[2025 Mengla Attraction] Travel Guide for Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Updated May)

Mengla is the most surprising discovery of this trip to Yunnan. This treasure-filled border town is located at the southernmost tip of Yunnan Province, just a stone's throw away from Laos. There is no crowd like in Xishuangbanna here. Walking on the street, you can see the leisurely daily life of local people and simple and delicious food🥘. 🚉How to get there: -Take the bullet train from Jinghong, Xishuangbanna to Mengla Station, the whole journey takes 1 hour and costs ¥53 per person. You can take a taxi in the city. -Self-driving in Xishuangbanna 🚗 The whole journey is 2 hours on the highway. 📝Game guide: Day 1: Xishuangbanna - Mengla Main Street - Laotian Hotpot - Nanla River Starlight Night Market Day 2: Wangtianshu Scenic Area - Xishuangbanna 📍 Mengla attractions: 1️⃣: "Coconut Grove Scenic Road" Mengla County is very suitable for citywalk. There are coconut trees on both sides of the road🌴, few tourists and cheap prices. You can eat various local snacks while walking🍢. It is full of Southeast Asian tropical style and is a border town that people will fall in love with. ⚠️: Mengla Main Street - Qingnian Street - Jinggang Street is the most popular street📸 2️⃣: Wangtianshu Scenic Area This is the only tropical rainforest area in China recognized by the world! The original rain forest is densely populated with towering trees up to 60-100 meters high. After going there, I feel it is really worth it❗️ - Compared to the Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, there are far fewer tourists here, and the hiking routes are basically shaded. Compared with other rainforest hikes, the overall difficulty of the hiking route here is lower and it is more suitable for the elderly and children. - Be sure to experience the high-altitude canopy corridor and experience the charm of the original tropical rainforest from all angles. ⚠️: The scenic area is 20km away from Mengla County. The Nanla River Wharf at the entrance is also one of the filming locations of "Border Water Past". 📍Manlonler: The village retains traditional Dai-style architecture and there are fairs on weekends. If you have enough time, you can go and have a look. 📍Dragon fruit field: On the way to the Wangtianshu Scenic Area, I saw many local farmlands planted with dragon fruit. It was the first time I knew that dragon fruit grows like this. 🥘Must-eat food: 1️⃣: Laotian hot pot When you come to Mengla, you must eat Laotian hotpot! There is barbecue in the middle and hot pot outside, two dishes in one pot. ⚠️: Be sure to order the pork belly 🥩 with the local Laotian dipping sauce, so delicious! 2️⃣: Dai flavor & Southeast Asian flavor Spring chicken feet, spring rice noodles, spring mangoes, in Mengla you can taste all kinds of sour and spicy Dai flavors that are authentic and cost-effective. Add a cup of Laotian coffee☕️ or Pao Lu Da, and you will feel like you have traveled to Southeast Asia. ⚠️: The county town is not big, so you don’t have to spend a lot of effort looking for delicious food. Just search online or choose one that you like, and you will basically not make any mistakes. 🏨Accommodation: Mengla County is relatively small, and the hotel facilities are not particularly high-end. Mengla Jinglan Hotel is considered to be very good.

#WinterTravel A large tropical botanical garden in Yunnan Province, China, is a paradise for nature lovers. 🪴 It gathers a variety of tropical plants from all over the world in one place, including large trees, rare plants, and special zones such as bamboo gardens, orchid gardens, and artificial rainforests. The garden has a well-organized, convenient, and suitable walking path for all ages. In addition to viewing the plants, you can also learn about the environment through conservation activities. 🐝 This place is suitable for both relaxation and studying nature. Opening hours: 08.00-18.00 every day 📍Location: Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province Getting there: Travel from Jinghong Airport by bus or private car for about 2 hours. 🌳 Come recharge with nature and take some beautiful pictures to share!

