Lack of rainfall in Yunnan is old news

Six years ago, I took a two-week trip to Yunnan province, which is famous for its mild weather, abundant rainfall and tropical vegetation. I toured such popular tourist destinations as Lijiang and Dali and visited Cangyuan county in the southwestern part of the province, bordering Myanmar.

Cangyuan county officials complained about the area's poverty and backwardness, but I was impressed with the lush vegetation that covered much of the mountainous county.

I was even more amazed when I toured the Nangunhe area, a national nature preserve under the county's jurisdiction. Within sight of the nature preserve's offices were pristine rainforests which were home to a large number of wild animals, including elephants.