Xishuangbanna: A Tropical Tour

1. Overview of Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture is located on the southern border of Yunnan Province, in the transitional zone from the Tropic of Cancer south of the Asian continent to the southeastern peninsula. It borders Laos to the east and southeast, and Myanmar to the south and southwest, with a border of 966.3 kilometers. The area is 19096 square kilometers, accounting for 4.9% of the total area of Yunnan Province

Xishuangbanna has a tropical monsoon climate with abundant sunshine and rainfall. A year is divided into dry season and wet season, with the dry season from November to April of the following year and the wet season from May to October. The annual average temperature is around 21 ℃, and there is no frost or snow throughout the year. The annual foggy days reach 108-146 days. Here, 'long summer without winter, one rain becomes autumn', even in winter, the average temperature is above 13 ℃, making it a good place for winter vacation

Xishuangbanna is renowned for its unique tropical charm. Here is the largest tropical virgin forest in China, known as the "Kingdom of Plants" and "Kingdom of Animals". The ancient forest stands tall, with vines entwining around it. The flora and fauna resources are extremely abundant, with a wide variety of species. There are over 5000 rare plant species accounting for 1/6 of the total in China, and over 2000 animal species accounting for 1/4 of the total. Xishuangbanna is also rich in tourism resources, and 18 A-level scenic spots have their own characteristics. For example, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the largest tropical botanical garden with the most abundant species in China, and Manting Park is the imperial garden of the Dai kings in history, full of the beauty of the perfect combination of royalty, democracy and folk customs. In addition, there are many scenic spots such as Zong * *, Prajna Temple, Gaozhuang Starlight Night Market, and Olive Dam Dai Ethnic Garden, which make people linger and forget to leave

2. Recommended attractions

(1) Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, as a must visit destination, has many amazing features. This is a paradise for plants, with a rich variety of plant species and over 13000 living plants. The vast majority of plants have detailed introductions, making it a treasure trove for learning tropical plants. The park is divided into two parts: the eastern and western areas. The main attraction for sightseeing is the western area, which is composed of multiple small botanical gardens, such as the Qihua Yihui Garden. It is planted with colorful flowers, clock flowers that bloom on time, jumping dance grass that vibrates with music, and other various exotic flowers and grasses, which broaden people's horizons. In addition, the botanical garden also offers study tours, allowing visitors to appreciate the beautiful scenery while gaining a deeper understanding of tropical plants. And night tours are even more charming. Summer is a good time to watch fireflies, listen to frogs, insects, birds, and plants. The biological phenomena at night are extremely interesting, and you can observe life that cannot be seen during the day. You can hear the sounds of frogs, insects, owls, geckos, and other nocturnal animals such as bamboo worms, tropical spiders, grasshoppers, and moths. If lucky, you may even encounter cute sleeping postures such as warblers, lizards, bees, etc

(II) Wild Elephant Valley

Wild Elephant Valley is the only place in Xishuangbanna where wild elephants can be observed. Here are habitats for protected animals such as Asian wild elephants, bison, and green peacocks. In this pristine forest, it feels like entering a wonderful world of wildlife. The Wild Elephant Valley has facilities such as an elephant viewing corridor, a tree hotel, a high-altitude cableway, and a walking trail, providing tourists with a variety of viewing options. Among them, the high-altitude elephant watching patrol boardwalk is the first choice for elephant watching, with a total length of 2280 meters, allowing tourists to tour the primitive rainforest area of Wild Elephant Valley and truly achieve "safe observation of wild Asian elephants at close range in the air". The observation platform on the second phase of the Wild Elephant Valley boardwalk can increase the chance of encountering wild elephants. The tropical rainforest sightseeing cable car is also a good choice for viewing, overlooking the lush and straight rainforest, and searching for traces of Asian elephants. In addition, Wild Elephant Valley also has an elephant school where elephants perform four times a day. Tourists can feed the elephants and experience intimate interaction with them

