Yunnan has some of the most magical and diverse scenery in all of China. There are endless trekking opportunities in the south’s tropical rainforests, and in the north, snow-capped Tibetan peaks hide dozens of tiny villages and temples rarely visited by tourists. Here come the 10 beautiful fairylands which impress and intrigue you.

1. Shuoduhai Lake

The first thing that hits most visitors to Shuoduhai Lake, is the sheer beauty of the spot. The lake is known for its clear water, and the peaceful environment of the area around here. As the source of the Shuoduogang River, the lake is 3705m above sea level and covers an area of 15 square kilometers. The lake abounds in unique species of fish, with double lips and a golden color.

2. The First Bend of the Yangtze River

The First Bend of the Yangtze River lies in Shigu Town, Lijiang. Rushing down from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, "the roof of the world", the Yangtze surges into Yunnan from its northwest, where it meets Lancang River and Nu River.

3. Dongchuan Red Earth

Dongchuan, a rural place in the Wumeng Mountainous area, about 180km north of Kunming, becomes very famous among Chinese photographers for its red soil. The brilliant red soil, the yellow buckwheats and the dramatic skies make the region around Dongchuan a paradise for photographers.

4. Luoping Rape Flower Field

The county of Luoping sits 220 kilometers east of Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. In February, the entire county transforms into an ocean of rape flowers, a sight so extraordinary that it draws tourists from around the world specifically to take in this spectacle of nature. Allured by the aroma, waves of butterflies and bees flit across the vast rape flower fields.

5. Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake lies 200 kilometers from the center of Lijiang City, on the border between Ninglang County in Yunnan Province and Yanyuan County in Sichuan Province. The lake is like a beautiful pearl shining among the hills of the northwest plateau in Yunnan. The lake is in the shape of a horse's hoof - long from north to south, and narrower from east to west. The vista of the lake changes constantly throughout the day. The morning mist mixed with the light of the rising sun gives the lake an orange glow covered by mist. When the light of sun causes the hills to throw their shadows onto the water, the lake has a jade green color. The lake is calm and dark green in the evening when the sun sinks, and is peaceful when night comes.

6. Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces

Yuanyang rice terraces are without any doubt the most beautiful and spectacular paddy fields around China! Located all around Yuanyang Old Town, those rice fields have been carved on the Mountain by the Hani people for centuries. Catch a sunrise or sunset on those terraces full of water are one of the greatest highlights to any trips in China.

7. Haifeng Wetland of Zhanyi

Located at Zhanyi county of Yunnan Province, the less-traveled Haifeng Wetland is geografically remote, while ecologically affulent.Well-grown water plants, flocks of migrant birds as well as luxuriantly green hills make it a paradise for photographers.

8. Golden Meri Snow Mountain

Meri Snow Mountain, also known as Prince of Snow Mountains, located in 10 km north-east away from Deqin County of Yunnan Province. There are totally 13 peaks as high as more than 6,000 meters above sea level. They are called “The 13 Prince Peaks” by local people. The crystal glacier extends from the peak all the way to the forest area at an altitude of 2700 meters, which forms the most spectacular low-latitude monsoonal oceanic glacier in the world. A streak of scarlet light pierced the dark clouds, revealing over 50 steep snowcapped summits, shining, dazzling and thrusting into the clouds like golden swords.

9. The Clay Forest in Yuanmou

The mystical Forest of Earth Pillars is situated in Yuanmou Town, on the north side of Yunnan Province. The nature scenery is a masterpiece carved by wind and rain. With the area of 800 Mu, there are more than 300 scenic spots, such as the golden pillars standing in great numbers, the jade belt surrounding the waist, full of grass growing on head in towering rage, the ancient castle standing strongly fortified.

10. Shangri-La

The area of Shangri-La provides the possibility to enjoy unforgettable moments without any stress and confusion but excitement while enveloped in a natural environment which is remarkable charming and overwhelmed in an aura of honesty and hospitality of the local ethnic group which is unforgettably touching. Shangri-La is also a paradise for mountaineers. There are nearly one hundred snowcapped peaks which are a constant challenge irresistible to mountain climbers.