Southwest China, which owns unique local customs, is a natural scenic area with special charm. The following five cities recommended in the Southwest are the most representative tourist destinations for your China trip.
Chongqing is a well-known city with a history of more than 3000 years. It is the famous historical and cultural city in China. Chongqing is the birthplace of the Bayu Culture. Chongqing has many attractions: cityscapes, mountains, revolutionary sites, cultural relics, parks, scenic spots, and natural beauty. Chongqing is variously known as "foggy city", "mountain city", and "furnace city". The central urban area of Chongqing is wedged between the Yangtze River and the Jialingjiang River, surrounded by hills and mountains. With green hills and clear waters, the scenery is unique. Buildings are massed in picturesque disorder near the mountains and at the rivers's edge.
Enjoying a mild climate, Chengdu is an old city with a history of over 2,000 years. Chengdu provides access to some superlative local attractions: areas of glorious natural beauty such as Jiuzhaijou and Huanglong, the Panda Reserve and Breeding Institute, the sacred mountain of Emei, and Giant Buddha at Leshan. Chengdu has long been a center of business and industry in west China, prosperous in silk production. Brocade made in Chengdu and around is called Shu brocade, which now is a big brand among the silk products in China.
Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, is a natural fortress. The capricious weather and the hostile topography give Guiyang the resemblance of a castle in the mist. The moist, subtropical climate has brought abundance of flowers and trees to the city, earning it the name "City of Gardens". Guiyang is home to more than 30 minority ethnic groups including Miao, Buyi, Dong and Hui, etc. Consequently the city abounds with unique folk culture and traditions that give rise to many colorful ethnic minority activities. The life pace of Guiyang people is rather laid back compared to that of other cities. You will find that life here is altogether quite easy going!
Lijiang is the very city that has many magnificent natural beauties such as high mountains and deep valleys, snow on the mountains which never melt even in summer, and highland lakes. They will be exposed to specialized folklore of the ethnic Bai, Naxi, Tibetan and the Mosuo minorities in Yunnan. Lijiang Old Town is also called Da Yan Town, which is a best inhabitable city. Far different from the other old cities in China, this town is totally open without thick walls or any other guarding fences. Some people hold the view that this relates closely with the characteristic of Lijiang peoples openness. Walking through these well-preserved old houses, you may have the fantasy entering a past century.
Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region and has long been the center of politics, economy, culture and religion in Tibet. Lhasa means "holy land" in Tibetan language. The city has also been appointed as one of the 24 historical and cultural cities of China. The splendor and grandeur of the Potala Palace in Lhasa remains a world-famous symbol of the enigmatic power of politics and religion in this region. Despite this more and more people from every corner of the world are being attracted towards this vibrant city with its mysterious culture. Its unique scenery, long history, exotic culture, mystical religion and spectacular monuments will ensure your stay is unforgettable.