The ancient Dai name of Xishuangbanna means "an ideal and magical paradise" in Chinese. ✅ The only lush oasis on the Tropic of Cancer ✅ The only tropical rainforest reserve in China ✅ The "Golden Kingdom" in Ji Xianlin's writing 📍Jinghong, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province 🚕 Transportation: High-speed rail 🚄 or plane ✈️, the high-speed rail station and airport are next to each other Main attractions: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Jinghong, Manting Park, Lancang-Mekong Night Market, Dai Park, etc. 🧐🧐 Main attractions 1. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden: One of the largest tropical botanical gardens in the world, where you can get up close and personal with a variety of tropical plants and experience the atmosphere of a tropical rainforest. 2. Jinghong: As the capital of Xishuangbanna, there are many places to eat and shop, and it is also a great place to experience Dai culture. 3. Manting Park: A park that combines natural scenery and cultural landscapes, where you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and the architectural art of Dai culture. 4. Lancang-Mekong Night Market: A great place to experience Xishuangbanna's nightlife, with a variety of night market snacks and entertainment activities. 5. Dai Park: A place to learn more about the history and culture of the Dai people, including visiting traditional Dai architecture and participating in traditional Dai festivals. 👀👀 Food recommendations 1. Dai-style barbecue: Xishuangbanna's barbecue is very famous, especially Dai-style barbecue, which has a unique taste and is worth a try. 2. Sour fish soup: A Dai specialty dish, sour and spicy, very appetizing. 3. Tropical fruits: Xishuangbanna has a wide variety of tropical fruits, such as durian, jackfruit, mango, etc., which are not to be missed. 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Travel tips 1. Xishuangbanna has a hot and humid climate, so please take sun protection and mosquito repellent measures before traveling. 2. Learn about local customs and festivals in advance to better experience the local culture. 3. Pay attention to food safety and hygiene when tasting food at night markets. 4. Respect local customs and religious beliefs to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts.

#AdventurousTraveler Visiting the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences🌳, I saw many tropical rainforest plants introduced in natural science books🌲: Victoria amazonica, Dracaena, Aoki, Dancing Grass, Mimosa, plants that eat "meat", and national trees and flowers of various countries🪷🌺. I deeply realized that reading thousands of books is not as good as traveling thousands of miles. In the botanical garden, I can feel this fresh vitality🌴 and truly feel the natural climate of the tropical rainforest, just like a mysterious and charming fairy tale world. Come and float and play in the rainforest streams,🍃 and enjoy the coolness of summer.

You must visit 'Xishuangbanna' at least once, Run under the tall palm trees in the Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden. The wind that blows past your ears is not only the wind, but also freedom. The Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden is divided into east and west areas. The west area has a variety of plant types and the roads are very flat, which is friendly to the elderly and children💌. 🌴Palm Garden: A large area of palm trees are intricately arranged, giving a holiday feel. 🌿Aquatic Plant Garden: June to September is the recommended viewing period for Victoria amazonica, Before August 31, visitors weighing less than 40 kg can experience sitting on Victoria amazonica for a fee. 🍀Exotic Flower Garden: You can often see dancing grass moving with the guide's singing. 💐Flower Garden: Suitable for taking photos and checking in. The pink paper fan flowers are super out of the picture, the large pink ones are the sepals of the flower, and the small yellow dots in the middle are the flowers. I have imagined countless times, The look of being in close contact with plants in nature, What I felt in the 'West Area of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden' Is far more shocking and beautiful than my imagination✨. You must come once to experience the specialness here. 📌Tips: ①There are sightseeing cars in the park, 50r/person for a single park area, and 100r/person for the east and west areas. ②If you have time to build slowly, it is recommended to stay in the Victoria amazonica Hotel in the scenic area and play at any time. ③Prevent mosquitoes and sun protection. Wearing solid color clothes is more out of the picture. 🚍Transportation: 🚃Bus: Xishuangbanna Passenger Station—Meng Lun Town, ticket price 23r. 🚌Scenic Area Direct Bus: You can take it at Gaozhuang and Poshui Square, the ticket price is 45r.

This is a wonderful place for both families, couples and friends! Barbecue at the restaurant there is great and very cheap! Place for all photography lovers- total heaven!#awesomepic

The Botanical park in Xishuangbanna is a 5 star experience that I would highly recommend to any visitors especially nature lovers. The park is located about 1 hours drive from downtown Jinhong in the Menzhang area. The ticket costs 40 for entrance and 50 for the shuttle bus per person. You can take the shuttle bus around the perimeter of the park and between some areas in the middle. There are several places of interest including a rainforest museum, shade garden, aquatic plant garden, palm tree collection, suspension bridge, medicinal garden and more. It takes about 2-3 hours to look at most of the gardens if you take the buses.

