Lancang River

澜沧江

The Lancang River flows through Qinghai, Tibet and Yunnan provinces, and becomes the boundary river between Laos and Myanmar at Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It was later called the Mekong River.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: "Yunnan Province, China (云南省)"

  • History: The Lancang River, known internationally as the Mekong River, originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through Yunnan before entering Southeast Asia. It has played a crucial role in regional trade, agriculture, and cultural exchange for centuries.
  • Architecture / Natural Features: The river is surrounded by dramatic gorges, cliffs, terraced fields, and lush forests. Various dams, bridges, and hydroelectric projects exist along its course, but the natural river landscapes remain striking in areas like Lijiang, Nujiang, and Pu’er.
  • Cultural Value: The Lancang River region is home to diverse ethnic minorities, including the Dai, Lisu, and Wa people. Traditional fishing techniques, river festivals, and folk customs along the river reflect deep cultural heritage. The river is also considered sacred in local beliefs.
  • Other Information: The river supports agriculture, transport, and tourism. Scenic spots along the river include waterfalls, gorges, terraced fields, and riverside villages.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: "Open 24 hours (river access; specific attractions along river may have 08:00 – 18:00)"

  • Ticket Price: "Free to view river
    Boat tours approx. 50–150 CNY per person depending on length and region"
    Scenic areas along river may charge 30–100 CNY"
  • Best Photo Spots: "Nujiang Gorge (怒江峡谷)
    Puer terraced fields along riverbanks
    Lancang River sunrise/sunset views from river bends or bridges"
    Time reference: Early morning or late afternoon for best lighting and misty river effect

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: "InterContinental Lijiang Resort (丽江洲际度假酒店)
    Puer Sofitel Grand Hotel (普洱索菲特大酒店)"
    Mid-range: "Lijiang Jinjiang Hotel (丽江锦江酒店)
    Puer Grand Hotel (普洱大酒店)"
    Budget/Boutique: "Local guesthouses along riverbanks (河边民宿)
    Nujiang Riverside Hostel (怒江河畔青年旅舍)"

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: "River fish hotpot (澜沧江鱼火锅)
    Dai-style grilled fish (傣味烤鱼)
    Sticky rice with local herbs (香草糯米饭)"
    Famous Spots: "Riverside local restaurants near Lijiang (丽江河边餐馆)
    Puer riverside eateries (普洱河畔餐馆)"

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • "Handwoven textiles from Dai and Lisu people (傣族和傈僳族手工织物)
    Local tea from Puer region (普洱茶)
    Ethnic handicrafts and jewelry (民族工艺品)"

Transportation

  • "Travel to major cities in Yunnan like Lijiang, Pu’er, or Nujiang by plane or train, then local bus or taxi to river access points
    Boat tours and ferries available in scenic areas
    Private car or tour packages recommended for remote gorges and terraced fields"

Nearby Attractions

  • "Nujiang Gorge Scenic Area (怒江峡谷) – approx. 1.5 km from local viewing point, accessible by road
    Terraced fields of Puer (普洱梯田) – approx. 1–2 km, accessible by local bus or taxi"

Tips for Visitors

  • "Bring sun protection and insect repellent for riverbanks
    Wear comfortable shoes for riverside walks
    Check water levels and seasonal conditions before boat trips
    Respect local customs and sacred sites of ethnic communities
    Best visit in spring and autumn for moderate climate and scenic beauty"

Recommended itineraries

  • "D1: Lijiang – Lancang River (丽江 – 澜沧江)
    Morning: Explore river gorges and terraced fields
    Afternoon: Riverside villages and local culture experience
    Evening: Sunset photography at river bend
    Stay overnight in riverside hotel"
  • "D1: Puer – Lancang River (普洱 – 澜沧江)
    Visit riverside tea plantations and ethnic villages along river
    Transportation: Local taxi or organized tour"
  • "D1: Nujiang Gorge – Lancang River (怒江峡谷 – 澜沧江)
    D2: Explore nearby ethnic villages and mountain passes
    Transportation: Private car or tour bus recommended for remote areas"

User Reviews

By scholar's spirit |

It is called the Lancang River in China and the Mekong River abroad.

