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The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is located in Huludao, Menglun Town, Mengla County, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is the largest botanical garden in China with the richest species collection and the most specialized plant parks.
The park is divided into two areas, east and west. The east area is a tropical rainforest, suitable for hiking; the west area has twenty or thirty specialized botanical gardens, the most popular of which is the "Garden of Exotic Flowers and Plants".
Xishuangbanna's climate is divided into dry and wet seasons. The dry season is from November to April of the following year, and the rainy season is from May to October. April to June is the best time to watch fireflies in the Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Recommended play time: 1 day
104 yuan/person
8:00-20:00
The Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Xishuangbanna is a major botanical research facility and conservation area. It serves as a center for scientific study and the preservation of tropical plants, featuring over 13,000 species from various ecosystems around the world. The garden plays a critical role in understanding tropical biodiversity and supporting environmental education.
The garden is located in Menglun Township, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, about 40 kilometers from Jinghong, the nearest city. To get there, you can take a taxi or private car from Jinghong. Public buses may be available, but taxis are more convenient, especially for tourists.
The garden is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is more comfortable. The rainy season (May to October) may bring lush greenery but also higher humidity and occasional heavy rains.
The entrance fee is typically around 60-80 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local travel platforms or the garden’s official website. It's advisable to book in advance during peak tourist seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended during peak seasons (holidays or weekends). Booking 1-2 days ahead should be sufficient for most times of the year.
To fully explore the garden, including the research areas and the various plant zones, it will take approximately 3-4 hours. If you want to take your time for photography and guided tours, you may want to spend 4-5 hours.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may also speak basic English. Audio guides are also available but are mostly in Chinese. It's best to request an English-speaking guide in advance if needed.
Start with the tropical rainforest section to experience the dense plant life, then move on to the medicinal plant garden for an educational experience. Don’t miss the butterfly and insect garden, followed by a visit to the fruit zones. Finish your visit with a relaxing stroll along the ponds and elevated walkways for great photo opportunities.
Currently, the garden does not offer night visits, light shows, or special nighttime tours. The garden is focused on daytime visits, with plenty of opportunities for exploration and photography during daylight hours.
The garden can get crowded during national holidays and weekends. To avoid crowds, it's best to visit during weekdays, particularly early in the morning or late afternoon. The off-peak season (November to March) is also a good time to visit for a more tranquil experience.
The garden provides basic amenities such as toilets, water refill stations, and resting areas. There is a small shop selling souvenirs and light snacks. For a more substantial meal, visitors can head to nearby restaurants in Jinghong.
The main paths and areas in the garden are accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, some of the more rugged sections and trails may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. It's recommended to check accessibility options with staff if needed.
Mobile payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted in the garden. Cash payments are still possible, but credit cards may not be accepted. It's advisable to use mobile payment for convenience.
There are a few local restaurants near the garden offering Yunnanese cuisine. Some of the options include local rice noodles, grilled meats, and tropical fruit dishes. Larger restaurants are located in Jinghong, about 40 minutes away by car.
Vegetarian food is available, with many local dishes featuring vegetables and tofu. Vegan options can be found, though they may be limited. Halal food is less common, but you may find options in larger cities like Kunming or Jinghong.
There are several mid-range hotels and guesthouses in Jinghong, which is the nearest city to the garden. These accommodations offer easy access to the garden and other nearby attractions.
Souvenir shops are located near the garden entrance. Popular items include local handicrafts, ethnic textiles, and tropical-themed souvenirs such as teas, jams, and small decorative items.
After visiting the garden, you can return to Jinghong by taxi or bus. From Jinghong, you can continue your trip to other parts of Yunnan by bus or plane. If you're traveling to other border regions, such as Laos or Myanmar, Jinghong is a good transit point.
