A delegation consisting of teachers and students from Taiwan toured Yunnan province from July 7 to 12, as part of the Colorful Yunnan Recreational Week.

The 18 guests came from primary schools, middle schools and universities, such as Fu Jen Catholic University, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages and Taipei Municipal Fuxing Senior High School.

The delegation visited Yunnan's signature scenic spots, including the Dali autonomous prefecture – the only prefecture home to the Bai ethnic group – famous for its Butterfly Spring and Erhai Lake. They also visited the well-preserved ancient city of Lijiang. Guests were able to sample ethnic customs, human landscapes and natural sceneries.

In Kunming, teachers and students visited the former site of the National Southwest Associated University, Yunnan Military Academy and Kunming No 3 Middle School. They talked with other teachers and students from the province about local culture and education.

After days of traveling, the guests from Taiwan talked of how they had gained a better insight into Yunnan and had made some new friends. They added that friendship and communication across the Straits had been strengthened.

The Colorful Yunnan Recreational Week was an annual event starting in 2004. In the past 11 years, more than 300 students and teachers from 140 Taiwan schools were invited to take part.

Edited by Jacob Hooson