Ask a QuestionXishuangbanna, a year-round tropical paradise, is a winter haven for many travelers. Its lush rainforests and the warm, moist breeze from the Lancang River make you feel like you've stepped into a living "Emerald City." Located near the borders of Laos and Myanmar, Xishuangbanna offers a rich blend of local and Southeast Asian cultures. Buddhist temples dot the streets, and locals in traditional attire are a common sight. Not to mention the local delicacies and unique ethnic festivals. This guide will introduce you to the top attractions and activities in Xishuangbanna, helping you plan your trip efficiently.
The first thing you'll notice about Xishuangbanna is the overwhelming greenery. The city's low latitude and altitude, combined with the influence of monsoon currents, give it a vibrant, lively atmosphere. Walking through the streets feels like strolling through a forest.
To truly appreciate the natural beauty, venture into the tropical rainforests. Towering trees with massive buttress roots, aerial gardens formed by plants that root in the air, and the complex relationships between banyan trees and their parasitic plants create a mesmerizing ecosystem. The stories of tropical plants, like the deadly "see-blood-seal-throat" tree or the fragrant agarwood, are best experienced in person.
Top Attractions:
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden: Home to thousands of plant species, it's the largest botanical garden in China. Even if you're not a plant enthusiast, it's a great spot for photography.
Primitive Forest Park: This park preserves the most intact tropical valley rainforest south of the Tropic of Cancer. The "survival of the fittest" stories of rainforest plants unfold here.
Wild Elephant Valley: A must-visit for animal lovers, this park is frequently visited by Asian elephants, and is also home to wild buffalo, green peacocks, and black bears.
Xishuangbanna is also known for its numerous Buddhist temples. The city's devotion to Theravada Buddhism, similar to that in Thailand, is evident in the architecture of these temples, which differ significantly from those in northern China or Tibet. Here, you can experience a touch of foreign culture without leaving the country.
Must-Visit Temples:
Wat Maha Phuttharam (General Temple): The spiritual center for local Buddhists, housing a statue of a seven-armed Buddha.
Mengle Buddha Temple: Rebuilt on the site of an ancient royal temple, this hilltop temple offers panoramic views of Jinghong City.
Golden Pagoda Temple: A blend of Dai and Southeast Asian Buddhist architecture, this temple stands 60 meters tall.
Manchunman Temple: Said to be the first temple built after Buddhism was introduced to Xishuangbanna, it's still a bustling place of worship today.
For a deeper exploration, consider visiting the more obscure Panya Temple, the oldest temple in Jinghong, or the Manfeilong Temple with its unique dragon-themed pagoda.
Xishuangbanna's charm also lies in its diverse ethnic cultures. While the Dai people are the majority, other ethnic groups like the Blang, Hani, Lahu, and Jino also call this region home. Their unique clothing, houses, and festivals add to the region's vibrant culture. Visiting these villages offers a glimpse into the real Xishuangbanna.
Top Villages:
Dai Ethnic Garden: Comprising five well-preserved Dai villages, this site offers a warm welcome to visitors with traditional dances, songs, and water blessings. The daily Water Splashing Festival here ensures you won’t miss out on the festivities.
Mandi Village: Less commercialized than Dai Ethnic Garden, this village still holds traditional morning markets, offering a chance to taste authentic Dai snacks and fruits. Afterward, explore the ancient buildings in the village.
Manting Park: Located in Jinghong City, this park was once the royal garden of the Dai kings. Surrounded by lush greenery and ancient temples, it's a perfect spot for photography.
The culinary delights of Xishuangbanna are unforgettable, with a fusion of Dai and Southeast Asian flavors. From tropical fruits to mouthwatering snacks, and from Southeast Asian dishes to traditional Dai meals, there's something for every taste. Xishuangbanna's vibrant night markets are the heart and soul of the city after dark.
Must-Try Foods:
- Start your day with a bowl of authentic Dai rice noodles.
- For lunch or dinner, try Southeast Asian dishes like Thai curry, Tom Yum soup, Laotian salads, and Vietnamese pho.
- For dinner, enjoy a feast of Dai cuisine such as bamboo rice, pineapple rice, and grilled lemongrass fish.
- For a late-night snack, head to a night market for BBQ and other local treats.
Top Night Markets:
- Gaozhuang Starlight Night Market: Located under the Hongjing Golden Pagoda, this market is perfect for shopping and photography.
- Binyang Riverside Night Market: Ideal for food lovers, this market is located along the Lancang River.
- Mekong Six-Nation Water Market: A unique experience where you can boat through a floating market.
In recent years, Xishuangbanna has become home to numerous international resort hotels, offering travelers the perfect place to unwind. From stylish boutique hotels to five-star resorts, there's a place to suit every taste.
Top Hotels:
- International Chains: Crowne Plaza, Pullman, InterContinental, Sheraton, Wanda Vista, and Wyndham all have luxury resorts here, though some are located on the outskirts of the city.
- City Center Hotels: Surichill Arts Hotel (Gaozhuang Starlight Night Market branch) and Wuyun Fengsheng Resort Hotel offer excellent city-center accommodations.
- Local Boutique Hotels: Jinhua Courtyard is a good choice if you prefer a more local experience.
Xishuangbanna is a city where you should slow down and savor the experience. The attractions are spread out, so don't rush your itinerary. Here's a suggested five-day plan to cover the highlights:
Day 1: Arrive in Xishuangbanna and rest. In the evening, explore a night market.
Day 2:
- Morning: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (CAS)
- Afternoon: Dai Ethnic Garden for Water Splashing Festival activities
Day 3:
- Morning: Explore Mandi Village and the morning market
- Afternoon: Visit Manting Park and General Temple
- Evening: Enjoy Starlight Night Market
Day 4:
- Morning: Wild Elephant Valley for elephant performances and jungle exploration
- Afternoon: Primitive Forest Park, followed by a visit to the Mekong Six-Nation Water Market for an evening boat ride
Day 5:
- Depart Xishuangbanna. If you have extra time, visit additional temples like Buddha Temple or Golden Pagoda Temple.
We are member of
Follow us on
