Yunnan Resources

Yunnan, located in the southwestern part of China, is renowned for its diverse natural resources and stunning landscapes. With elevations ranging from the towering Kagebo Peak at 6,740 meters to the lowlands of the Honghe River Valley at 76.4 meters, the province is a hub for biodiversity. Yunnan is home to a vast range of plant species, including many unique to tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones, with 18,000 of China’s 30,000 plant species found here. The province also boasts rich mineral deposits, including significant reserves of zinc, lead, and tin, and has substantial hydro-energy potential due to its abundant rivers and lakes. Known for its colorful ethnic cultures and beautiful scenery, Yunnan also attracts tourists with its mild climate and environmentally clean atmosphere.

Elevation

Highest Point: Kagebo Peak in Deqin County, located on the Deqin Plateau, rises to an elevation of 6,740 meters.

Lowest Point: The Honghe River Valley in Hekou County, with an elevation of 76.4 meters.

Natural Resources

Yunnan is abundant in natural resources, earning the reputation as the “kingdom of plants,” a haven for wildlife, and home to significant non-ferrous metal and medicinal herb deposits.

Plant Diversity

Yunnan boasts a vast variety of plant species, surpassing any other province in China. It is home to:

Tropical, subtropical, temperate, and frigid zone plants.

A variety of ancient and derivative plants.

Introduced foreign species. In total, 18,000 of China’s 30,000 plant species can be found in Yunnan.

Mineral Resources

Yunnan is rich in mineral resources, with over 150 types of minerals discovered across the province. The potential value of the proven mineral deposits is estimated at 3 trillion yuan. The mineral composition includes:

40% from fuel minerals.

7.3% from metallic minerals.

52.7% from nonmetallic minerals.

The province has proved deposits of 86 types of minerals, located in 2,700 places. Key highlights include:

13% of the proven deposits are the largest of their kind in China.

Two-thirds of the deposits are the largest in the Yangtze River valley and southern China.

Yunnan ranks first in China for deposits of zinc, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, thallium, and crocidolite.

Hydro-energy Resources

Yunnan is blessed with abundant water resources:

The annual water flow originating in Yunnan reaches 200 billion cubic meters, which is three times that of the Yellow River.

An additional 160 billion cubic meters of water flow into the province from external sources.

This equates to more than 10,000 cubic meters of water per person, four times the national average. These vast water resources offer significant potential for hydro-energy development.

Tourism Resources

Yunnan is a popular tourist destination, offering a rich blend of:

Stunning landscapes.

Diverse ethnic cultures.

A mild and pleasant climate.

Environment and Current Issues

Yunnan’s high elevation contributes to:

Abundant sunshine and clear air. This combination creates an environmentally clean and enjoyable atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.