Xishuangbanna (xī shuāng bǎn nà 西双版纳), as a National Scenic Resort, is rich in nature, historical and cultural resources, noted for the multifarious folklore, rain forests, rare plants and wildlife, etc. Its major tourist attractions include Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden, Manfeilong Pagodas (Tanuozhuanglong), Jingzhen Pavilion, Wild Elephant Gully, Dai people's village at Ganlanba, etc.

The well-known traditional festival is the ethnic Dai's Water-Splashing Festival (dǎi zú pō shuǐ jié 傣族泼水节). It lasts for three days from April 13 to 15. Besides water- splashing event, it also consists of some other events such as Dragon boat races, firing of indigenous missiles, flying Kongming Lamps (kǒng míng dēng 孔明灯), etc.

Physical Features
Located in the south extension of the Hengduan Mountains, Xishuangbanna has over ninety-five percent of its territory occupied by mountainous and hilly areas. Most of the prefecture is below the altitude of 1,500 meters (4921 feet). Jinghong (jǐng hóng 景洪) City is only 550 meters (1804 feet) above the sea level. The Lancang River runs through the prefecture and it is known as Mekong River (méi gōng hé 湄公河) while passing by Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Climatic Features
The weather of this region features a combination of continental and oceanic climate with an annual average temperature of 18-22 C (64.4-71.6 F). The coldest November likes the summer in middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Therefore, Xishuangbanna is reputed as a happy land without winter. Generally, it only has two seasons. May to October is the rainy season and November to April the next year is the dry season.

Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden
The Garden was established in 1959 under the leadership of Prof. Cai Xitao, a famous botanist in China. In the 900 ha.areas of the Garden, more than 6,000 species of tropical plants from both China and abroad have been collected and cultivated in over 20 plant collections (garden). The Garden has been const constructed as a botanical garden with the largest area and the richest plant diversity in China. It has been assessed and elected to be a top-level tourist scenic spot of China. Each year, the Garden receives about 500,000 visitors including experts, scholars and tourists.

Manfeilong Pagoda
Manfeilong Pagoda is located on the top of a small hill behind Manfeilong village, Damenglong, which is about 70 kilometers far from Jinghong. Stupa was build in 1204, the major one in the middle is 16.29 meters and eight minor ones around are 9.1 meters in height. This stupa group is very famous in Southeast Asia, there is a huge footprint in its niche, it is said was left by Buddha and very sacred to Buddhists.

Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion
As one of the important relics of Xishuangbanna, the Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion is named after the place where it is located. The octagonal pavilion, called "Wo Su" in the Dai language, is a place where the senior Buddhist monks giving sutra, repenting, holding meetings and memorizing Buddha.

Wild Elephant Valley
Wild Elephant Valley is to the North of Jinghong City, about 50 kilometers far. It actually is a nature reserve for tropical rainforest and wild lives. Here in jungle live about 70 wild Asian elephants. Wild elephants usually come out at night, so people built a small hotel on tops of trees in forest for tourists who want to observe wild elephants closely. A 2-kilometer long cable way in the park enables people to enjoy rainforest view from the air.

Dai people's village
The park (minzu fengqingyuan) is located near pretty Liusha River (liú shā hé 流沙河), one kilometer away from Jinghong. Occupying an area of 30 hectares, the park is covered with all kinds of tropical and fruit trees. Six minority group customs are detailed here including Dai, Akha, Jinuo, Bulang, La and Ya. Different ethnic performances and activities are usually held each Wednesday and Saturday evening. Orchards can be found in the park. At harvest time, visitors can pick up some tropical fruits here.

xishuangbanna -- Food
tropical fruit

xishuangbanna -- Shopping
Special Local Products
tea
coffeetropical fruit
herbs
Yunnan tobacco

xishuangbanna -- Transportation
Air
Jinghong (Xishuangbanna) Airport is located in the Gajiu Town in southern Jinghong City, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from downtown Jinghong. At present, it has direct flights to Kunming, Lijiang and Dali. There are two flights a week to Chiang Mai, Thailand. From Jinghong bus station in No.23, Jinghong Road (North) and Xishuangbanna passenger transport service station in No.5, Minzu Road, buses to the counties and towns of Xishuangbanna run frequently, carrying visitors to the scenic spot they want to.

Bus
There are total three public bus lines in Jinghong city proper. All the scenic spots and passenger transport stations inside Jinghong City can be reached by theses buses.
Bicycle
Recently, renting a bicycle while traveling a city is every popular and convenient. Jinghong city is not big, and it is a good idea to visit by bike.

xishuangbanna -- Tips
It is an all-year-round tourist destination. November to April the next year is the best season to Xishuangbanna for the favorable weather. Due to its sound road condition, Xishuangbanna is also a hot destination during the rainy season from May to October.

1. As Xishuangbanna is abundant in sunshine and rainforest, it is easy to get sunburned and stung by mosquitoes. Therefore sunblock and mosquito repellent are necessary.

2. Tourists should respect the etiquette, taboos and customs of Dai Ethnic Minority and other minorities. Read more about the etiquette and taboos of Dai Ethnic People.

3. There are many jade articles and jewellery on sale throughout Xishuangbanna. Please be aware that it overflows with fakes. But it''s really an interesting place to stroll and rummage for surprise. Experienced buyers may be able to discover some exceptionally valuable jade articles and jewellery.

4. Xishuangbanna is the frontier of China. Please mind your security and health.

How to get there:
To Elephant park: The park is 45 kilometres north of Jinghong by the highway linking Jinghong and Simao. You can take the bus to Simao from the main bus station in Jinghong and get off at the park. It takes 30 minutes and costs RMB 10 (US$1.2). Admission fee is RMB25, there is a sight seeing cable car that costs RMB30 one way. Tree house guest rooms are available for RMB180.

To Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden garden: From the main bus station in Jinghong, take a bus heading towards Mengla or Menglun. These buses leave every hour from 7:30 am to 3 pm. The fee is RMB12 (US$1.4). Admission fee is RMB 60 per person.

To Manfeilong Pagodas: The pagoda is 60km south of Jinghong. From the main bus station in Jinghong, buses run every 30 minutes from 8am to 5pm. The fare is RMB10. Admission fee is RMB5 for the White Pagoda and free for the Black Pagoda

To Jingzhen Pavilion. Admission Fee: RMB 10 (individual) RMB 5 (group up to 10 guests)

To Dai people's village: there are different transportation means to Dai people's village after you get to Jinghong. Admission fee is RMB 60

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