Much of the area is covered by rainforest, which is home to a variety of animal and plant species. Rivers criss-cross the area’s warm, humid and hilly landscapes. The inhabitants belong to ethnic minorities that differ in culture and language from the prevalent ethnicity in China, the Han. In China, they are known for their pride and beauty. Far from the high-tech cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the valleys of their Panna give them the space to preserve traditions. Some have devoted themselves to handicrafts or agriculture. They make traditional products from natural, local resources that have the ancient power of Sipsongpanna. Well-known examples are the handmade Sipsongpanna paper, the wood craft and especially tea cultivation.