Administratively, Yunnan is divided into 16 prefectures. Some of those are autonomous prefectures for various ethnic groups. For the traveler, Yunnan can be divided into seven regions:

Kunming Prefecture

Without a doubt the heart of Yunnan Province. You will likely pass through here whether or not you want to in Yunnan.

Central Yunnan

West of Kunming and where the hills start becoming more rugged. This is a very popular region for backpackers. It includes Dali Prefecture and Chuxiong Prefecture.

Eastern Yunnan

Filled with the gorgeous scenery of the rolling hills of neighboring Guizhou and Guangxi transforming into the high, hilly plateau of Yunnan. This area includes many tourist sites not regularly visited by backpackers. It includes Zhaotong Prefecture, Qujing Prefecture, and Wenshan Prefecture.

Southeastern Yunnan

Amazingly diverse, in one day you could pass through arid badlands, lush pine forests, barren hills, rice terraces, and tropical rainforests. The urban centers in this area of Yunnan are very compact and it is quite easy to get around from city to city to see the sights. It includes Yuxi Prefecture and Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture.

Southern Yunnan

Geographically and ethnically part of Southeast Asia, but politically part of China. The jungle covers most of the terrain and this is probably the best region of China to escape the winter. It includes Simao Prefecture and Xishuangbanna, a major tourist area.

Western Yunnan

Home to some very rugged, off-the-beaten-path terrain. Once the location of the famed Burma Road, it is now one of China's most alluring destinations. It includes Lincang Prefecture, Baoshan Prefecture, Dehong Prefecture, and Nujiang Prefecture.

Northwestern Yunnan

A chunk of ancient and historic Tibet within Yunnan's provincial boundaries. Many travelers come here to experience Tibet without having to enter the actual province and follow the road to West Sichuan. You will find towering mountain ranges and fascinating local culture here. It includes Lijiang Prefecture and Diqing Prefecture.

Photo Credit: Wiki Travel

Reference: Wiki Travel

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