Top Attractions in Xishuangbanna
1. Wangtianshu Scenic Area
Home to the world's tall parashorea chinensis trees, this spot features stunning tropical rainforest scenery. You can challenge yourself on the thrilling canopy walkway and take a cruise along the Nanla River to admire the rainforest on both banks.
It is about 134 kilometers from Jinghong, a 2.5-hour drive via well-maintained expressways.
The canopy walkway and glass skywalk are the core highlights, with separate tickets priced at 120 yuan each. You only need to pick one. The canopy walkway is recommended for its greater height and more exciting experience. During routine maintenance, only one of them may be open, which depends on luck. Combined tickets covering all scenic activities are also available.
2. Mengyuan Fairyland
Cave sightseeing is the basic activity here. It is best known for outdoor experiences, such as rainforest trekking, tree climbing and abseiling, rainforest feasts, rock climbing and outdoor camping, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Located around 90 kilometers from Jinghong, it takes a 1.5-hour drive on expressways.
3. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
As the only 5A-level scenic area in Xishuangbanna, it boasts an enormous variety of plants and serves as an important base for tropical plant and flower research. The garden covers a vast area and is divided into the West Zone and East Zone.
The West Zone consists of themed sub-gardens including Palm Garden, Bamboo Garden and Exotic Flowers Garden. The East Zone features a unique landscape of bizarre rock formations intertwined with lush rainforests.
It lies 70 kilometers away from Jinghong, reachable within 1 hour by expressway.
4. Wild Elephant Valley
Here you can look for traces of wild elephants and may even spot elephant herds. Watch performances at the Elephant School and get up close with elephants. This famous attraction combines rainforest sightseeing with Asian elephant protection education. Prince William of the UK paid a visit here in 2015.
It is 30 kilometers from Jinghong, with a driving time of roughly 30 minutes.
5. Jinuo Mountain Village
Enjoy the live song and dance show Youle Youle to learn about the history and unique culture of the Jinuo ethnic group, including their origins, daily life, costumes and dietary customs.
The village is 26 kilometers from Jinghong, a 30-minute drive away.
6. Primitive Forest Park
Don’t miss the spectacular peacock release show, traditional Aini people’s dwellings, ethnic performances and authentic rainforest views. You can also try the jungle zip line to soar over the primeval woods.
Situated just 8 kilometers from downtown Jinghong, it takes only 15 minutes by car.
7. Manting Park
Located in central Jinghong, this former royal garden of the Dai kings features elephant shows, folk dances, exquisite Dai-style architecture and ancient temples. It connects with the General Buddhist Temple, a time-honored sacred site for Buddhist worshippers.
The evening cultural performance Night of Lancang-Mekong River and bonfire party are absolute must-sees.
8. Tropical Flower Garden
Also in downtown Jinghong, it is affiliated with the Tropical Crops Research Institute. This themed garden displays a rich collection of tropical flowers and plants on a smaller scale compared with the botanical garden. It is a great alternative if you do not have time to visit the botanical garden in Menglun.
Dai Ethnic Garden
Built around five natural Dai villages, it fully showcases Dai culture and history, including traditional stilt houses, courtyard scenery and local customs. Manchunman Buddhist Temple inside is one of the oldest temples in Xishuangbanna.
The biggest highlight is the daily grand water-splashing activity. Visitors can join in to experience the joy and excitement of the Water-Splashing Festival all year round.
It is 30 kilometers from Jinghong, around a 30-minute drive.
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