Off the beaten track

Getting out into Yunnan province's remote villages allows tourists to see colorful ethnic lifestyles and breathtaking scenery, Liu Xiangrui reports from Kunming.

Many people's first trip to Yunnan province in Southwest China starts with its most popular attractions, such as the ancient towns of Dali or Lijiang, or the heavenly Shangri-La.

My initial exploration of the beautiful province began in two less-crowded places.