PG ~ Professional Geek

 Xishuangbanna, China

Skip smog-choked cities — and face masks — and head out to China’s wild frontier.

With pollution skyrocketing in China’s showcase cities, visitors to the country are increasingly seeking out greener pastures to explore. Set deep in the tropics of southern Yunnan province, Xishuangbanna is about as lush as you can get — the region boasts the richest biodiversity in China, including some of the country’s last wild elephants. In February 2013, the area went upscale with its first five-star hotel — the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa, which organizes tea-leaf picking trips in mountainside plantations. More action-oriented experiences are possible, as well, such as the tour groupWildChina’s jungle biking trips or treks along the caravan route plied by tea traders centuries ago.