protected the saplings, and the forest ecosystem thrived.
This "understory tea" wisdom has been passed down through generations, shaping not just tea cultivation, but a way of life rooted in ecological balance. In 2023, the Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of Jingmai Mountain, composed of old tea forests, ancient villages and protective forests, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming the first World Heritage site dedicated entirely to tea culture.
Nuogang Ancient Village, with a history of nearly 1,000 years, is hidden deep in Jingmai Mountain. It is a traditional Dai ethnic village, surrounded by forests and tea plantations. Nuogang takes its name from the Dai words "nuo" (pond) and "gang" (deer), a name from the days when wild deer gathered at its clear springs to drink.
For generations, the villagers have made their living from tea. The craft of growing, picking and processing tea is woven into the very fabric of daily life, and the air here is thick with the scent of sun-dried tea. The village itself is a living museum of traditional Dai-style, wooden-stilt houses, of ethnic customs, which have endured for centuries, and of the tea culture, which runs deep in the soil. The village has become a quiet magnet, drawing tourists and tea lovers alike.
Biodiversity Hotspot with Rainforests, Elephants
Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, located in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, is home to the most biodiverse tropical rainforest ecosystem in China. Dense, dripping with moisture and explosively alive, the reserve shelters an astonishing diversity of species. Among them, one giant stands out: Parashorea cathayensis, China's tallest broadleaf tree. Soaring to 80 meters — roughly the height of a 20-story building — these trees are so tall that, from below, you cannot even see their crowns. Locals call them the "giants of the forest."
Wangtianshu Scenic Area, nestled in the heart of the reserve, is an ideal place to appreciate these towering trees. The scenic area's most iconic and thrilling feature is the Aerial Canopy Walkway. Suspended more than 30 meters above the forest floor, the walkway is strung between the massive trunks of dozens of Parashorea cathayensis trees, offering visitors a bird's-eye view of an endless sea of green. From above, the rainforest reveals its complex layers; rare birds glide past, and the cool, misty air carries the scent of damp earth and leaves. It is an experience that perfectly blends adventure with awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Wild Elephant Valley, another highlight of the reserve, was once a crucial migration corridor for Asian elephants in southern Yunnan. Now, it is an ecological tourism destination that blends wildlife observation, environmental education and nature-based leisure.
Home to more than 100 wild elephants, the valley is one of China's most important habitats for the species, and the only place where visitors can observe them safely at close range. It is a magnet attracting nature lovers and wildlife photographers alike. Observation platforms are elevated on high walkways, tucked deep in the forest where elephants gather. The design keeps humans and animals at a safe distance; visitors look down, from above, as the elephants forage, drink, and socialize below, undisturbed. Early morning and dusk offer the best chances of a sighting, when the elephants are most active.
This route offers more than scenic variety. It offers a glimpse into a way of life shaped by generations of coexistence with the natural world; not a lesson to be learned, but a quiet practice, observed and honored, over centuries, and still very much alive today.
Photos from VCG
(Women of China English Monthly August 2026)
Editor: Wang Shasha
