Slideshows Yunnan
Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture 迪庆藏族自治州

A small, but significant Buddhist temple above the Mekong. One of the southernmost Tibetan temples in China. Pictures are from 2009.

This endangered species inhabits the high forests of North-West Yunnan. North of Tacheng 塔城 in Weixi County 维西县 a protected area has been established where a small group used to humans can be quite easily seen.

A beautiful pilgrimage path leads up to the Dharma Master Cave 达摩祖师洞 high in the mountains of Weixi county.

Southwest of Deqin 德钦, between the snow mountains Mt. Taizi 太子雪山 and Mt. Baima 白吗雪山, the Mekong has cut a deep arid gorge, with only isolated settlements along the river or in the verdant side valleys, such as Hongpo 红坡.

Shangri-La's premier attraction, Pudacuo National Park, is a riot of colours in autumn. Just do not expect any solitude.

Lisu dress up for the Achimugua 阿尺木刮 or Goat Dance festival in Yezhi, Weixi County 维西县叶枝镇.

Tongle Village 同乐村 is a Lisu village near Yezhi Township in Weixi County 维西县叶枝镇, entirely built from wood and protected from development. Inside life is like is has been for ages, if one ignores the poster of Xi Jinping on the wall.

Panorama along the 金沙江 between Tuoding 拖顶 and Jinjiang 金江 during the rainy season.

Beautiful scenery along the Zhubaluo River, a Jinsha tributary disgorging from the slopes of Mt Baimang.

Tibetan midsummer festival celebrated around the full moon day of the seventh lunar month.

The central meat market in Zhongdian.

Late July is the season for the tasty Matsutake or 松茸. To this market on the outskirts of Zhongdian locals come to sell their pickings to the highest bidders, every mushroom assessed individually, the best morsels fetching more than 20Y.