I finally got around to visiting China on a research trip last month and I wondered what had taken me so long! Spring was a great time to visit with white magnolias standing out against the crumbling terracotta walls of Beijing and pear orchards awash with blossom.

I spent most of my time in the Southwest province of Yunnan, home to 25 different ethnic groups, a fascinating and beautiful area. Its southern latitude, astride the Tropic of Cancer, combined with its high altitude, gives it a gentle climate.

I visited the mountain town of stone and tile, Lijiang, home of the Naxi people. A quaint little town aglow with red lanterns when night falls. The stunning Snow Dragon Jade Mountain is a stone’s throw away and well worth a visit.

Next I travelled onto Zhongdian in the Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture and spent time at the nearby Songzanlin Monastery, a magical strangely hypnotic place with gold roofs clashing with the blue sky. The Banyan Tree and Angsana Hotels have just opened some fabulous properties in this area. All hotels blend perfectly with the traditional architecture of the region offering excellent service and comfort.

The food did not disappoint either. From azalea flower soup, deep-fried ginseng to delicious fried Yaks cheese of the Tibetan area, it was a truly exotic feast!

The Chinese people are very welcoming and are the perfect hosts. It is a truly amazing destination and one I can highly recommend!

Alison

For more information, email me at: Alison@magicorient.co.uk