Under $100: Yunnan, China

Yunnan, China, spans approximately 394,000 square kilometers and has a population of 45.7 million. Yunnan attracts visitors due to its beautiful landscapes and cultural diversity.

Grab a Western breakfast at the popular N’s Kitchen Upstairs. The restaurant is open from morning until night and specializes in Western dishes. For Western travelers it might be nice to take a break from trying new foods to chow down on something familiar. The prices are fair; plan to spend around $12 for a breakfast and coffee.

Start the day with a history lesson. The Dali is the historic center of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms. This area will teach visitors everything they need to know about the unique history of the land. It also explains why the providence is so diverse. It’s free to walk around the neighborhood and learn from the locals.

Another must-see neighborhood is Chuxiong, the home of the Yi ethnic minority and their ancient town. Walking through makes travelers feel like they’ve stepped back in time.

Get great food for cheap prices at JianXinYuan. There are multiple locations around the city since this is a popular chain restaurant in China. It’s the best place to try local specialties. A bowl of noodles will cost less than $10. It’s a great way to fill up after a busy morning.

Finish off the day exploring Yuanyang, a city in the mountains. One look at the vast, rice-terraced mountains and you’ll understand the pull of Yunnan.

For travelers that don’t know a ton of Mandarin, Hongdouyuan Restaurant is a good option for dinner. All the dishes have an accompanying picture to help travelers make a decision. Prices are reasonable; for a full meal plan to spend around $30 or less.