BEIJING, March 7, 2026 — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

A growing number of visitors to Southwest China’s Yunnan province are opting for extended stays and launching their own ventures, drawn by the region’s unique industries and pleasant living conditions, according to Wang Ning, secretary of the Communist Party of China Yunnan Provincial Committee and a deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress.

Official data indicates the province recorded 53 million tourist arrivals during the recent Spring Festival holiday. In the past year, approximately 5.5 million tourists, referred to locally as “sojourners,” have stayed in Yunnan for periods exceeding two weeks.

“We are particularly encouraged that an increasing number of individuals are putting down roots in Yunnan to start businesses. Captivated by the province’s distinctive appeal, they are pursuing an enhanced quality of life,” Wang stated, noting that Yunnan’s allure is found in its “purity, beauty, novelty and uniqueness.”

“The pristine environment nurtures simple hearts, which in turn foster pure aspirations. The cloud seas on Ailao Mountain, the tea forests of Jingmai Mountain, the clear waters of Fuxian Lake, alongside fireside chats, friendly market encounters, and community support, all help people rediscover their initial dreams and core motivations,” he explained.

He added that Yunnan’s stunning landscapes, breathtaking scenery, and diverse culture offer a boundless wellspring of inspiration for business creators. Traditional crafts, including Chuxiong’s Yi embroidery, Jianshui’s purple pottery, and Heqing’s silverware, are being rejuvenated by young entrepreneurs in their studios.

Wang also mentioned that Yunnan experiences annual transformations that create fresh prospects. The value of the provincial coffee industry has surged from under 10 billion yuan ($1.45 billion) to almost 100 billion yuan in just three to four years. Numerous sojourners have subsequently established coffee shops, managed plantations, and engaged in coffee livestream sales.

The province’s temperate climate, avoiding extreme cold in winter and intense heat in summer, is a significant attraction, “presenting substantial opportunities for health, wellness tourism, and outdoor activities,” he continued.

Yunnan’s strategic position as a gateway to South and Southeast Asia further enhances its appeal. The China-Laos Railway has consistently handled high levels of passenger and freight traffic.

“Anyone possessing a dream and the spirit of adventure can discover a niche in Yunnan,” Wang concluded.

Recently, the province has attracted a multitude of entrepreneurs and expatriates looking for a combination of cultural richness and commercial potential.

Following a decade in fast-paced Shanghai, Zhang Yu and his wife relocated to Dali, Yunnan, in 2019. Zhang was drawn to Dali’s reputation as a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community that offers a strong sense of belonging, complemented by scenic landscapes, ancient towns, and ethnic traditions.

In April of that year, the couple leased a courtyard near Dali Ancient City and renovated it into rental apartments. Their enterprise grew to encompass eight courtyards with roughly 100 rooms, all featuring kitchen facilities with a stove and refrigerator.

“Initially, our goal was simply to meet living costs. Later, we realized Yunnan offers an excellent environment for business,” Zhang remarked.

Chen Yuxin would regularly spend time in Dali annually while based in Beijing. In 2023, she relocated her company, Wonder Wander Coffee, to Dali to strengthen ties with the product source.

Chen reported hiring many capable local staff and being frequently invited to government-hosted tea meetings for resource sharing and problem-solving. Her business has been expanding at a rate of five times per year.

“I encountered a British couple who had been staying in Dali for a year. With their assistance, I am now introducing Yunnan coffee beans to the London market,” she added.

French traveler and chef Vincent Aguesse has resided in the provincial capital, Kunming, since 2015, where he married a local and started a French restaurant.

He finds Yunnan’s wild mushrooms to be the most exceptional product of the local terrain and weather. Each August and September, he incorporates fresh wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, with French culinary methods to develop fusion cuisine, such as chicken braised in white wine.

“Food has been my gateway to understanding, adapting to, and becoming part of life in Yunnan. However, my journey of discovering this region is still in its early stages,” he said.

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn