Day 1: All around the world → Jinghong ★ All-day gathering day
All day
All-day gathering day
Jinghong, the capital of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, is a small frontier town steeped in Southeast Asian charm and a filming location for numerous Southeast Asian-themed television dramas. Nestled on the banks of the Lancang River, the town is immersed in lush greenery. If you're traveling from a bustling city, be prepared for the uniquely relaxed, tropical atmosphere. Before noon, the streets are usually bustling with people, but towards dusk, the crowds begin to surge. Take advantage of the quiet time to contemplate at the Zongfo Temple or explore the Dai King's Imperial Garden, Manting Park, in the city center. In the evening, the Binjiang Night Market lights up brilliantly. You can also linger in the riverside bars, and afterward, don't forget to enjoy a cup of local small-grain coffee.
丨Visit Sobutsuji Temple/Buddhist Baptism Bath
Visit the "Banna Buddhist Sacred Site" [Zongfo Temple] for worship and blessings. Zongfo Temple is the center of Buddhist worship in Xishuangbanna and a sacred place for worship. The temple is majestic, with each corner unique and the intricately carved beams and pillars are a true delight to behold.
丨Thai style / Strolling in Manting Park
The Dai King's Royal Garden [Manting Park] is a historic city park in Xishuangbanna. It was once the royal garden of the Dai King. Legend has it that when the Dai princess visited, her beautiful scenery attracted her soul, leading the Dai people to call it "Chunhuan," meaning "Garden of the Soul." We'll hear stories of the Dai king and explore the charming Dai and Thai architecture.
丨Exploring the Dai Family/Recommendation: Starry Night
[Starlight Night Market], with the Milky Way in the sky and the stars on the ground, Xishuangbanna becomes bustling and bustling with tourists after dark. Enjoy the delicious food and beautiful scenery at the night market, and choose the snacks that suit your taste.
How to Get to Banna: The hotel is located in downtown Jinghong, approximately 9 km from the airport (Gasa Airport), a 25-minute drive.
1. Direct Flight to Banna: For tourists with limited time, a direct flight is recommended.
2. Transfer in Kunming: With over 20 daily flights from Kunming to Banna, transferring in Kunming is a great option, saving both time and money.
3. High-Speed Rail Transfer from Kunming: There is a direct high-speed rail service from Kunming to Xishuangbanna, making this an ideal option.
Day 2 Jinghong → Xiaopuxi Hiking Start → Xiaopuxi Hiking End
All day
Hiking Information
Hiking route: Xiaopuxi (1330M) - primitive jungle (1425M) - valley (1206M) - Xiaopuxi (1330M), the whole journey is about 7KM and takes about 5 hours
Meals: Meals are included throughout the day. Lunch is a Jino jungle meal. It is recommended to bring your own food in case of food dissatisfaction and to replenish energy during the hike.
Luggage Information: Stay at Xiaopuxi on the same day. The hiking route is a round-trip loop from Xiaopuxi. Large luggage should be left at the inn. Pack your luggage in advance and carry your necessary items in drawstring bags or small backpacks.
Xiaopuxi Loop, your first acquaintance with the tropical rainforest
Today marks the first day of hiking, and we'll depart for the rainforest hike's starting point. After breakfast, we'll drive to the Jinuo Mountain starting point. We'll pass through Jinuo Mountain Township, where you can purchase camouflage rubber boots. The rainforest hike includes river tracing, so camouflage rubber boots are a must-have (20-40 yuan per pair, optional). After about 1.5 hours, we'll reach Xiaopuxi, a village nestled in the rainforest.
After all preparations are complete, we will start our first day of rainforest hiking. We will cross the tea forest, elephant trails, primitive jungles, and river tracing. At noon, we will use green leaves as a table and set out local specialties for a Jino jungle feast in the primitive jungle. Then we will continue through the rainforest back to the village.
Tree climbing challenge, rediscover the fun of childhood
Under the guidance of our team leader, we will learn how to properly wear tree climbing equipment. Our team leader will demonstrate the essentials of tree climbing, and then we will attempt the climb with the protection of a dynamic rope. The tangled roots of the banyan tree provide a variety of handholds and footholds for climbing. Climbing from the roots to the top of the protection rope is a novel experience and a challenge for ourselves.
Learn how to make tea cakes at one of the six ancient Pu'er tea mountains
Today's Xiaopuxi Village is located on the Youle Ancient Tea Mountain, one of the six ancient tea mountains within the Lancang River. Legend has it that the Youle Tea Mountain is a legacy of Kong Ming, a famous figure in ancient China. The mountains are home to numerous ancient tea trees, never treated with chemical fertilizers or pesticides. We will follow the Jinuo people and learn how to make and take home our own handmade tea cakes using traditional tea-making techniques.
Day 3: Xiaopuxi → Jinuo Mountain Hiking Start → Tongzhifu Exit → Menglun (Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences)
All day
Hiking Information
Hiking route: Hiking starting point (1230M) - farmland (904M) - lunch place (1000M) - hiking exit (1290M), the whole journey is about 13KM, and it takes about 7 hours
Meals: Meals are included throughout the day. Lunch will be provided on the way. You will need to bring your own supplies (e.g., glutinous rice balls, Dai barbecued meat slices, lettuce, pickles, chocolate, etc.) at the starting point. We recommend bringing your own supplies in case of food dissatisfaction or to replenish your energy during the hike.
