A Conversation With Our Yunnan Travel Guide, Huang Huaihai
China is an utterly captivating destination. We have many friends on the ground, allowing us to create extra-special private experiences in some of the country’s remotest regions with the best expert guides. One hidden jewel is the Yunnan province in the south-west, an extraordinary land of snow-capped mountains, rice terraces and lakes. We asked our favourite Yunnan travel guide, Huang Huaihai, to tell us about his passion for his homeland and why our clients should go there. His answers are below:
Where are you from in China?
I am from the city of Lijiang in the Yunnan province.
What was it like growing up in Yunnan?
It was paradise – good weather, delicious food and kind people.
How did you become a guide?
I have always loved travelling since childhood. My first trip was with my father to Kunming to see my uncle in 1986. Although it was difficult to travel at that time, I was so fascinated to see new things on the way. When I left my teaching job, it felt like an exciting next step to accept the offer of being a guide.
What do you love about Yunnan?
Yunnan has probably the largest variety of ethnic minority cultures, cuisines, landscapes and climates in all of China. Most of the 52 ethnic minorities have their own languages, culinary traditions or even religions. In different seasons, there are many kinds of ceremonies and festivals held here. Weekly markets are fun to visit, where locals gather to sell and buy things or just to have a chat. I also enjoy hiking with friends in the mountains.
Why should our clients travel here?
They should come to Yunnan for the unique experience of encountering minority cultures and the fabulous scenery. We have deep canyons, mighty rivers, peaceful old towns, high mountains, flowers and beautiful treks.