The Rough Guide to Southwest China

The Rough Guide to Southwest China by Rough Guides. paperback edition. ISBN: 9781848364820.

The Rough Guide to Southwest China is the essential, full-color guide to Chinas most compelling region, from tropical rainforests to the snowbound heights of the Tibetan plateau and the mighty Yangzi River. Inside its modern cities youll find lively restaurants and teahouses, busy streets and trendy bars. Further afield are historic old towns and trade roads, once trodden by merchants, Communist guerillas, third-century warriors, and European plant-hunters. Limestone peaks, caves, waterfalls, and the worlds largest sinkholes compete for your attention alongside rare monkeys, birds, and — of course — pandas. Half of Chinas fifty-six recognized ethnic groups live in the region, too, including Tibetans, Miao, Dong, Yi, Bai, and Dai, enlivening the countryside with wooden villages, monastery towns, extreme rice terracing, exquisite textiles, and exuberant festivals. Visitors can join pilgrims circuiting lamaseries, get a close-up view of monumental Buddhist sculptures, and climb holy mountains.