The Tropical Botanical Garden is a place that you can’t miss if you are in the city of Xishuangbanna. As this place is really outskirts of the city, it is important to plan ahead transportation with a private driver. The whole visit, including walking around and taking pictures should last between 1 to 2 hours. The forest is well maintained, this place is clean and fresh air is everywhere. The main attraction are the king lotus leaf (also know as Victoria Amazonica) on the lake. They are enormous circular leaves even people can stand on those leaves on the water!It is unbelievable the strength of those plants. #createwithtrip #holidays #exploring #createwithtrip

**🔥Xishuangbanna 3-day, 2-night popular guide! Play like this to save money💰 and take great photos that will flood your social circle!** **📍Day 1: Immersive Dai ethnic customs** ✅ **Morning**: Go straight to **Manting Park + the Main Buddhist Temple**. The Dai King's Royal Garden is super photogenic! Rent Dai clothing (rent at the night market for CNY 30–50). Snap a photo and you'll have a blockbuster📸 ✅ **Noon**: Eat **Dai-style hand-grabbed rice** (recommended: "Manfeilong Grilled Chicken". You can eat until you're stuffed for an average of CNY 50!) ✅ **Afternoon**: Stroll through **Starry Night Market** (Asia's largest night market!). Go after 5pm to avoid the crowds and see the sunset 🌇 ✅ **Evening**: Take **CNY 199 Dai-style photos** (bargaining tips: ask around at several places, choose clothes that look good, and 5–10 retouched photos are enough) **🌴Day 2: Tropical rainforest + niche secret spots** ✅ **Morning**: **Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden** (must-see: the Giant Water Lily Pond. People under 80 kg can sit on it!) ✅ **Noon**: Eat **mashed chicken feet + Paoluda** (the "Xiaoyu Dai Flavor" at the night market is super popular!) ✅ **Afternoon**: **Wild Elephant Valley Rainforest Herding Elephants** (walk and take photos with elephants 🐘. It's super healing!) ✅ **Evening**: **Six Nations Water Market** (take a fruit boat and cruise the Mekong River at night. It's super dreamy!) **💡Day 3: Locals' private play guide** ✅ **Morning**: **Jinuo Mountain Rainforest Hike** (stream tracing + tree climbing + eating wild fruit. It's super exciting!) ✅ **Noon**: Eat **Dai-style barbecue** (recommended: "Youxiang Food Plaza". It's half the price of the night market!) ✅ **Afternoon**: **Borei Temple** (pure white pagoda, niche but super photogenic!) ✅ **Before returning**: Buy **Laos iced coffee + dried mango** as souvenirs. They're cheap and delicious! **⚠️Avoid-the-pitfalls guide** ❌ Don't buy fruit in scenic areas (go to **Mange Fruit Market**. Durian is CNY 20/kg!) ❌ Don't trust cheap chartered cars on the roadside (you can easily get ripped off. It is recommended to use DiDi or rent an electric car) ❌ Bring an umbrella during the rainy season (June–August). It may rain at any time ☔ **📸Photo Tips** ✔️ The light is softest at 8am & 4pm ✔️ Wear bright clothes (red/yellow/white). They go great with the green rainforest! ✔️ Use a wide-angle lens to photograph Buddhist temples and a telephoto lens to photograph the rainforest. You'll get a cinematic feel in minutes 🎬

Family! In order not to miss the excitement, get up immediately at six in the morning, drive an hour and a half from the city, rush to get there at the opening of the park, arrive directly to the 1st salary counter to register the instructor, the key is not to write the level, randomly assigned, this can guarantee no wheels. 🎈 Tour route: Enter the garden → Hundred Gardens → Exotic Flower Garden → Banyan Garden → Palm Garden → Wang Lotus Pond → Shadow Botanical Garden → National Tree National Flower and Celebrity Famous Tree Garden → Vine Garden → Hundred Gardens → West Garden Exit. tips: Other routes can refer to the official public account The whole process is 3 hours, beginner 2 soft girls, walking extra compensation, walking route and sightseeing car opposite direction, perfectly wrong crowd, walking relaxed and comfortable, explainer familiar with the road, a d wrong road did not walk, explanation and super detailed, do not have to walk in detail, and a morning is not hot, not sun and do not have to force crowds, this time is really relaxed 🌟Courteous recommendation: It is strongly recommended to stay at Wang Lin Hotel, you can participate in night tour activities, see many wonderful sights that cannot be seen during the day, bringing children to play is not too cheap! Family members, come and copy your homework and take your kids to unlock this awesome plant exploration trip!

