5 Days 4 Nights in Xishuangbanna, This Itinerary Is Perfect for Family Trips

For our 5 days and 4 nights trip to Xishuangbanna, with 2 adults and 2 kids excluding airfare, the cost per person was about 💰1600. Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also super fun! It’s definitely one of my top three family travel destinations. Here’s a summary of the essential guide—off the beaten path, fun, and no disappointments!

🏨 Hotel
Pullman Xishuangbanna Hotel

🚗 Car Rental
On the third and fourth days, we rented an M8 seven-seater
Rented through Taobao for just over 100 yuan per day
Great experience traveling with kids

💡 Itinerary
Two families, 4 adults and 3 kids, so we usually planned 1-2 destinations per day, focusing on relaxation and spending the rest of the time at the hotel.
Day 1️⃣
Departed from Chengdu and arrived in the afternoon. After a short rest at the hotel, we went to 📍Gaozhuang for a casual stroll—mainly eating, drinking, taking photos, and shopping.
Day 2️⃣
At 9 AM, a private car picked us up at the hotel to start the most anticipated day of the trip: 📍Jino Mountain Rainforest Hiking. We chose the short 3-4 km route, about 80% by water. Our group of 7 was just right for one tour group. Besides the main guide, the 3 kids had 2 child guides to look after them, so we were basically “hands-off” parents. The experience was amazing! During the hike, we swung on swings, caught crabs, and learned about insects and plants—joy you can’t find anywhere else, totally worth it!
Day 3️⃣
Since the previous day was physically demanding, we slept in and left around 10:30 AM to visit 📍Wild Elephant Valley. We experienced the high-altitude elephant viewing walkway, rainforest sightseeing cableway, and the kids’ favorite—feeding the elephants 🐘. Our two kids fed three large baskets and still didn’t want to stop. The whole park has a strong rainforest vibe, perfect for photos!
In the afternoon, we returned to the hotel to rest. In the evening, we went to 📍Starlight Night Market for dinner and a stroll. It’s very commercial, full of travel photography and street stalls, but it’s great for a post-dinner walk with kids to soak up the lively atmosphere.
Day 4️⃣
Early morning departure to 📍Pu’er Red Panda Manor, which is actually part of Sun River Forest Park. We arrived around noon, so there were fewer crowds. You can feed rhinos, muntjacs, various birds, and the cutest red pandas! You can also buy red panda souvenirs. Overall, the experience was perfect 💯.
In the afternoon, after eating in the city, we went to 📍Baixiang Beach in the evening. It completely changed my perception of Xishuangbanna—there’s such a large beach! The kids could play freely while the adults enjoyed a beer under a tent, feeling the breeze and listening to music. So relaxing!
Day 5️⃣
Rest and photo time at the hotel, then flew back to Chengdu in the afternoon.

🍭 Food Recommendations
Luoluo Ice House Main Store
Wantai
Xiawang Southeast Asian Rainforest Restaurant