Yunnan province, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant ethnic cultures, showcased its tourism allure at the Ayutthaya Marathon 2025 in Thailand. The event, held on November 23 in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ayutthaya, was organized by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. The campaign aimed to attract global travelers by promoting a lifestyle that integrates tourism, culture, and local experiences. Highlighting Yunnan’s diverse culture and iconic snow-capped mountains, the initiative featured the slogan ‘So close, yet so stunning — come to Yunnan for snow-capped wonders.’ The marathon, themed ‘Celebrating Thailand–China Friendship Through Sports and Culture,’ drew over 3,500 participants from around the world. Attendees with Thai passports and marathon registration tickets were offered travel coupons to explore Yunnan’s four renowned snow mountains: Meili, Jiaozi, Shika, and Jade Dragon. These coupons are valid from December 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Dolhatai Dechakaisaya, a 57-year-old Thai resident and avid runner, expressed her excitement about Yunnan’s natural beauty and cultural richness, stating her eagerness to visit. Yunnan, often referred to as the ‘kingdom of plants and animals’ and the ‘world’s garden,’ has leveraged its cultural tourism reputation to attract both domestic and international visitors. In recent years, the province has upgraded its tourism offerings, leading to record-breaking tourism revenue of 1.14 trillion yuan ($158.7 billion) in the previous year, with over 6 million inbound tourists.