(III) Olive Dam

Olive Dam is a natural, simple, and peaceful place located at the lowest altitude in Xishuangbanna, with an area of 50 square kilometers and an altitude of 530 meters. The hot climate here brings rich products, such as coconut, areca, banana, mango, litchi, carambola, jackfruit, passion fruit, etc. There are two relatively large natural villages in Olive Dam, where Man Song is satisfied with being called Garden Village and Man Ting means Flower and Fruit Village. There are typical Burmese Buddhist pagodas and traditional Dai bamboo houses in Zhaizi, surrounded by iron knife trees, which protect the local forest resources. Here, tourists can experience the unique charm of Dai culture and appreciate the harmonious beauty of nature and culture

(IV) Mengla Wangtian Tree

Mengla Wangtian Tree Scenic Area is magnificent. It is a complete oasis at 21 ° N latitude on Earth and is recognized as a tropical rainforest by the world. Its biological resources are extremely abundant. The Wangtian Tree Scenic Area is named after the iconic plant community of the tropical rainforest, the Wangtian Tree, which can reach a height of 70-100 meters. From a distance, green branches and leaves gather at the top, forming a magical "forest on the forest" landscape. The aerial corridor within the scenic area is known as the tallest aerial canopy corridor in Asia, with a total length of 500 meters and a height of 36 meters above the ground. Walking on it is both tense and exciting. The river here is the Nanla River, with a large flow and many tributaries. Both sides of the river are covered in dense forests, known as the Eastern Amazon. There is also a peculiar phenomenon of "fish catching and swinging" in the river

(V) Ethnic Cultural Paek

Ethnic Cultural Paek combines the characteristics of tropical plants and national culture. The whole park is divided into the South Park and the North Park. The South Park has three tourist areas: plant specimens, tropical fruits, beach day bathing and swimming. There are more than 600 mu tropical fruits such as coconut, grapefruit, mango, litchi, carambola, jackfruit, 55 mu coffee, and dozens of precious plant specimens such as palm, areca, fast-growing forest, amomum villosum, etc. The North Garden consists of two parts: ethnic exhibitions and ethnic recreational activities. Ethnic exhibitions include Dai Pavilion, Hani Pavilion, Yao Pavilion, Jino Pavilion, etc., showcasing the customs of various ethnic groups. The ethnic recreational activities are rich and colorful, including setting out, raising, lighting, losing bags, splashing water, cockfighting, Loong Boat racing, bamboo rafting, fireworks, bamboo cannons, cattle plagiarism, Dai wedding, etc. In addition, there are elephant halls, peacock halls, bird halls, and reptile halls in the park, and four open-air dance halls have been specially opened to hold various ethnic song and dance performances, allowing visitors to fully experience the rich ethnic customs

(VI) Mengyang Manjing Ancient Village

Mengyang Manjing Ancient Village preserves traditional architecture and is filled with a rich ethnic cultural atmosphere. The Dai bamboo houses in the ancient village are scattered and unique, with distinctive features. The natural scenery here is beautiful, with green trees providing shade and lush flowers and plants. Tourists can experience folk activities here, such as making Dai handicrafts and tasting traditional cuisine. Strolling through the ancient village, feeling the tranquility and antiquity, as if time has slowed down

(7) Damenglong Scenic Area

Damenglong Scenic Area has characteristic landscapes such as Menglong Black Pagoda, Manfeilong White Pagoda, Manle Art Village, and Menglong Border Gate. Menglong Black Pagoda has a long history and is full of mysterious colors; The Manfeilong White Pagoda has a beautiful shape and is a masterpiece of Dai architectural art. Manle Art Village is full of artistic atmosphere, showcasing local ethnic paintings. The border gate of Menglong allows people to feel the magnificent scenery of the border, experience the strong religious culture and ethnic customs. Here, tourists can visit temples and experience the solemnity and sacredness of religious culture; Appreciate ethnic performances and appreciate the unique charm of ethnic groups such as Dai and Bulang; You can also stroll along the border and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the border between the two countries

III. Food Recommendations

Xishuangbanna's food culture is rich and colorful, full of strong ethnic characteristics. Here are several local specialty foods introduced in detail

(1) Pineapple Purple Rice

Pineapple Purple Rice is a highly distinctive delicacy in Xishuangbanna, serving as both a staple and a dish. To make it, a whole pineapple is needed. Remove the stem and long pointed leaves, cut off the top pineapple cap, and take out the pineapple core. Put the purple glutinous rice soaked for 7 hours into a pineapple shell, cover it with a pineapple lid, and cook until the aroma is strong. The sourness and sweetness of pineapple are combined with the softness and stickiness of purple glutinous rice, and the rice is mixed with the aroma of pineapple, making it sweet and refreshing to eat. Pineapple fruit is rich in nutrients, containing a large amount of fructose, glucose, vitamins B, C, and other substances. Purple rice has the effects of nourishing blood and qi, warming the spleen and stomach, and has high nutritional and medicinal value, such as nourishing blood, strengthening the spleen, and treating neurasthenia. Its price is roughly around 38 yuan

(II) Lemongrass Grilled Fish

Lemongrass Grilled Fish is a masterpiece of the Dai ethnic group. This grilled fish is easy to make, with only pure natural fragrant grass embracing each other. Cut fresh tilapia from the back, remove internal organs and black film, apply salt and cooking wine, add ginger slices, and refrigerate and marinate. Chop the chili peppers, cilantro, garlic, chives, and lemongrass into small pieces, then mix them in a blender until finely chopped. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, and other seasonings. Spread tin foil and banana leaves on the baking tray, take the ginger slices from the marinated fish, evenly spread the marinade on the sliced belly of the fish, then add finely sliced fragrant grass and marinate for 15 minutes. Set the Siemens steam oven to the hot air function and bake at 200 degrees for 23 minutes. The grilled fish has a bright color and a natural lemon aroma that is intoxicating. The fish meat is as white and tender as frost, with a fresh and unique fragrance spreading in the mouth. According to statistics, the recipe of Dai style fragrant thatched grass grilled fish has been viewed by 71000 people in the kitchen, collected by 4623 people, and done by 28 people

(III) Bamboo tube food

Dai Bamboo tube food, also known as fragrant bamboo Bamboo tube food, exudes the fresh bamboo and the elegant fragrance of Rice noodles. It is a good time to eat Bamboo tube food from November to February of the next year. Choose tender bamboo that can send out fragrance, put high-quality glutinous rice into bamboo knots, soak it in water for several hours, and put it in the fire pool to bake with a gentle fire or on the oven. The mature Bamboo tube food has a soft and delicate taste, with a layer of white bamboo pulp wrapped on the outside, which has the fragrance of bamboo and the smell of baked food. Opening the bamboo slices, the fragrance of bamboo accompanied by the aroma of glutinous rice fills the nose, and every grain of rice seems to be soaked in the scent of bamboo, making it soft and delicious to eat

(4) Huoshao Ganba

Huoshao Ganba is a unique flavor snack of the Dai ethnic group, similar in appearance to Xinjiang beef jerky. Using tender yellow beef as the raw material, after careful roasting, it presents the characteristics of large chunks, crispy and fragrant. Tear off a piece with your hand and put it in your mouth. As you chew, the aroma gradually spreads, and the more you chew, the more flavorful it becomes. Although burnt dry food is dry, it is not dry or hot

(V) Baoshao

Baoshao is a unique delicacy of the Dai ethnic group in Xishuangbanna. Wrap the food to be cooked with banana leaves and grill it over charcoal. Banana leaves are like natural plastic wrap, protecting the original flavor and moisture of the ingredients. Being able to taste the most primitive taste of ingredients, fresh and pure, like a gift from nature

(VI) Chongjijiao

Chongjijiao is an ethnic snack in Xishuangbanna, which can be called an upgraded version of lemon chicken feet. Mash the cooked chicken feet until the flesh and bones are separated, then mix with ingredients such as tomatoes, water spinach, lime, crushed peanuts, cilantro, etc. Chicken feet are full of flavor, rich in layers, tough skin and fragrant meat, and refreshing and appetizing in summer. You can also taste delicious chicken feet at roadside stalls, such as the chicken feet of the girls at Xishuangbanna roadside stalls, which attract many diners

4. Accommodation Guide

(1) Gaozhuang

Gaozhuang is a tourist and commercial area, bustling with numerous internet famous shops. Most of the inns and hotels here have a Dai Thai style, full of rich ethnic customs. However, due to the relatively early construction of the hotel in Gaozhuang, some hotel facilities may be outdated. At night, the lively atmosphere of Gaozhuang also brings some noise, which may affect the rest of tourists. In addition, the rent in Gaozhuang is relatively high, which also leads to relatively expensive hotel prices. However, if you enjoy a lively atmosphere and want to experience a rich nightlife, the hotel in Gaozhuang is a good choice. Here, you can easily find various delicacies, specialty products, and entertainment activities, and experience the unique charm of Xishuangbanna

(II) Water Splashing Square

Water Splashing Square is only a river away from Gaozhuang, making travel very convenient. This place is not as noisy as Gaozhuang, it is very quiet at night, suitable for tourists who like a quiet environment. Moreover, the hotel prices at the Water Splashing Square are relatively cheap, with a high cost performance ratio. High rise apartments are one of the main types of accommodation in Songshui Square, where visitors can enjoy beautiful city views from the high floors. In addition, there are Wal Mart, Bingang Food City and other commercial facilities around Splash Plaza, which make life convenient. If you want to save on accommodation costs while enjoying convenient transportation, Splashing Water Square is a great choice

(III) Characteristic Ancient Villages

Manhe Na Ancient Village is one of the closest characteristic ancient villages to Gaozhuang. The style here is unique, full of rich Dai style buildings, simple yet fashionable. The homestays in the ancient village did not disrupt the overall atmosphere and had a strong sense of design. Here, you can feel the tranquility and beauty of the rainforest courtyard, surrounded by coconut trees and flowing water, as if you are in a fairy tale world. The environment of Manna Ancient Village is super quiet, without the hustle and bustle of the city, only the breath of nature and the chirping of insects and birds. If you want to experience a different style and feel the charm of Dai culture, a unique ancient village is a good choice

(4) The ancient villages along the Lancang River

The ancient villages along the Lancang River are relatively far from Gaozhuang, usually requiring a distance of more than ten kilometers, making travel relatively inconvenient. However, the river scenery here is very beautiful. If you have special needs for the river scenery and don't mind the inconvenience of transportation, then the ancient village on the banks of the Lancang River is a great choice. Here, you can fully enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Lancang River and feel the charm of nature. At the same time, the homestays in the ancient village also have a unique style, allowing you to deeply experience the lifestyle of the Dai people

(V) Recommended hotels

1. Wanda Vista: Wanda Vista is a super five-star all villa high-end hotel in Xishuangbanna, hidden among a tropical rainforest, surrounded by tall banana trees and various tropical plants. Buddhist pagodas and Dai style buildings can be seen everywhere in the hotel, with a strong Dai ethnic style and a strong sense of Southeast Asian vacation. The hotel has 151 luxurious and elegant guest rooms and suites, each with a private swimming pool, an indoor children's playground, and complete entertainment facilities, making it perfect for family outings during the Spring Festival<
2. InterContinental Hotel: The InterContinental Hotel is nestled in the tropical rainforest, with an elegant environment surrounded by clear waters. The hotel has 512 comfortable rooms in the style of Dai royal palace, with large independent balconies and breathtaking views of the rainforest. The hotel also offers a variety of in store activities, such as terraced rice planting, water splashing and singing, handmade tea making, etc. It is the best accommodation hotel for parent-child travel that is deeply loved by children
3. Villas and homestays in the ancient village of Manna: There are many cost-effective villas and homestays to choose from in the ancient village of Manna. These homestays have unique styles and beautiful environments, allowing you to experience a rich Dai cultural atmosphere. For example, the Jinghongsu Hidden Mountain and Panoramic Villa vacation homestay has an online design sense, surrounded by flickering candlelight and a romantic atmosphere. There are also some homestays such as Shisanyue Homestay, which have clean and hygienic rooms, complete facilities, and are suitable for family outings

V. Transportation Guide

(1) Airport

Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport is located in the southwest of Jinghong City, with a straight-line distance of about 5 kilometers from the city center. There are many modes of transportation from the airport to the urban area:

• Airport minibus: between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., there will be buses to and from the civil aviation intersection of Jingde Road and the airport. On the way, they will pass the new gate of the Ethnic Cultural Paek, the old gate of the Ethnic Cultural Paek, Gasa and other places, with an average of one hour
• Bus: Take bus No. 5 to [airport] and get off, then walk there; Take bus No. 1 to [Vocational High School] and get off there, then walk there
• Taxi: It costs about 30 yuan to travel from the airport to the city center. There are many cases where a meter is not used. It is recommended to carpool with multiple people or file a complaint with the relevant department

(II) Railway Station

• Xishuangbanna Station: It is a station on the newly-built Yumo Railway, designed with the concept of "birds dancing with colorful clouds, agile reception", showcasing the warm and hospitable ethnic style. After the opening of the high-speed railway, it takes about 3 hours from Kunming Station/Kunming South to Xishuangbanna, which is 6.7 kilometers away from the city center, providing great convenience for tourists to travel to Xishuangbanna
• Yexianggu Station: Yexianggu Station is the station with the largest freight volume in Yumo Section of the China Laos Railway, accounting for about one-third of the domestic freight volume of the China Laos Railway. The design capacity of the station is to deliver 750000 tons of goods annually, but after two or three years of operation, the delivery of goods has far exceeded the design capacity. The expansion plan of Yexianggu Station has been approved, and the cargo capacity will be increased to 6 million tons

(III) Steamship

Jinghong Port is located in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. It is an important port on the Lancang Mekong River international route, with Jinghong Port Central Terminal, Olive Dam Terminal, and Guanlei Terminal. In June 2001, the Ministry of Transport announced the official opening of Jinghong Port to foreign vessels, and on June 26, it officially realized the navigation of commercial ships from China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand

The central wharf of Jinghong Port is 101 kilometers away from the border of China, Laos, and Myanmar, 334.6 kilometers away from the Golden Triangle at the border of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, 402.1 kilometers away from Huisun, Laos (Qingkong, Thailand), and 701.6 kilometers away from Luang Prabang, Laos. From Jinghong Port Central Terminal to Chiang Rai Port in Thailand, it takes only 9 hours for passenger ships and 36 hours for cargo ships to navigate 345 kilometers

(IV) Public Transportation

Jinghong City currently has 5 urban bus routes:

• Route 1: Jingde Road Civil Aviation Intersection Gasa. Passing the old and new gates of the Ethnic Cultural Paek. The ticket price is 2 yuan
• 2nd Road: Jinghong Port - Gadong. Passing through the passenger station, tropical flower garden, and medicinal plant garden. The ticket price is 2 yuan
• Route 3: Manting Park - Intersection of Jinghong North Road and Galan North Road. Passing through Jinghong Bus Station, Banna Bus Station, Jimao Market, Tianshun Supermarket, etc. The ticket price is 1 yuan
• Route 4: Mannongfeng Government Park Community - Hydrological Station. Passing through *****, border crossing venue, ethnic shopping mall, Peacock Lake, etc
• Route 5: Mengla South Intersection - Jiangbei. Passing through ethnic shopping malls, Jinglan International Hotel, Jinshatan International Commodity City, Jinghong Port, Border Defense Brigade Hospital and other places

(V) Other modes of transportation

• Taxi: From Xishuangbanna