Xishuangbanna | Experience the Beauty of Nature

Yunnan Xishuangbanna Travel Guide Xishuangbanna, meaning "Twelve Thousand Fields," is China's only tropical rainforest nature reserve, famous for its magical tropical rainforest scenery, rich Dai ethnic culture, and Southeast Asian style. It is located at the southernmost tip of Yunnan Province, bordering Laos and Myanmar.
The main ethnic group is the Dai, along with 13 other indigenous groups including the Hani and Jino. Accommodation is recommended around the Gasa Xishuangjing or Starlight Night Market areas, which are very convenient for dining, shopping, visiting night markets, and enjoying the night view.
Core Attractions Recommended:
1. Manting Park + Grand Buddha Temple (Jinghong City):
Features: The Dai King’s royal garden with beautiful natural scenery, connected to the Southeast Asian-style Grand Buddha Temple, a perfect spot for photos. At night, there is the "Mekong River Night" song and dance bonfire party.
2. Dai Ethnic Garden (Ganlanba, about 28 km from Jinghong):
Features: Composed of five natural Dai villages, it’s like a daily Water Splashing Festival (with fixed daily performances). You can experience authentic Dai life, handicrafts, and Buddhist culture. It’s recommended to spend half a day here and definitely join the water splashing activities (clothes and basins can be rented).
3. Banruo Temple (Suburbs of Jinghong):
Features: A pure white Buddhist stupa, very unique and stunning, perfect for photos. Dress modestly, no bare shoulders or knees.
4. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Menglun Town, about 1 hour from Jinghong):
Features: China’s largest and most species-rich botanical garden, a must-visit! It is divided into East and West zones. The West zone is a man-made garden area, great for photos; the East zone is original tropical rainforest, ideal for hiking and exploration. It’s recommended to reserve at least a full day and buy the electric cart ticket. Highlights include the Victoria water lilies (rideable from July to October), Palm Garden, and Hundred Flowers Garden.
5. Wild Elephant Valley (Mengyang Town, about 30 minutes from Jinghong):
Features: Habitat of Asian wild elephants, where you can watch elephant school performances, feed elephants, and join rainforest elephant herding (walking with elephants). There is also a butterfly garden and orchid garden. Note: Seeing wild elephants requires luck and should not be expected; they are rarely seen.
6. Primitive Forest Park (Suburbs of Jinghong):
Features: The closest tropical rainforest to the city, very convenient. The main highlight is the large-scale peacock release show, with hundreds of peacocks flying down from the mountain, very spectacular. There is also the Aini Village folk experience and jungle zipline activities.
7. Wangtian Tree Scenic Area (Mengla County, about 2.5 hours from Jinghong):
Features: Proof that China has real tropical rainforests! Challenge the "Canopy Walkway" to walk high above and overlook the entire rainforest panorama. Note: The journey is long, suitable for self-driving visitors with ample time.
Must-Try Local Delicacies:
Dai-style Hand-grabbed Rice: Signature dish made with sticky rice and various dishes (grilled fish, grilled chicken, pineapple rice, wild vegetables, etc.).
Grilled Chicken/Grilled Fish: Lemongrass-grilled tilapia and Menghai grilled chicken are a perfect match.
Pineapple Rice: Purple sticky rice steamed inside a pineapple, sweet, sour, and soft.
Nami: Dai-style dipping sauce eaten with various vegetables.
Tropical Fruits: Durian, mango, pineapple, etc., cheap and delicious.
Lao-style Iced Coffee/Dai-style Milk Tea: Packaged and widely available on the streets, perfect for cooling down.