ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the selection of the study area and specific study sites which are justified. It introduces the history and current status of China's ethnic minorities and ethnic tourism development from the national level to the local level. China has a long history of intrigue and strife over ethnic boundaries and separation and fusion of various cultures. Travel in China dates back thousands of years. It was a privilege of emperors, scholars or monks, but not an ordinary activity for common people nor was it an industry. Hemmed in by mountains and disadvantaged in accessibility, Yunnan is considered to be one of China's undeveloped areas with more poverty-stricken counties than other provinces because of its isolation, though the region is actually abundant in natural resources. Banna's subtropical climate, beautiful rainforest landscape, well-preserved Dai bamboo houses, frontier location, and multi-ethnic culture indicate great potential for tourism development.