After visiting Xishuangbanna, I discovered that April there is stuffy and humid 🥵! During the day, the sun is scorching 🌞 with intense UV rays - without proper sun protection, your skin will peel off in minutes. At night, mosquitoes run rampant, and without insect repellent, you can't enjoy the scenery in peace. Plus, the attractions are scattered, and without good transportation planning, you'll waste all your time on the road! Thankfully I researched thoroughly beforehand - save this valuable guide 👇! Transportation to Xishuangbanna 🚇 ✈️ Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport: Many cities have direct flights. After exiting the airport, a 20-minute taxi 🚕 ride takes you to Gaozhuang Xishuang Scenic Area. Airport shuttles 🚌 also run to various points in the city. If there are no direct flights, you can fly to Kunming Changshui Airport first, then transfer by plane or bus. 🚞 Xishuangbanna Station: Much more convenient since the high-speed train opened! Public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services are available at the exit, making it easy to reach Manting Park and the Tropical Botanical Garden. During peak season, you might need to queue for taxis, so book one in advance. Accommodation Recommendations 🏠 • Gaozhuang Xishuang Scenic Area: A must-stay! Night markets, restaurants, and bars abound. At night, you can explore the Starlight Night Market, with the Golden Pagoda nearby for amazing photos 📸. Choose from various boutique homestays and luxury hotels, but prices rise during peak season, so book early! • Manlong Feng Area: Close to Mengle Grand Buddha Temple, relatively quiet with good value accommodations, perfect for travelers who prefer tranquility. • Jinghong City Center: Convenient for shopping and transportation with many accommodation options from budget hotels to high-end business hotels, suitable for those seeking convenience. Popular Attractions 🎈 🌴 Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (Chinese Academy of Sciences): Plants flourish in April! Various exotic flowers 🌺 and tropical rainforest landscapes are breathtaking. Be sure to take an electric cart tour and visit the Victoria amazonica pool and hot air balloon viewing platform! 🏯 Manting Park + Grand Buddha Temple: The Dai king's royal garden! The park features large lotus ponds, and the Grand Buddha Temple is magnificently gilded. Wear Dai ethnic clothing for photos 📷 and transport yourself to Southeast Asia in an instant! 🌃 Gaozhuang Starlight Night Market: The largest night market in Southeast Asia! Various specialty snacks, handicrafts, and Dai-style barbecue fill the air with delicious aromas. The night view of the Six Countries Floating Market is breathtaking, and you can experience Trip Moments in Dai clothing! 🐘 Wild Elephant Valley: If you're lucky, you might see wild Asian elephants! You can visit the elephant school, watch elephant performances, and take the aerial cable car through the tropical rainforest. 🛕 Dai Ethnic Park: Experience authentic Dai culture! Watch water splashing performances 💦, visit Dai bamboo houses, taste Dai cuisine, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of "daily water splashing festival"! Popular Foods 🍜 🍍 Dai-style BBQ: Wrapped grilled chicken tendons, lemongrass grilled fish, grilled pork belly... with secret dipping sauces that are irresistibly fragrant! Wash it down with a Paoluda drink to cut through the richness. 🐔 Lemongrass Grilled Chicken: Crispy on the outside, tender inside, full of lemongrass fragrance. The chicken bursts with juice when torn apart, and you can find authentic versions at street-side shops! 🥥 Coconut Jelly: Bouncy jelly with fresh coconut meat, sweet and refreshing - perfect for cooling down in hot Xishuangbanna! 🍛 Pineapple Purple Rice: Soft, glutinous purple rice paired with sweet and sour pineapple creates a rich texture and is a specialty staple on Dai dining tables. 🍵 Laotian Iced Coffee: These bagged coffees are Instagram-worthy with rich, smooth flavors and various options - a night market essential! ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: 1️⃣ Sun protection is crucial! Sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses are all essential! 2️⃣ Carry insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites 3️⃣ Negotiate photo prices at the Starlight Night Market in advance to avoid scams 4️⃣ Attractions are far apart, so consider hiring a car or joining a day tour Keep this guide handy and embark on your tropical adventure in Xishuangbanna! Let's go 🚀!

