Xisuangbanna (Patria tropical Dai, 7 puntos escénicos)

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (CAS)

Founded in 1959 by the famous Chinese botanist Cai Xitao, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is one of the largest and most diverse tropical botanical gardens in China, covering an area of over 1,100 hectares on the banks of the Lancang River. It is home to more than 13,000 species of plants, including rare and endangered species such as the giant water lily (Victoria amazonica), the dragon blood tree, and various tropical orchids. Beyond its scientific significance, the garden is deeply connected to the local Dai culture. The Dai people have a long history of using tropical plants for medicine, food, and daily life—for example, using bamboo for building houses, banana leaves for wrapping food, and various herbs for treating illnesses. The garden hosts cultural activities such as Dai folk performances and plant-themed workshops, allowing visitors to learn about the symbiotic relationship between the Dai people and the tropical rainforest. It is not only a research center for tropical botany but also a popular tourist destination where visitors can immerse themselves in the lush tropical greenery, admire exotic flowers and plants, and gain insights into the Dai people’s profound knowledge of nature.

Wild Elephant Valley

Located in the tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna, Wild Elephant Valley is one of the few places in China where visitors can see wild Asian elephants up close. Covering an area of over 370 hectares, the valley is part of the Asian Elephant National Nature Reserve, which protects the last remaining wild Asian elephant population in China (about 300 elephants). The valley offers various ways to observe the elephants: taking an elevated wooden walkway through the forest to watch them foraging and playing, visiting the elephant breeding center to see baby elephants, and watching elephant performances (focused on education rather than entertainment). The Dai people have a long-standing relationship with elephants—elephants are considered sacred animals in Dai culture, and they have been used for transportation, labor, and even in religious ceremonies. The valley also features Dai-style architecture, folk performances, and a tropical rainforest museum, providing visitors with a comprehensive experience of the local natural and cultural heritage. It is not only a wildlife sanctuary but also a cultural site that showcases the harmonious coexistence between the Dai people and the Asian elephants for centuries.

Manting Park (Royal Garden of the Dai King)

With a history of over 1,300 years, Manting Park was once the royal garden of the Dai kings, where they held grand ceremonies, received distinguished guests, and spent their leisure time. Located in the center of Jinghong City, the park covers an area of 400,000 square meters, featuring tropical plants, ancient trees, lotus ponds, and traditional Dai-style pavilions and corridors. The main attractions include the Wangting Pavilion, where the Dai kings once held banquets, the Buddhist temple with a golden stupa, and the stage for folk performances. The park is deeply rooted in Dai culture: every evening, the “Lancang River-Mekong River Night” performance is held here, showcasing the folk dances, music, and customs of the Dai and other Southeast Asian ethnic groups. During the Dai Water-Splashing Festival, the park becomes the main venue for celebrations, with thousands of people gathering here to splash water and pray for good fortune. Manting Park is not just a beautiful garden but also a living museum of Dai royal culture and folk traditions, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the grandeur and charm of the Dai kingdom.

Dai Minority Park

A cluster of five traditional Dai villages located on the banks of the Lancang River, the Dai Minority Park offers visitors an immersive experience of Dai culture and daily life. Each village has its own unique features: one focuses on traditional architecture, another on folk crafts, and others on food, dance, and religious traditions. Visitors can walk through the villages, admire the Dai-style stilted houses with thatched roofs and wooden structures, watch artisans making silverware, tie-dyeing fabrics, and weaving bamboo products, and taste authentic Dai delicacies such as grilled fish wrapped in lemongrass, pineapple rice, and spicy chicken feet. The park is famous for its “daily Water-Splashing Festival,” where visitors can join the locals in splashing water to celebrate, a tradition that symbolizes the washing away of bad luck and the welcoming of happiness. The Dai people’s Buddhist faith is also evident here, with ancient temples and golden stupas scattered throughout the villages. The Dai Minority Park is a perfect place to experience the authentic Dai way of life, away from the commercialization of the city, and to learn about their rich cultural heritage.

Wangtianshu Scenic Area (Sky-Scraping Tree)

Home to the famous sky-scraping trees (Parashorea chinensis), which can grow up to 80 meters tall, making them some of the tallest trees in Asia, the Wangtianshu Scenic Area is a prime example of a tropical rainforest ecosystem in Xishuangbanna. The highlight of the area is the 500-meter-long aerial corridor built between the treetops, allowing visitors to walk 36 meters above the ground and experience the unique perspective of the rainforest canopy, where they can see rare birds, insects, and epiphytic plants. The Dai people have lived in harmony with the rainforest for centuries, relying on it for food, medicine, and building materials, and they consider the sky-scraping trees to be sacred. The scenic area also includes hiking trails through the forest, a tropical rainforest museum, and Dai-style villages where visitors can learn about the local culture. It is not only a natural wonderland but also an important site for environmental education, teaching visitors about the importance of protecting the tropical rainforest and the diverse species that depend on it.

Gaozhuang Xishuangjing & Starlight Night Market

Gaozhuang Xishuangjing is a large-scale cultural tourism complex in Jinghong City, designed in the style of traditional Dai architecture, with grand golden stupas, intricate carvings, and a network of canals, creating a romantic and exotic atmosphere reminiscent of Southeast Asian cities. The highlight of Gaozhuang is the Starlight Night Market, one of the largest night markets in Southeast Asia, which comes alive every evening with thousands of stalls selling local snacks, handcrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. The market is a melting pot of cultures: visitors can taste Dai, Thai, Laotian, and Burmese delicacies, watch folk performances from various ethnic groups, and even get dressed in traditional Dai costumes for photos. The Golden Pagoda in the center of Gaozhuang is a landmark, illuminated at night, casting a golden glow over the entire area. Gaozhuang Xishuangjing and the Starlight Night Market are not just tourist attractions but also a vibrant cultural hub where locals and visitors come together to celebrate the rich diversity of Xishuangbanna’s culture and cuisine.

Tropical Rainforest Valley

A pristine tropical rainforest reserve located in the heart of Xishuangbanna, the Tropical Rainforest Valley is a haven for biodiversity, home to thousands of plant and animal species, including many rare and endangered ones. The valley features dense forests, cascading waterfalls, clear streams, and natural hot springs, creating a peaceful and immersive natural environment. The Dai people have a long history of using the rainforest’s resources, and the valley includes a cultural village where visitors can learn about their traditional knowledge of plants and medicine. Activities in the valley include hiking along forest trails, watching wildlife, soaking in hot springs, and participating in traditional Dai rituals. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers who want to escape the crowds and experience the tranquility and beauty of the tropical rainforest, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the Dai people’s close relationship with nature.