Southwest China

Southwest China refers to the provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan and Tibet.

The spectacular topography and diverse ethnic mixture in Southwest China and Tibet have remained remarkably untouched by the modern world. Huge mountain ranges form watersheds between deep river gorges of the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween rivers, all of which emerge from their sources in Tibet. Sacred snow-capped peaks are reflected in jade green mountain lakes and remote monasteries tucked into the folds of the hills of the high Tibetan grasslands look down upon the distant black dots of the tents and yak herds of the nomads.

The scenery is vast and incredibly exciting and with improved roads, it is possible to cover an enormously varied area within a normal two-to-three-week holiday period.

Southwest China and Tibet set the stage for real adventures. Here you can visit Buddhist monasteries and Taoist temples, climb sacred mountains dotted with holy lakes, follow ancient pilgrimage routes and explore both cities and little-known villages. Half of China’s ethnic minorities have been living in this region for centuries. Their unique cultures and traditions have been well preserved till today, especially through various local festivals. Come and see them before they change forever.