Wenhai (China)

Situated to the south of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, it's the perfect place from which to explore the Alpine Wetlands Nature Reserve, home to an incredible range of plant and animal life.

Wenhai Lake is a seasonal lake that dries during hot weather to form a marshland. When the rains arrive, in July and August, it bursts into bloom and attracts bird species including rare black storks.

The valley is home to the Naxi and Yi people, who continue to live off a rural economy. The Naxi live around the lake, an existence that is marked by music, dance and traditional architecture.

You can stay over in an eco-lodge run by a co-operative of 56 Naxi families.