Yunnan Province , referred to as "Yun" or "Dian" , is located in the southwestern border region of China, spanning 21°8’-29°15’ north latitude and 97°31’-106°11’ east longitude , with the Tropic of Cancer traversing its southern part. Covering a total area of 394,100km2 (accounting for 4.1% of China’s total land area ), it borders Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guizhou Province to the east, faces Sichuan Province across the Jinsha River to the north, adjoins Xizang ( Tibet) Autonomous Region in the northwest, shares a border with Myanmar to the west, and connects with Laos and Vietnam in the south and southeast respectively. Yunnan had 16 prefectures (cities) and 129 counties (cities and districts) under its administrative jurisdiction, with a total permanent resident population of 46.55 million by the end of 2024.
Yunnan Province features a mountainous plateau terrain with the highest point at an altitude of 6,740m and the lowest point at an altitude of 76.4m.It boasts 1,007 rivers each with a runoff area of over 100 km2, along with 9 major plateau lakes. The region exhibits distinct seasonal characteristics: small temperature variations throughout the year but significant daily fluctuations, clearly defined dry and wet seasons, and diverse climate types with pronounced three-D climate characteristics. Yunnan is endowed with abundant energy resources, particularly rich in hydroelectric and coal reserves with excellent development potential. Its geological resources are exceptionally rich, renowned for its non-ferrous metals and phosphate deposits, earning it the title “Kingdom of Non-ferrous Metals.” Yunnan has the highest number of wild animal species in China and is known as the “Kingdom of Animals”. It is the province with the largest variety of plants in China, enjoying the reputation of the “Kingdom of Plants”, “Treasure House of Medicines”, “Hometown of Spices”, and “Natural Garden”. Yunnan is famous both at home and abroad for its unique plateau scenery, tropical and subtropical border scenery and colorful ethnic customs.In Yunnan Province, there are 671 national-level scenic spots above A level, 12 national-level scenic spots, 8 national-level famous historical and cultural cities,22 national-level famous historical and cultural towns and villages, and 6 world heritage sites.
