The Wizard of Oz Treasure Botanical Garden

The Xishuangbanna Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the largest botanical garden in China with the richest plant diversity. It is also the only 5A-level scenic spot in Xishuangbanna. [RedHeart] The park is divided into two areas: the west area is mainly a specialized park for artificially planted ornamental plants, suitable for a leisurely stroll; the east area is a pristine tropical rainforest area, suitable for hiking and exploration. 🚉Transportation strategy: It takes about 1 hour from Jinghong City to navigate to "Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences". There are plenty of parking spaces in the scenic area. Public transportation: Take the scenic area through bus from Gaozhuang Xishuangjing in Jinghong City (25 yuan per person for a one-way trip). There are multiple trips per day and the journey takes about 1 hour. [Tramcar] Transportation within the scenic area: Sightseeing bus: West District 50 yuan/person, East District 50 yuan/person, full-park ticket 100 yuan/person (full-park ticket is recommended to save energy). 🚶Hiking route: The hike in the East Rainforest takes about 2-3 hours. It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes and prepare mosquito repellent spray. ✅Must experience: [One] "Floating on Water" Victoria regia pond (May-October) is located in the Aquatic Botanical Garden. In summer, the diameter of Victoria regia leaves can reach 2 meters. Visitors weighing less than 50kg can stand on the leaves to take photos. When the water surface is shrouded in mist in the early morning, it feels like being in a fairy tale world. Tips: An additional fee of 20 yuan per person is required for taking photos. It is recommended to experience it in the early morning or evening when the light is soft. [Two] Hundred Flowers Garden's "Color Strike" The Bougainvillea Theme Park (January to April) is in full bloom, with waterfalls of pink and purple flowers pouring down from the branches; There are dozens of water lilies floating in the water lily pond (June-September), and you can watch the amazing phenomenon of "water lilies closing" in the evening. Photography tips: Wear light-colored clothes for easier photography. The light in the early morning is soft, so avoid the strong light at noon. [Three] The Magic of Plants in the Garden of Exotic Flowers Touch the dancing grass (at midday when the sun is strongest) and the leaves will sway to the rhythm of the music; Taste the miracle fruit (reservation required), and the sour lemon will become sweet; See the strychnos nux vomica tree, where your guide will explain its toxicity and the traditional Dai way of using it. [Four] Tropical Rainforest Immersion Hike (Eastern District) Follow a professional guide to explore the wonders of the rainforest, such as the strangler fig, buttress root phenomenon, and hanging gardens; encounter the calls of gibbons (higher probability in the early morning), tree-dwelling lizards, and rainforest streams; Rainforest Restaurant and Bar: During the hike, you can taste the local specialties such as bamboo rice and pineapple rice to replenish your energy. [Five] Night Tour of the Botanical Gardens' "World of Elves" Firefly observation (19:30-21:30, best from May to August): around the palm garden, use a lantern to look for the twinkling fireflies; Insect Science: Use ultraviolet light to observe beetles and spiders that are active at night, and professional guides will take you to explore the microscopic world. [Six] Hidden gameplay Picnic in the Palm Garden: There is a large lawn in the West District Palm Garden. You can bring your own food or buy simple meals in the scenic area and enjoy a tropical picnic. Ethnobotany Culture Area: Experience the traditional Dai architecture "Palm Leaf Scripture Pavilion" and learn about the ethnic plant culture such as betel nut and glutinous rice; DIY plant rubbings: Purchase tools at the visitor center and make rubbings of leaves into souvenirs (30 yuan/time). 📝Practical tips: [1:00] Best time to visit: November to April of the following year when the climate is cool, avoid the rainy season from July to August; 👚 Dressing suggestions: Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts to protect against the sun, and bring a raincoat for rainforest hiking; ⏱Advance reservation: Night tours and Wang Lian experience must be booked in advance on the scenic spot’s official account; 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parent-child recommendation: The route in the West District is flat, suitable for visiting with children, and strollers can be rented (50 yuan/day). In this "Wizard of Oz", every step is a new plant discovery! Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences