Top 10 Famous Tourist Attractions Must-Visit in Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna, located in southern Yunnan , is a multi-ethnic region primarily inhabited by the Dai people. It boasts a tropical climate, unique culture, and stunning, mysterious rainforests that are home to wild elephants, peacocks, and other wildlife. Xishuangbanna is also famous for having the oldest Pu'er tea trees and the vibrant Water-Splashing Festival, making it a beloved destination for tourists. Here are the top 10 must-visit attractions in Xishuangbanna.

Top 1: Wild Elephant Valley (Gajah Liar Valley)

Wild Elephant Valley

Wild Elephant Valley is a large nature reserve located 32 kilometers from Jinghong. There are approximately 300 wild Asian elephants distributed throughout China, with more than 250 of them found within the Xishuangbanna region.

Opened to the public in 1996, the Wild Elephant Valley Scenic Area not only serves as a habitat for various wildlife, including Asian elephants, monkeys, black bears, golden leopards, water deer, peacocks, butterflies, and various bird species, but it also offers views of the diverse ecological landscapes of tropical rainforests. Along the pathways for visitors, there are over 400 species of higher plants.

Visitors can learn about the natural behaviors of wild elephants on the ground through the sightseeing cable car and the elevated observation deck. This is the only place in China where Asian elephants can be closely observed in a relatively safe manner.

The main attractions of the Wild Elephant Valley Scenic Area include the Elevated Observation Walkway, the Asian Elephant Museum, and the Butterfly Garden.

• Distance and drive-time :32km, 45mins
• Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Tour Length:2-4hours
• Address: National Road 213, Menglun Town, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna

Top 2: Manting Park

Manting Park is the oldest park in Xishuangbanna, with a history of over 1,300 years. It was once the royal garden of the Dai kings and covers an area of 6 square kilometers.

The park features several scenic areas, including the Ethnic Culture Square, Tropical Orchid Garden, Peacock Garden, Release Lake, Zongfo Si Temple, Tree Planting Memorial Area, and Dai Culture Tea Garden.

In the park, you can experience the high-class leisure enjoyment of the royal family and appreciate the charm of Dai architecture and Buddhist culture. Visitors can also participate in Dai cultural show, bonfire party and watch elephant performances.

• Distance and drive-time : 3 km, 10 mins
• Open Hours: 08:00-18:00 (daytime); 18:30-21:40 (night)
• Tour Length:1-2hours
• Address: No.35 Manting Road, Jinghong, Xishuangbanna

Top 3: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden

Tropical Botanical Garden

The Tropical Botanical Garden is one of largest botanical gardens and a vibrant haven showcasing a diverse collection of tropical plants from around the world. Spanning over 900 hectares, the garden features beautifully landscaped areas that include themed gardens, lush greenery, and a variety of unique flora, such as orchids, palms, and medicinal plants. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along winding paths, immersing themselves in the lush greenery and vibrant blooms.

• Distance and drive-time : 60 km, 1hour
• Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Tour Length: half day
• Address: National Road 213, Menglun Town, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna

Top 4: Jingmai Mountain

Jingmai Mountain, located in the southwestern corner of Yunnan Province, China, within the Huimin Township of the Lancang Lahu Autonomous County in Pu'er City, is home to ancient tea trees that are over a thousand years old, renowned for producing Pu'er tea. On September 17, 2023, the "Cultural Landscape of the Ancient Tea Forests of Jingmai Mountain" was included in the World Heritage List, making it China's 57th World Heritage Site.

Jingmai Mountain also features several ancient villages, such as Wengji and Nuogan, which are among the most primitive and rustic. Wengji is known as the "Ancient Bulang Village of a Thousand Years," where the original culture of the Bulang people is well preserved. Nuogan, a village of the Dai ethnic group, showcases the unmodernized and original charm of ancient culture, retaining its rustic character through the passage of time.

• Distance and drive-time : 110 km, 4 hours
• Open Hours: all day
• Tour Length: 1-2 days
• Address: Huimin Township of the Lancang Lahu Autonomous County in Pu'er City

Top 5: Xishuangbanna Tropical Flower and Plants Garden

The Tropical Flower and Plants Garden is a vibrant botanical haven that showcases a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plant species, located at 99 Xuanwei Avenue in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

The garden covers an area of approximately 80 hectares and is home to nearly 1,000 species of tropical specialty economic trees, flowers, and fruits, showcasing a vibrant world of exotic plants. The main attractions include the Lotus Pond, the Crape Myrtle Garden, and the Memorial of Premier Zhou Enlai. The garden offers beautiful scenery with flowers blooming year-round and lush greenery, making the area feel like it's always in spring.

• Distance and drive-time : 3.5 km, 10 mins
• Open Hours: 09:00-18:00
• Tour Length: 2-3hours
• Address: No.99 Xuanwei Avenue, Jinghong, Xishuangbanna

Top 6: Wangtianshu Scenic Area

The most striking feature of the Wangtianshu Scenic Area is the towering Wangtian trees that rise in to the sky. The park offers various adventure and experience activities, such as rainforest hiking and treasure hunts, allowing for a deeper exploration of the rainforest's mysteries. The aerial corridor of the park hangs between the tree canopies, allowing visitors to feel as though they are walking in mid-air, enjoying breathtaking views of the tropical landscape, experiencing both thrill and excitement.

In the Wangtianshu Scenic Area, every corner is filled with vitality and energy. Whether it’s the dense forests, clear streams, or the unique ethnic customs and rich tourism activities, everything invites visitors to lingering. This is a place where one can leave behind worries and fatigue, offering a harmonious coexistence with nature.

• Distance and drive-time : 170km, 2.5 hours
• Open Hours: 08:30-18:00
• Tour Length: 3-4 hours
• Address:150 meters west from National Road 213, Mengle County, Xishuangbanna

Top 7: Dai Minority Park

Dai Minority Park is located in Ganlanba, Jinghong City, and features five of the best-preserved Dai natural villages in China. The park includes a main entrance gate, a welcoming square, the over 1,400-year-old Mansongman Ancient Buddha Temple, village tourism routes, a riverside activity area, a shopping zone, a barbecue area, a large open-air theater, and a water-splashing square, where you can experience Water-splashing Festival activities every day.

• Distance and drive-time : 33 km, 40 mins
• Open Hours: all day
• Tour Length: 2-3hours
• Address: Ganlanba, Jinghong, Xishuangbanna

Top 8: Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park

The Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park, located in the eastern part of Jinghong City, is a vast area of original forest. It features the best-preserved tropical valley rainforest south of the Tropic of Cancer. Major attractions include Peacock Mountain Villa, the Nine Dragons Waterfall, a hundred-meter relief sculpture, and ethnic cultural performances. Visitor can also participate in small-scale water-splashing festival activities to experience the joy of the splashing water.

The park is home to numerous lakes and rivers, offering a variety of water activities for guests. You can take a boat ride to admire the surrounding natural scenery, fishing, or stroll along forest trails to enjoy the beauty of the Primitive Forest.

• Distance and drive-time : 8km, 10mins
• Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Tour Length: 2 hours
• Address: the eastern part of Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna

Tip 9: Xishuangbanna Mengle Buddhist Temple

Buddhist Temple

Mengle Buddhist Temple （Mengle Grand (Dafo) Buddha Temple）was rebuilt on the original site of the ancient Dai royal temple in 2005. Jingpiao Buddha Temple, built along the mountainside, features the magnificent Jingpiao Hall and a towering Grand Buddha, a large statue standing 45 meters tall. The statue is designed using brass forging techniques, with a base measuring 35 meters on each side and a height of 9.12 meters. It displays a mudra with its hands, looking down upon all beings. Another important attraction within the Mengle Grand Buddha Temple is the Ten Thousand Buddha Stupa, which has a long history. The temple not only serves as a sacred place for devotees to worship but also provides visitors with insights into the culture of Theravada Buddhism.

• Distance and drive-time : 7 km, 10 mins
• Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Tour Length: 2 hours
• Address: Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna

Top 10: Jinghong and Starlight Night Market

Besides the beautiful tropical rainforest, one thing you cannot miss is exploring the night markets when visiting Xishuangbanna. The night markets here are unique, Among all the night markets, Starlight Night Market and Jinghong Night Market are the most famous and popular.

Starlight Night Market: is located in Gaozhuang Xishuangjing, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The night market is near the Big Golden Pagoda, offering a beautiful night view. It features a wide variety of stalls, including numerous delicious snacks like Dai-style barbecue and crushed rice cakes. At Starlight Night Market, you can also rent ethnic costumes to experience Dai culture firsthand. Nearby, there are boat rides available on the Lancang River, allowing you to enjoy the gentle river breeze while cruising at night.

Jinghong Night Market: is located beside Bijiang Park on Bijiang Avenue in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna. It offers a more local experience, with reasonably priced goods, unique handicrafts, and delicious food. While exploring the night market, you can also enjoy the gentle river breeze. The night scenery here is incredibly charming, attracting many tourists who come to take photos and enjoy the atmosphere.

• Open Hours: 18:00-23:00
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

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