Feature: Global photographers embrace diversity in SW China's Yunnan

By You Huiyuan

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- As sunlight broke through the misty hills of Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, a group of photographers crouched among tea bushes, capturing farmers plucking fresh leaves as shutters clicked continuously.

In a photo tour in Yunnan, global photographers have embarked on a journey to experience firsthand Yunnan's breathtaking landscapes, diversified culture, and vibrant life.

Bin Bunna, a Cambodian reporter of Troyong News, was impressed by Yunnan's rich biodiversity. He said that the area has a high level of biodiversity with many rare and exotic plant and animal species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

“I went to the Elephant Valley, which has beautiful scenery and elephants, and saw elephants and monkeys, as well as many other interesting wildlife. Here, elephant dung can be used as paper for books and other items,” he noted.

With an area of only 4.1 percent of China's total land area, the border province boasts the most diverse biological and ecological system in the country. 

During the tour to experience the customs of Dai ethnic group, Ammee Parunyoo from Thailand said that although this is his first time to visit Xishuangbanna, he doesn't feel unfamiliar with it at all, as many of its cultural traditions, like the clothing, are quite similar to those of Thailand.

Piao Canxi, a journalist from South Korea, echoed his view, noting that “when I first came to Xishuangbanna, I felt like I was in Southeast Asia”. 

Another Thailand photographer Teerapong Jumnongpun said that he visited Xishuangbanna 12 years ago to experience the Water Splashing Festival. Now, 12 years later, he noticed that Xishuangbanna has witnessed great development, while its traditional ethnic cultures have been well preserved.

Yunnan is home to over 20 ethnic groups, making it a captivating destination for both domestic and international tourists. 

The province's tourism sector is thriving, with a focus on both preserving traditional cultures and incorporating modern developments to attract more global travelers.

This photo shows a view of the Starlight Night Market in Jinghong City of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Dec. 7, 2024. The night market is a destination to experience the customs of Dai ethnic group. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Tourists watch a performance at the Starlight Night Market in Jinghong City of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Dec. 7, 2024. The night market is a destination to experience the customs of Dai ethnic group. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Tourists visit the Starlight Night Market in Jinghong City of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Dec. 7, 2024. The night market is a destination to experience the customs of Dai ethnic group. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A tourist poses for photos at the Starlight Night Market in Jinghong City of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Dec. 7, 2024. The night market is a destination to experience the customs of Dai ethnic group. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Tourists take a ride on a hot air balloon at the Starlight Night Market in Jinghong City of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Dec. 7, 2024. The night market is a destination to experience the customs of Dai ethnic group. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)