By Star Fate |

The riverside scenery is very ordinary, Jinghong is not a big city

By Guo Jing |

Don't go, don't go, absolutely don't go. The dinner was terrible, all the dishes were cold, the show was average, half of the show was selling calligraphy and paintings, and a few of the paintings were given to tourists, who were definitely shills. The queues for boarding were chaotic, and getting off was even more chaotic. A huge crowd of people was forced to walk through a market full of vendors, and the aisles were narrow and crowded.

By China-TravelNote users |

The Lancang River is right next to Gaozhuang Xishuangjing and the night view is very beautiful.

By Flying Devin |

After the Lancang River accompanied us for a short distance, we went north and east, and it flowed south, and we met again on Road 214.

Seeing it was a bit exciting. The Lancang River flows through six countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its lower reaches are also one of Southeast Asia's economic hubs, the Mekong River. I've stood beside it in Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, and Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong River downstream flows slowly and quietly, like a peaceful old man, while the Lancang River upstream rushes rapidly, like a strong man.

Strangely enough, while we were still marveling at how muddy the Lancang River was, like the Yellow River, I thought, "That's not right. The Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos, isn't even that yellow." But after passing through the Weixi Lisu Autonomous Township, the water suddenly, as if by magic, became crystal clear. County Road 232 runs alongside mountains and rivers, almost parallel to the Lancang River. With its lush green mountains and picturesque waters, it's hard to imagine this is the same Lancang River we saw earlier, a red dragon. It's as smooth as a mirror. I mentioned earlier that the upper reaches of the Lancang resemble a powerful man, but here it resembles a graceful and elegant beauty.

By hyacinth |

It feels amazing to be standing by the river and playing now, what I learned in the textbooks when I was in school

By Eriol |

The Lancang River divides Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna, into the Water Splashing Square and the Gaozhuang. At night, the bridge and the flowing water are very quiet. It is very pleasant to walk or run along the river bank. In the afternoon, it feels like you are in Southeast Asia, in the tropical rainforest, and not like a river. The water is not fast and the river is relatively turbid. It is especially suitable for a stroll at night. There are Lancang River boat shows every day.

By Ning Xiaoxin |

Don't go, don't go, absolutely don't go! I can't stress this enough... First, the so-called onboard buffet is truly awful and feels unsanitary. Second, the performances are completely uninteresting. Even the transvestite show is uninteresting and feels shoddy. Finally, the river view is just average. I've cruised Chongqing's Two Rivers, Shanghai's Huangpu River, and Wuhan's Yangtze River... and after seeing this, I find it truly boring.

By Popsicles |

The main river in Xishuangbanna, the seventh largest river in the world, the part after it flows out of the border is called the Mekong River.

By Yang Shuhan-YOUNG |

The Lancang River flows slowly at your feet in the twilight. Tourists are scattered in groups of three or two on the river beach, looking small and blurry in the dusk.

I grabbed my camera and headed to the riverside. The rocky beach was covered with smooth pebbles of all sizes, making it wobbly as I walked.

Under the cover of night, the water of the Lancang River is a little turbid. At first glance, it feels a bit like the Yellow River under the White Pagoda Temple in Lanzhou. Looking around, apart from the buildings on the shore, there are only wildly growing tropical vegetation, and the familiar subtropical atmosphere hits you in the face.

By Little Demon |

No entrance fee, the water is very clear and the environment is great! ! ! Very good

By Ma Zhanying Eline |

We took the Dai King, which was a real rip-off and not recommended. We had a fruit meal on the third floor, which basically didn't have much to offer. They also prepared some extra dumplings, lemon juice, ice cream, etc., which were not the main point. The performance was on the third floor. Although it was called a performance, there was basically nothing really good to see. It was not at the same level as the evening party at Manting Park. Several dance performances were interspersed with the sale of calligraphy and paintings written by an artist, as well as performances by famous artists. Photography is not allowed in the whole city. If you take a photo, they will be very rude and use an infrared pen to take a photo of you. The purpose is that they will take a photo of you after the performance so that they can charge a fee. Then the scenery by the river was not that good-looking, and it did not make up for its shortcomings. So my old man and I felt like we were on a pirate ship, and the key was that we could not get off halfway. It was too commercial. Not recommended~

By echo travel notes |

There is a night market on the riverside at night, selling all kinds of barbecue and small handicrafts. Freshly squeezed juice is good and very cheap.

