Living in a shrinking global village, people need to become acquainted with other cultures in order to take advantage of the opportunities provided in this new age of global interdependence. China, an ancient country with an over five thousand year old civilization has changed tremendously in the past twenty years. It plays a vital role in the world. As a result, many students choose study abroad programs in China to learn Mandarin or Chinese culture. Those programs aim to give students an authentic insight into modern day China as well as its traditional past. For students and travelers on a China tour or Chinese language programs, Yunnan Province has a lot of significance for its great diversity of land and numerous cultures.
Yunnan is a world of mountains and the home of many rivers. Ancient people referred to the distant and mystic Yunnan plateau as “rosy clouds appearing in the south”. Twenty-six ethnic groups are living in this province and among the twenty-five minorities, fifteen are exclusive to Yunnan. The different ethnic groups and their colorful customs create the variety and richness of Yunnan’s culture. In Yunnan, international students can explore the colorful minorities’ cultures and gain in-depth knowledge. For example one can go to Dali and taste Bai’s “three-course tea” or go to Lijiang to experience Mosuo’s “walking marriage” and more.
Besides having an unparalleled diversity of cultures, Yunnan also has many historical and beautiful places that would attract any foreign visitors to China. In the northwest of Yunnan, a UNESCO World Heritage site named Lijiang Town, lies at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Lijiang boasts of many breath-taking and wonderful sights. On the other side of Yulong Mountain is the world famous, Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Dali ancient town, located between ErHai Lake and CangShan Mountain, is comparable to Lijiang’s natural beauty and cultural history. It lives up to the reputation of being a “famous historical and cultural city”.
In Yunnan, one can also trek to Xishuangbanna and experience the tropical rainforest landscape, rich in Theravada Buddhist culture. The Manfeilong Pagoda is perhaps the most famous historical sight in Xishaungbanna.
Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is the ideal place that attracts students from around the world to learn Mandarin. Kunming falls in the Mandarin speaking region and hence provides plenty of opportunities to practice and learn Mandarin. Besides the good language environment, Kunming’s fantastic climate is also attractive. Its pleasant climate has earned it the nickname of “Spring City”. Kunming, also a famous historic and cultural city, has developed very fast because of its fantastic climate and cultural diversity.