Luggage information: Large items such as suitcases should be carried in the vehicle. Drinking water, energy supplies, rain gear, etc. required for hiking should be packed in drawstring bags and carried by individuals.
Go deep into Jinuo Mountain and explore the wonders of the tropical rainforest
Depart after breakfast, packing lightly with essentials (use a drawstring bag or small backpack for hiking supplies, and place any large items like suitcases on the vehicle). We recommend wearing the camouflage rubber shoes you wore the previous day. We'll embark on a truly challenging rainforest hike. We'll trace streams, climb hills, pass banana fields, rice paddies, and primeval forests, weaving among towering trees. You'll see typical rainforest features like buttress roots, stranglers, and flowers growing on old stems. With your guide, you'll discover new tropical plants and colorful insects, and experience the wonders of Xishuangbanna's primeval forests. Marvel at the wonders of nature as you're guided. We'll also learn wilderness survival techniques, such as collecting water from banana trees, catching crabs, and identifying edible rainforest plants.
Visit the Botanical Garden at night and get to know the night spirits amidst the chirping of insects and frogs
After the hike, we headed to the 5A Botanical Kingdom [West Section of the Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences]. The garden's diverse vegetation has attracted a diverse array of small animals, including croaking frogs, tactile stick insects, and, in May and June, a dazzling array of fireflies, creating a small ecosystem. Embark on a journey through tropical nature, listen to frogs, spot insects, listen to birds, and observe the flora, experiencing the unique vitality of nature in the darkness.
Day 4: Menglun → Fruit Farm → Dai Garden
All day
【Cycling Reference Information】
Cycling route: Menglun (550m) - Manmo New Village (700m) - Fruit Manor (760m) - Dai Garden (550m), a total of about 40km, taking 4-5 hours
Meal information: Meals are included throughout the day, and lunch and dinner are ethnic minority specialties;
Luggage information: Luggage and other large items should be carried with the support vehicle, and drinking water, energy supplies, rain gear, etc. required for riding should be carried with you.
Cycling on National Highway G219, passing through forests and villages
Today, I'll try a different mode of transportation. Hop on a bicycle and cycle along National Highway 219 from Menglun to the Dai Garden. This section of road is lightly trafficked and perfect for cycling. Along the way, we'll pass through tropical rainforests, ethnic minority villages, and farmland. Tall trees provide shade, and the trees, covered in epiphytes, create a tropical atmosphere. We'll take a break and cycle into a village, explore the area, and enjoy lunch before continuing through the fields to the Dai Garden.
Become a fruit hunter and experience the magic of tropical fruits
During the ride, we'll stop at a fruit farm where the owner cultivates over 80 varieties of tropical fruit. In addition to the common mangoes, pineapples, and bananas, there are also lesser-known fruits like miracle fruit, sugar apples, goat's milk apples, and sapodillas. Eight to 12 different varieties are available each season. We'll follow the farm staff into the fields to learn about the cultivation and growth of various fruits. We'll see them hanging from the trees instead of lying in boxes. We'll pick and eat ripe fruits immediately, fully enjoying their freshness and experiencing fruit freedom. Upon returning from the orchard, we'll enjoy a fruit feast and marvel at the bounty of tropical produce.
Special note: You can eat as much fruit as you want in the fruit farm, but if you want to take some fruit away, you will need to pay extra. Please negotiate the price with the owner of the fruit farm.
Free time in the Dai Garden to experience Dai life
The Dai Garden is a representative Dai village in Xishuangbanna, showcasing the history, culture, architecture, and costumes of the Dai people. You can visit the Dai houses on your own and immerse yourself in Dai life, a fascinating and profound experience. (Traditional Dai clothing can be rented at the village for around 50 yuan per set.) Alternatively, visit the ancient temples within the village to experience the rich Buddhist culture. The Dai Garden houses four Buddhist temples: Manjiang, Manchunman, Manzha, and Manting. Manchunman and Manting boast a history of over 1,400 years.
Day 5: Dai Garden → Disband in Jinghong
All day
Free time in the Dai Garden and enjoy the tranquility of the village
Today you can sleep in or wake up early to wander the village. The Dai Garden is deserted this morning, offering a tranquil retreat. The garden features numerous intangible cultural heritage activities, including elephant-foot drumming, slow-wheel pottery making, Zhangha, traditional papermaking, and Dai dances and boxing. (These experiences are not included in the price; the recommended fee is 10-30 yuan per item. It's affordable and simple, so it's worth choosing a few that you enjoy.)
Experience the water splashing carnival in the indigenous village of Dai Nationality Park
The Dai people love, revere, and live near water, earning them the nickname "the Water People." After settling into the Dai Garden, take a short break before heading to the Water Splashing Square to join in the celebration. To the cheerful rhythm of the Dai Di, splash water on each other to express blessings and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Water Splashing Festival.
We'll depart the Dai Nationality Garden at approximately 3:30 PM and head to downtown Jinghong for our departure. Our departure order will be Gaozhuang, Xishuangbanna Station, and then Gasa Airport. We'll arrive at Xishuangbanna Station at approximately 4:30 PM and Gasa Airport at 5:00 PM. For same-day return trips, we recommend booking a train after 5:30 PM and a flight after 6:00 PM. Please book a later departure time during holidays to avoid delays due to traffic jams.
