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Wild Elephant Valley is famous for its rich natural landscapes and opportunity to see wild elephants in their natural habitat. Here are the top activities:
Located in the Mengyangzi Nature Reserve, 22 kilometers from Jinghong City, Wild Elephant Valley is China's first national park dedicated to animal and environmental conservation. To see Asian elephants in China, you must go to Xishuangbanna, and to see them in Xishuangbanna, you must visit Wild Elephant Valley. From rapids to still waters, from soil to surface, from grass to shrubs, from the understory to the canopy, these animals inhabit this land; this land is their home.
Xishuangbanna, once known as the "Elephant Kingdom," still boasts elephants: elephant trees, ivory trees, and trunk trees, as well as elephant brocades, elephant handicrafts, murals, and sculptures. There's even the mythical "Moon-Holding Langwan" elephant, as well as myths and legends about elephants.
The four seasons are suitable. November to April of the following year is the dry season in Xishuangbanna, and the temperature is comfortable.
Recommended play time: half a day
85 yuan/person
8:00-18:00
Wild Elephant Valley is located in the heart of Xishuangbanna, an area known for its rich biodiversity and as a habitat for the endangered Asian elephant. The park is dedicated to protecting these elephants and promoting wildlife conservation while educating visitors about the ecosystem.
Wild Elephant Valley is located in the southern part of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. Visitors typically reach Xishuangbanna via flights to Jinghong Airport and then take a taxi or shuttle bus to the park. There is no metro system in the area, and walking is suitable inside the park itself.
The park is usually open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to April), when the weather is more pleasant, and wildlife is more active.
The entrance fee to Wild Elephant Valley typically ranges from 100-150 RMB. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the park entrance or through authorized travel agencies. Online booking is also available, especially during peak tourist seasons.
It is advisable to book tickets in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons (Chinese New Year, summer). Booking at least 1-2 days in advance is recommended to secure your entry.
Exploring Wild Elephant Valley will take around 3-4 hours, depending on how much time you spend walking, observing wildlife, or enjoying activities like the cable car ride or safari.
Must-see areas include:
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking tours can be arranged. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, including English.
The best photography spots include the panoramic views from the cable car, the river valley, and the wildlife observation areas where elephants can be seen in their natural habitat. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best lighting for photographs.
A recommended route is to start by visiting the elephant observatory, then take a walk through the rainforest trails. Afterward, enjoy the cable car ride to get a bird’s eye view of the park and finish with a wildlife safari if available.
Night visits are not available at Wild Elephant Valley as the park typically closes by 5:30 PM. However, special tours or activities may be available during peak seasons or for groups, including wildlife safaris at specific times of the day.
The park can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, especially during the off-peak months (May to October) when fewer tourists come.
Wild Elephant Valley has basic facilities including public toilets, rest areas, food stalls, and souvenir shops. Water stations are available along the trails, and you can buy snacks and local handicrafts at the shops.
The park is generally accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, some trails may be challenging for visitors with mobility impairments, so it’s advisable to check with staff if special assistance is needed.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used for transactions. International credit cards may not be widely accepted, so it’s advisable to carry cash.
Inside the park, there are small eateries offering local snacks. For a wider variety, you can head to Jinghong, the nearest city, which has a range of restaurants and cafes serving both local and international cuisine.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in local Dai cuisine, which uses a lot of vegetables and rice. Halal food options are limited but may be found in larger towns like Jinghong.
There are several accommodations near Wild Elephant Valley, ranging from budget guesthouses to more upscale hotels in Jinghong, which is about 20-30 minutes away by taxi.
Nearby attractions include the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Dai Garden, and Manting Park. These can be easily combined into a day trip as they are all within a short distance from Wild Elephant Valley.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling local handicrafts, such as Dai textiles, bamboo items, and ethnic jewelry. You can also buy herbal teas and traditional medicines from the region.
After visiting Wild Elephant Valley, you can take a taxi or local bus to Jinghong for more sightseeing or to catch flights to other parts of Yunnan. Buses and taxis are also available for traveling to other nearby attractions.
