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Xishuangbanna is known as the "Kingdom of Plants and Animals" and the "Hometown of Medicinal Herbs." Dai women sell distinctive Dai clothing, handicrafts, bamboo crafts, tropical dried fruit preserves, tea (Pu'er tea), and other local specialties in both scenic areas and the city. The prices are excellent, so bargaining is encouraged. Xishuangbanna also boasts a wealth of jewelry and jade, so careful selection is recommended.
This plant, a member of the Agave family, grows in the Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden in Xishuangbanna. It's considered the longest-lived tree on Earth. A cut through its bark releases a blood-like sap, hence the name "Dragon Blood Tree." This sap is processed into "Rain Forest Brand" Dragon Blood Capsules, which are highly effective for treating injuries, rheumatism, gout, and gynecological ailments.
Tongba, or shoulder bags, are woven with various hand-woven and cotton threads. They are over 30 centimeters long and 20 centimeters wide. Floral, bird, animal, or geometric designs are woven on the front, back, and sides, and the bottom is embellished with colorful tassels. Their vibrant colors, fine workmanship, and distinct ethnic characteristics make them a favorite among tourists.
Called "Maguan" in Dai language, these toys were originally used by men and women to express affection and entertain themselves during the "Dai Bag Throwing" (dumping) festival, but later became a unique souvenir with ethnic characteristics. In Jinghong, you can see colorful, small, and exquisite Dai flower bags hanging from the chests of tourists everywhere.
The tropical fruits here include mango, lychee, longan, pineapple, pomelo, jackfruit, passion fruit, carambola, watermelon (available in winter and spring), papaya, guava, etc. There are countless varieties. Some fruits are more common, while some fruits can only be found in Xishuangbanna.
Xishuangbanna boasts six ancient tea mountains, making it one of China's oldest tea production areas. Menghai boasts a 700-year-old ancient tea tree, producing premium tea. These six mountains each produce the purest Pu'er tea, along with other varieties such as Nannuo Baihao, Foxiang Tea, Yunhai Baihao, Ganglu Tea, and Xuanyun Tea.
Arabica coffee is an important coffee variety in Xishuangbanna. Its rich aroma has a unique sweet aftertaste that is incomparable to coffee produced in tropical Africa.
Banna carpets are a type of Chinese hand-woven wool carpet with a unique local ethnic style. The patterns are ingeniously designed and the styles are exquisite.
Miracle fruit is a fruit that alters your sense of taste. It's said to have been brought back by Premier Zhou Enlai during a visit to a small African country. It was later given to botanist Cai Xitao, and this exotic fruit took root in the botanical garden. There are only two such trees in Xishuangbanna. Miracle fruit typically ripens between June and July, and when ripe, it resembles a cherry in size and color, with a slightly sweet taste. Amazingly, after eating miracle fruit, any sour food will taste sweet. Miracle fruit is now available for sale at the botanical garden for about 5 yuan per piece.