Explore China's Extraordinary China has a long history of cultural heritage which has always been attractive to tourists. Traveling to the land of ethnic minorities in Chi-na is a special experience. It provides just what an increasing number of tourists are demanding now -- real contact with their destination.Guizhou Province is home to dozens of ethnic minority groups. Guizhou Province is unfamiliar to many travelers and tourists. However, the pe-culiar natural scenery, remarkable national cus-toms, brilliant history, culture and the pleasant climate condition form a unique, aboriginal, un-sophisticated and mysterious landscape which is attracting more and more tourists, both domestic and international. One of the largest ethnic mi-nority groups is the Miao. Over 3 million people, half of China's Miao population, live in Guizhou. With a history of over 4,000 years, the Miao are one of the oldest of China's minority groups. Liv-ing mainly in mountainous regions, the Miao people live off farming and animal husbandry. They are famous for their hospitality and com-munity spirits. Families will work on each other's farms during harvesting or planting seasons and during construction projects, half of the village will show up to help on the project. As with all Chinese minority groups, the Miao have distinctive and beautiful clothing. Of special note are the headdresses worn by the women. Because the Miao people did not have a

Extraordinary Cultural Diversitywritten language many of their legends, religion and stories are incorporated into their embroi-dery designs. The Miao have numerous festivals each year which are lively, colourful and visitors are always graciously welcomed to join in the festivities.Yunnan Province is endlessly fascinating. Situ-ated in the southwestern borderland of China it is noted for magnificent landscapes, agreeable climate and fascinating life style of its ethnic people There are 25 different ethnic minorities in Yunnan, making it the most culturally diverse province in China. This multiplicity of cultures has endowed the province with a rich heritage that is shares with all who come to visit. There is al-ways something wonderful to see and do here. Whether you are visiting a Dongba village, the Dai Water Splashing Festival, the Third Month Fair of the Bai Nationality, or the Torch Festi-val of the Yi people, you will find that Yunnan is a place that celebrates life. Other festivals include the Sword Pole Festival (Daoganjie) of the Lisu people and Munao Zongge Festival of the Jingpo people will immerse tourists in a sea of joy and excitement. Yunnan is also a natural museum. Different to-pography and climate have formed in Yunnan a unique biosphere ranging from the tropical to the frigid. The province leads China in number of plants and animal species.