Simao region lies on a vast and relatively low mountain plain in southern Yunnan, sharing border with Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. More than 43% of its land area is covered by forests, which host a mild climate that receives plenty of rainfall. Simao region includes ten counties, which are inhabited by forteen distinct ethnic minorities, such as Yi, Hani, Dai, Lahu, Wa, Bulang and Yao. For years it was a hotbed of malaria, though it is fairly safe these days.
In the surroundings of Simao city, is Meizi Lake Park. You can get there by bus or by bicycle. In the back gate area of the park there is a big water-flowing aqueduct, arch-crossing two small mountains.
Jinggu Dai-Yi Autonomous county is 172 kilometers north of Simao city. A bus can take you there, passing through Pu’er, a town famous for its tea. Jinggu is known for two buddhist pagodas standing guard over Guanmain Temple.
The one on the left, is inlaid with 21 layers of stone carvings of Dai Biblical stories, and birds and animals. 
The one on the right is similar, but the stone carvings tell different stories. This pagoda encircles a tree, which rises from within, roots and vines squeezing through all the sides of the pagoda.