By Celtic |

It is called Lancang River in China and Mekong River when it is outside the country. Walking along the river in the summer evening is very comfortable. You can also take a night cruise.

By capital |

Take a night cruise, similar to other rivers, but with performances and special meals

By Keep Cool |

We came here for the Water Splashing Festival in April. There were a lot of people, and adults and children had a blast in the streets and alleys. It was a very happy trip.

By all |

I visited this place when I was wandering around Xishuangbanna. I walked along the river for a long time. It should be not far from the Thai style street. In the evening, I also walked to a night market selling a lot of food and beautiful coconut lanterns.

By Great hero |

Very nice place, the water is very cold.

By Return to Faith |

There is nothing special. The water of Lancang River is very clear and the current is fast. It goes directly through the city of Banna.

By Lazy Cat |

The Lancang River is the name of the upper Mekong River section within China. In Tibetan, "Lachu" means "deer river." It is one of the major rivers in southwest China, the seventh longest in the world, the third longest in Asia, and the longest in Southeast Asia.

By Avatar |

Xishuangbanna's mother river flows from Tibet to Thailand and Myanmar

By Southern Mung Beans |

Impression of Lancang River Cruise.

It was okay, completely outside the itinerary, an extra activity. There was a singing welcome on board, and a special dinner was served. If you liked it, you could add more. After dinner, we watched a performance on the third floor. The performance of "Drinking from the Same River" showcased the characteristics of six nearby countries. There were also famous artists.

By China-TravelNote users |

It's worth watching, it reminds people of the plots in those drug trafficking TV series, which are a bit thrilling.

By Yaoyao Bird |

The night view of the Lancang River is incredibly beautiful. The boat trip is also very lively, with singing and dancing, and you can also taste the local specialties.

By Bizarre |

It's just okay. Anyway, I don't think it's necessary to spend more than 200 dollars on a ship.

By MIC |

The Xishuangbanna Bridge is beautiful. The bar street on Binjiang Road is beautiful. It's well built. It's nice to sit by the river, enjoy the breeze and daydream.

By Happy Ranger |

The Lancang River is an international river, known as the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. It flows through the most countries in Asia, flowing through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is the sixth longest river in the world, with a total length of 4,900 kilometers. The Lancang River flows for 158 kilometers in Xishuangbanna. The ancient Dai people called it "Nan Lan Zhang," meaning "the river where millions of elephants breed."

By Meeting a Beauty Again in Troubled Times |

It is very spectacular. It is called Lancang River in China and Mekong River outside the country.

By Silent Mountain |

The Lancang River is the name of the upper reaches of the Mekong River in China. It is also one of the major rivers in southwest China. It is the sixth longest river in the world, the third longest river in Asia, and the longest river in Southeast Asia. It is a must-see scenic spot in Xishuangbanna.



The Lancang River originates from the Tanggula Mountains in Qinghai Province, flows through Qinghai, Tibet and Yunnan provinces, and becomes the boundary river between Laos and Myanmar in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It was later called the Mekong River.

By OmenXIII |

Sitting in a kayak? Patrolling on the river, I was impressed by it.

By Flower meets food |

I like Xishuangbanna, both the scenery and the food are very, very good.

By 1920 Art Museum |

The Lancang River is well protected and has great water quality. It is called the Mekong River when it leaves Mengla. The river water rises and falls at any time, and there are many pebbles~~~~~~

By Orange Ocean |

The water quality is average, the night view is also average, and boat trips are not recommended.

By small fish |

The Lancang River is an important river in the Hengduan Mountains region and is also China's longest north-south river, a key river for hydropower development.

By Soy Sauce Bear |

The water is so clear, it's a shame to let it flow south. We should build more dams. It would be great if this water could be transferred from south to north.

