We're contemplating a few week stint in Yunnan with our 20 month old later this summer in August.
We don't speak Chinese.

I have concerns about:

1) access to quality medical care with an English speaking provider (especially for our toddler). It looks like most hospitals are in Kunming, which is quite far away. There is no Int'l SOS clinic nearby either.

2) malaria/dengue—how real is the risk especially in xishuangbanna in August? This area is flagged as the only one in china with a malaria issue but I know things can be different on the ground. Do we all need preventative malaria meds?

3) Air quality—the air quality in yunnan looks generally much better than in other parts of China. True?

4)How child friendly is xishuangbanna? What can we do with a toddler there?

Is there such thing as a nanny or childcare service if we need some help?

Thanks!

If you're really worried about such things then you probably shouldn't make the trip. However, (1) English-speaking provider - probably not, unless you search the whole town; (2) unlikely but not impossible; (3) air quality good enough; (4) there are many children in Xishuangbanna. Nanny/child service - might be difficult to arrange for a short period, better you take care of your child yourself.

Banna, formally Jinghong, is pretty hot in summer. The Mekong Cafe: www.mekongcafe.cn can answer questions for you. Also help hire what and who you need.

I agree with Alien. This is china. Jinghong is kinda remote and what ever you expect in the way of Western services will be hard to find.

Oddly, cafes and bars are the primary sources for tourist info. MeiMei Cafe is another source. Both are listed on GoKunming.