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Yunnan province has perhaps one of the longest and most fascinating histories of any province in China. In fact, settlements have been dated as far back as a million years from human ancestor remains discovered during the building of the Chengdu-Kunming railway in 1965. Its modern population includes 25 ethnic minorities and demonstrates a cultural richness and diversity that rivals any destination, a result of centuries of conflict and cooperation with its neighbors. If you plan your Yunnan trip, you had better learn history of Yunnan.

Yunnan Culture

Ethnic Groups in Yunnan
Yunnan has the most ethnic minorities in China, which make up about 1/3 of the province's population. Of China's 55 ethnic minorities, the province is home to 51 and 25 of them exceed populations of 5,000. Local Yunnan People are always friendly and warm-hearted.
Best places to learn Ethnic Minority culture in Yunnan
These ethnic minorities live together over vast areas in the region while some live in individual concentrated communities in small areas. The residences of the ethnic minorities are various and characteristic; their clothes are colorful and distinctive; some of them have their own languages and writings. Last, but not least, they celebrate varied and colorful festivals.

Baisha Ancient Naxi Village	Zhoucheng Bai Village	Tuancun Village

The most famous ones include the Torch Festival of Yi Nationality, the March Fair of Bai Nationality, the Water-splashing Festival of Dai Nationality, the Zongge Festival of Jingpo Nationality and the Knife Pole Festival of Lisu Nationality, etc. 

Ancient Towns in Yunnan Province
There are also many ancient towns in Yunnan Province,which attract tourists from home and abroad. Lijiang Old Town, Dali Ancientt Town,Jianshui Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town... are the most famous towns in Yunnan Province.

Lijiang Ancient Town	Shuhe Ancient Town	Jianshui Ancient Town