Slideshows

Longwei Gate was once Xiaguan's city gate towards the north, the place where the caravan road to Tibet started. Today the area is Xiaguan's only remaining old part.

The white and blue tie-dye of the Bai in Zhoucheng is part of Yunnan's intangible cultural heritage.

The large Wenmiao and Wumiao Complex in Zhoucheng 州城 underlines the towns historic importance.

Depictions of Buddhist Hell in the Guanyin Temple 观音阁 in Zhoucheng 州城.

Puxian's Birthday celebrated in Dali, Bai style.

Shaxi's Xingjiao Temple is one of the oldest temples surviving in Yunnan, constructed in 1415 during the Ming dynasty. Particularly remarkable are the wall paintings under the eves.

Dada village starts its New Year activities.

Closing performance of an ancient Bai opera in Dada village, Yunlong.

In the remote mountain regions of Jianchuan and Yunlong county the temples are often very simple with the local Benzhu belief displaying an element of animism.

West Lake 西湖 is beautiful wetland area north of Dali, good for birdwatching.

In 2009, at the Shibaoshan Singing Festival, traditional dress in the Dali was more prevalent than it is today, and the dress was often still hand-made, rather than shop-bought.

A ferry with spectacular views operates on the Jinsha River near Baoshan Stone Town.