Yunnan Mekong Group marketing director Wang Mingxia says the group owns three scenic areas in Pu'er, Yunnan, including Sun-River National Park and Tea Horse Road Scenic Area.

"Attractions' group-traveler numbers were down by 95 percent in May compared with May of last year, since agencies have suspended interprovincial travel. Individual-tourist bookings decreased by 30 percent year-on-year during the period, following a gradual recovery."

Many visitors to Pu'er are from Yunnan. And many drive themselves. It's a popular destination for families, she says.

"The city is a good getaway to avoid the summer heat. And its healthy ecology attracts visitors who stay longer. Unlike such destinations as Lijiang, Pu'er is less commercialized and has maintained its authentic ethnic culture," she says.