The southwestern provinces are among the most alluring destinations in China. This region, though it is a rugged and mountainous region, lays claim to some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of China – from the remarkable Leshan Giant Buddha carved out of a hillside in the 8th century, to the highest of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China traditionally regarded as the the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, to Yunnan’s spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge and exquisite, lively ancient towns, incredible Stone Forest…