If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting distant China, here’s one more story from the ground to inspire you—this time, from Igor, whose journey through the province of Yunnan turned into a life-changing adventure.
Living in China has been nothing short of fascinating, a completely different culture, mentality, food, customs—everything!
No matter how mentally prepared you are for the unfamiliar, there’s no way to truly anticipate the feeling of stepping into a civilization so unlike your own. But that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.
For Igor, this wasn’t just a trip—it was a much-needed shake-up in perspective.
A Trip South: Where Palm Trees and Pine Trees Share the Streets After settling into Shanghai, Igor knew one city wouldn’t cut it. So he ventured southwest, to Yunnan, a lush province near the border with Myanmar. What he found was a region full of contrasts:
Imagine walking down a street lined with palm trees—right next to evergreen pines. It’s surreal. You’ve got the crisp mountain air and subtropical sunshine all in one place.
With elevations over 1,500 meters above sea level, the winter days are warm enough for short sleeves, while evenings invite a light sweater. All this, while back in Shanghai, temperatures hover just above freezing.
A Feast of Flavors (and Fruits You Can’t Even Name)
Food, as always, is a gateway into the soul of a place—and Yunnan didn’t disappoint.
Even within China, the cuisine here is like stepping into another country. And the fruit? I’m not even sure what half of it was! Dragon fruit, starfruit, and strange apples that barely looked like apples—everything was juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor.
And the best part? You’re eating these tropical treats right where they’re grown.
Volcanoes, Hot Springs & Local Kindness
From volcanic villages in Tengchong, to natural hot springs and Fuxian Lake, Igor’s journey through Yunnan was packed with scenic gems—and made even more special by the warm, welcoming locals.
The hospitality here somehow exceeded even the already-high bar I had for Chinese generosity. Every step of the way, we were greeted with kindness, openness, and a willingness to show us their world.
So, Where Should You Go Next Winter?
If you’re someone who longs to escape the cold while immersing yourself in a culture unlike any other, Igor has one firm recommendation:
Go to Yunnan. Whether you’re chasing sun, serenity, or something new for the soul—you’ll find it here.
I can promise you; you won’t regret it.
Until his next adventure—Igor sends warm regards from the heart of China.
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