By 2B pencil with attitude |

The pictures are all larger than 8M and cannot be uploaded. I am very depressed. Let me just say briefly that it is not bad. There is not much water in the river in winter, and the river flows relatively slowly. The name is very loud.

By Travel-Xiao A |

It is called Lancang River in China and Mekong River abroad. It is very pleasant to blow the breeze by the river and watch the night view of the bridge at night.

By 9 carats |

Lancang River is the name of the upper reaches of the Mekong River in China. In Tibetan, it means "Lacang River". It is also one of the major rivers in southwest China. It is the seventh longest river in the world, the third longest river in Asia, and the longest river in Southeast Asia. This is Jinghong.

By chunchun_lee1107 |

The big yellow duck on the Lancang River is so cute, hehe!

By JiaJia Zhang Xiaojia |

Depart from the hotel at approximately 9:00 AM for Jinghong Port, a pier not far from the Xishuangbanna Bridge. Legend has it that the ancient Dai king used this mode of transportation. Xishuangbanna's beauty is inseparable from the nourishment of the Lancang River. Southeast Asia's longest river flows gently through Xishuangbanna before exiting China. Now it's right before your eyes. Embark on a speedboat journey through the rainforest landscapes that stretch along the Lancang River. Under vast skies, under vast waters, under shimmering sunshine, surrounded by verdant mountains, the rafting experience is a thrill and a thrill.

By chen05266 |

At night, the Lancang River appears magnificent and prosperous, reflected by the brightly lit tourist hotels and the mirror-like surface of the tranquil stream.

By Snow and Flowers |

I went there in 2014. I was a little scared at that time because of the Mekong River incident that shocked the world.

By Summer Daisy |

The year I went there, Yunnan was hit by a severe drought and the Lancang River dried up.

By Drifting Bottle |

The Lancang River flows through Qinghai, Tibet and Yunnan provinces. It is one of the major rivers in southwest China and can be seen in Xishuangbanna.

By dry skiing |

There are several cruise ships, and the tickets are color-coded. Dai girls sing and dance to welcome tourists as they disembark.

By Baby |

M: Very good, especially good!!!

female:

Go down and take the inflatable raft: 100 yuan a ticket!!!

The ticket is called [Lancang River Rafting]

The yacht ride at night costs 180 yuan per person!!!

The ticket is called [Mekong River Impression Cruise]

By Clear Sky, 70,000 Li |

The Lancang River is called the Mekong River when it leaves China. There is a night market and bar street beside the Lancang River in Banna. However, in such hot weather, it really feels a lot cooler to have a river next to it.

By China-TravelNote users |

The Lancang River is located in the urban area of Jinghong, and I visited it when I traveled to Yunnan.

At night, we took a sightseeing tour on a large cruise ship, where we could enjoy performances of various ethnic groups, singing and dancing.

By Poria cocos |

The river that I passed by on a boat was not interested in the transsexuals on the boat, but in the bridge beside the river. After crossing the river, I really felt like I was abroad.

By Ace of Spades |

Perhaps you have only heard of another scientific name, Mekong River.

By hello |

We took a night cruise on the Lancang River, which offered not only views of the riverbank (though not particularly impressive), but also included dinner (which was average), and a song and dance performance (including a calligraphy and painting auction and paid photo opportunities with popular singers). It was quite an experience, after all.

By Winters |

The Lancang River is the sixth longest river in the world, the third longest in Asia, and the longest in Southeast Asia. However, due to its remote location in the southwest, accessibility is limited, resulting in little tourism development. It is primarily used for hydroelectric power generation, and the water is murky, mostly yellow. The mountains along its banks are lushly wooded, creating a pristine environment. The only way to explore the Lancang River is by boat. While enjoying the beautiful scenery on board, you can also witness local performances, such as the peacock dance and the Hulusi (cucurbit flute), while enjoying mangoes and other fruits. It's quite relaxing!

By Alone with the wind |

On the way from Batang to Basu, you will pass by the famous Lancang River, the Lancang River that you have learned about in geography textbooks since childhood but have never seen.

By Urban Channel-Gu Peng |

The Lancang River is famous far and wide, but don’t let the blindness of the tourism industry make you lose your original intention.

By Aquarius |

You can go for a stroll along the Lancang River behind the Shwedagon Pagoda. The river is very wide and clear!

By See and hear |

The Lancang River is a well-known river far and wide, it is really famous!

By Little Li's Big Journey |

The Lancang River is located in the urban area of Jinghong. The night view is more beautiful at night. You can take a boat tour. If you join a group, the guide will charge 260-280 yuan, but it is only 180 yuan if you order a group tour, so don't be fooled. There are also evening shows on the boat, and if you don't take the boat, you can just look at the riverside. Jinghong City is not very large, and a taxi to the riverside is not expensive. The Lancang River connects the scenery on both sides, so it is a must-go route every day. The river water is relatively clear, and the overall feeling is good.

By Meeting you |

Although it is not very magnificent, the scenery is also beautiful, adding a lot of color to the entire city. The buildings on the riverside are unique, and the riverside night market is very lively at night~!

By Running Man |

It's nice, take a speedboat, listen to the water, and go to the island

By Xian Feifei |

The Lancang River is very long, and there is also the Myanmar side. You can also go rafting near Myanmar, the fee is not high. The scenery is OK. The water flows slowly and not fast.

By Free and Easy |

The Lancang River is indeed very tropical, and the Lancang River rafting is very good.

By Heavy rain causes flooding |

In Xishuangbanna, the Lancang River flows through the heart of the city, its clear and beautiful beauty. Fishermen along the river reap abundant tilapia daily, while diligent women soak in the water to harvest filamentous plants for food, and others search for beautiful pebbles in the shallows. Jinghong, further downstream along the Lancang River, is not far from the Golden Triangle...

By Z's 🆎C |

The banks were overgrown with weeds and looked shabby, though there were a few people picnicking and fishing.

By Ant arrowhead |

I just walked across the bridge and stopped to take two photos. I only remember that the breeze was very comfortable, the sky was very blue, the clouds were very white, and the reflections were very beautiful.

By Seven-bearded old man |

The Lancang River flows through five countries and becomes the beautiful Mekong River in Xishuangbanna. A night cruise on the Mekong River and a performance are very exciting.

By Travel the world |

It's one of the few surging rivers in the north. The Dai performance on the boat was pretty good.

By Maoduoli Sees the World |

It doesn't mean anything. It's just a river called Lancang River here and Mekong River abroad.

By Sylvain Zhang |

It is called Lancang River in China and Mekong River abroad. It is a very important river to my country and Southeast Asian countries.

By Yangyang lovelace |

This is 260 per person at your own expense, which is not worth it. The tour guide said it was very good when collecting the money, but the transvestite performer was ugly. Anyway, it's not good.

By shirlily |

The Lancang River's night breeze is refreshing, attracting many people seeking cool air and playing in the water. Cruise ships also line the river, creating a unique nighttime spectacle. But honestly, there are few public services or infrastructure along the river. Because Banna is incredibly hot, the riverside is a great place to cool off. Stone benches or something could be helpful. There are no streetlights along the river, which seems like a safety hazard after dark.

By Yuntian Fruit |

I went rafting on the Lancang River. The people were very dirty. This river is called the Mekong River.

By Milky piggy |

Cruise the Lancang River at night and see the beautiful scenery.

By Langweixian |

It was very good. I took the luxury ferry down there. The fee was by the hour, about 100 yuan an hour. There were performances and food on the ferry, including a Thai ladyboy show. The ferry was very slow, and the night view was great! There is a riverside night market on the riverside. The barbecue was super unpalatable and there were a lot of people. It is commonly known as the Mekong River. I recommend friends to go and see the night view.

By DD100 |

I took a cruise on the Lancang-Mekong River to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the river. There were singing and dancing performances on the boat, which not only entertained everyone but also allowed everyone to experience the characteristics of the local ethnic groups.

By Purple Dream |

I enjoyed the night view of the Lancang River in the evening, and it was very comfortable to walk slowly along the river.


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