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Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park, located east of Jinghong and north of the Lancang River, is 8 kilometers from the prefecture's capital and the closest primeval forest to Jinghong City. Built on 25,000 mu (approximately 1,000 hectares) of tropical valley rainforest, the park boasts a forest coverage rate exceeding 98%, creating a natural oxygen bar.
The park houses the best-preserved tropical valley rainforest south of the Tropic of Cancer, as well as ten scenic areas and more than 50 attractions, including a peacock breeding base, a monkey domestication base, a large-scale ethnic performance venue, Aini Village, Jiulong Waterfall, Manshuanglong White Pagoda, a 100-meter granite relief, Jinhu Legend, and an ethnic barbecue area, highlighting the three major themes of "primeval forest, wild animals, and folk customs."
Xishuangbanna has a dry and wet climate. The dry season is from November to April of the following year, and the rainy season is from May to October.
The Water-Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna is actually the New Year of the Dai people. It is an annual traditional festival of the Dai people and one of the most important traditional festivals in Xishuangbanna. It is usually held from April 13th to 15th of the Gregorian calendar and lasts for three to four days. Local residents regard this festival as the most beautiful and auspicious day.
There are 7 peacock releases every day at 8:40, 10:00, 12:00, 13:20, 14:40, 15:30 and 17:00, and each session lasts about 10 minutes.
The performance time of Aini Village is from 8:30 to 17:00, and you can go to watch it at any time.
National Customs Performance Hall Song and Dance Performance Time 11:20-11:50
The Water Splashing Festival sessions are at 13:40, 14:30, 15:20 and 16:10. You need to rent ethnic costumes to participate in the water splashing activities.
Recommended play time: 1 day
65 yuan/person
7:30-18:00
Primeval Forest Park in Xishuangbanna is an ecologically rich area that showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest. It is home to ancient trees and rare species, making it a vital conservation area. The park represents the region's efforts to preserve its natural heritage and educate visitors on sustainable environmental practices.
Primeval Forest Park is located in the southern part of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. To get there, you can take a taxi or private vehicle from Jinghong, the nearest city. Local buses may also be available, but taxis are the most convenient option. It’s best to visit with a local guide or tour group, as public transportation options are limited.
The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities. The rainy season (May to October) brings lush greenery but can make some trails slippery.
The entrance fee to Primeval Forest Park is approximately 60-100 CNY per person, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased onsite or through local travel agencies. Online booking may be available through platforms like Ctrip or local tour operators.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons (especially holidays or weekends), though it's usually not required. Booking 1-2 days ahead is sufficient, especially during the shoulder seasons.
To fully explore Primeval Forest Park and experience its walking trails, tree-top walks, and exhibits, plan to spend 3-4 hours at the park. If you wish to hike deeper into the forest, an additional hour or two may be needed.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may speak English, though it’s less common. Audio guides are also offered at some locations within the park, but these may only be available in Chinese. It’s advisable to book a guide in advance if you need an English speaker.
Start with the tree-top walk for panoramic views. Afterward, take a guided walk through the forest trails to explore the local flora and fauna. Finish with a visit to the cultural exhibits to learn more about the local Dai culture and history.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available in Primeval Forest Park. The park is focused on daytime activities, particularly nature walks and cultural exhibitions.
The park can be crowded during Chinese public holidays and weekends, especially from April to October. The least crowded times are during the weekdays outside of peak tourist seasons, such as in the early morning or late afternoon during the off-season months (November to March).
The park provides basic amenities such as toilets, water refill stations, and rest areas. There are food stalls near the entrance offering snacks and drinks. Larger restaurants or cafes may be found in the surrounding area, outside the park itself.
Most of the park is accessible for elderly and children, especially the main trails and the tree-top walk. However, some of the more rugged forest trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It's best to consult with staff about accessibility options before visiting.
Cash is still accepted at most spots in the park, but mobile payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. Credit cards may not be accepted, so it’s recommended to carry cash or use mobile payments.
There are a few local restaurants near the park serving Dai cuisine and other Yunnan specialties. Popular dishes include rice noodles, hotpot, and grilled meats. Larger restaurants can be found in nearby Jinghong.
Vegetarian options are available, with many local dishes featuring vegetables, tofu, and rice. Vegan options can be found, though choices may be limited. Halal food is rare in the area but can be found in larger cities like Kunming or Jinghong.
There are several mid-range hotels and guesthouses in Jinghong, which is about 30-40 minutes away from the park. These accommodations offer easy access to the park as well as other nearby attractions.
Souvenir shops are available at the park’s entrance and in nearby Jinghong. Typical souvenirs include ethnic handicrafts, traditional textiles, and local teas. Bamboo crafts and small decorative items are also popular choices.
After visiting Primeval Forest Park, you can take a taxi or bus back to Jinghong. From there, you can catch a bus or flight to other parts of Yunnan, such as Kunming, or travel to nearby border areas like Laos or Myanmar.