📍Location: Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden in Menglun Town, Xishuangbanna ⏰Best Season: May-October (Summer for Victoria water lilies strong enough for photos, July for magical firefly season) 🚗Transportation: Private car from Jinghong Gaozhuang costs about 150 yuan one-way, or take a bus to Menglun Town then taxi --- ### 🌿**DAY 1: West Area Immersive Tour·Enter Monet's Garden** 💥**Must-Visit Highlights** ❶ **Palm Garden**👉Perfect spot for coconut grove photos 📸Photo spot: Looking up at Palm Avenue + straw hat silhouette, wear a white long dress to transform into a forest fairy ❷ **Victoria Lily Pond**👉Summer-exclusive water stage 💡Activity: From July-September, Victoria lily pads can support up to 60kg! Stand on them for "water walking" photos (extra 10 yuan) ❸ **Rare Plants Garden**👉Magical plant showcase 🔥Must-see: Dancing grass that moves to sound, miracle fruit that turns sour to sweet, poisonous arrow wood ✨**Hidden Activities** ▪️Firefly night tour: Join a guide at 19:30 to explore the rainforest with starlight + fireflies (book in advance via mini program, 300 yuan/group) ▪️Stay at Victoria Hotel: Wake up to tropical gardens and enjoy the beautiful lily pond all to yourself in the early morning 🍜**Culinary Highlights** ✅"Victoria Restaurant" in the garden: Try Dai-style wrapped fish + pineapple rice (about 50 yuan per person) ✅"Yu Ying Meng" in Menglun Town: Mango sticky rice freedom for just 30 yuan --- ### 🌳**DAY 2: East Area Rainforest Adventure·Original Tribal Photo Ops** 💥**Rainforest Exploration List** ❶ **Green Stone Forest Area**👉Strangler figs & buttress roots 📸Photo spot: Take dark-themed photos in front of the net-like strangler fig trunks, wear cargo pants + Martin boots for explorer vibes ❷ **Tropical Rainforest Area**👉Single tree forests & canopy gardens 💡Activity: Hike 2km boardwalk, possibly encountering wild monkeys (don't feed them!) ✨**Local Tips** ▪️Wear non-slip shoes! Rainforest ground is slippery with moss ▪️Bring mosquito repellent + long sleeves to prevent insect bites & scratches 🍲**Food Bonuses** ✅"Mushroom Forest" in Menglun: Wild mushroom hot pot that's incredibly fresh (198 yuan set meal for two via group purchase) ✅"Dai BBQ" at night market: Must-try lemongrass grilled fish + lemon ghost chicken --- ### 🌺**DAY 3: Surrounding Areas·Rainforest Culture Double Experience** 💥**Choose One Itinerary** **Option 1: Wild Elephant Valley + Jinuo Village** 🐘Wild Elephant Valley: Rush to see elephant herding before 9:00, walk and take photos with elephants (268 yuan/person) 🏡Jinuo Village: Explore China's most recently recognized ethnic minority, experience traditional Pu'er tea making **Option 2: Dai Ethnic Park + Manyuan Village** 💦Dai Ethnic Park: Water splashing festival at 14:50! Rent Dai costumes for 30 yuan for exotic photos 🌾Manyuan Village: Filming location of "Back to Field" TV show, spend a day as a Dai village girl harvesting pineapples/weaving Dai brocade 🚗**Transportation Tips** ▪️Private car to Wild Elephant Valley costs about 300 yuan round trip, taxi to Dai Park is 80 yuan one-way ▪️Jinuo Village requires joining a day tour (including transfers + tickets for about 198 yuan) ### ⚠️**Lessons Learned the Hard Way** ❗Electric cart tickets are a must! Walking through East and West areas will exhaust you (50 yuan for West area/50 yuan for East area) ❗Don't believe the "100% guaranteed wild elephant sighting" at Wild Elephant Valley, check elephant monitoring reports in advance ❗Fruit at small stands in the scenic area is expensive! Go to Menglun farmers' market for affordable mangoes/jackfruit (5 yuan/pound)

Xishuangbanna is truly a place full of tropical charm 🌴! It's spring-like all year round, with lush rainforests and rich ethnic culture. Coming here feels like visiting Southeast Asia, with new experiences everywhere. Must-visit attractions 🏞️: 1. Manting Park: Once the royal garden of the Dai king, now a beautiful scenic spot for everyone to enjoy. 2. Wild Elephant Valley: A chance to see wild Asian elephants 🐘 and watch elephant performances. 3. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden: Various exotic flowers and plants that will broaden your horizons. 4. Dai Ethnic Park: Learn about Dai culture and customs, and participate in Water Splashing Festival activities 💦. 5. Jinghong Golden Pagoda: A dazzling golden Buddhist pagoda that's particularly magnificent. 6. Gaozhuang Xishuang Scenic Area: Home to the Starlight Night Market, which is very lively at night with various snacks and handicrafts. 7. Jinuo Village: Experience Jinuo ethnic culture and taste their specialty foods. Food recommendations 🍜: • Dai-style BBQ: Grilled fish, chicken, and meat - everything tastes amazing. • Nanmi: Essentially cold mixed dishes, sour and spicy, very appetizing. • Pineapple rice: A perfect combination of sweet pineapple and sticky rice, delicious. • Bamboo tube rice: The fresh scent of bamboo mixed with the aroma of sticky rice, very special. • Dai-style hot pot: Sour and spicy hot pot with rich ingredients and unique flavor. Transportation 🚗: Transportation in Xishuangbanna is quite convenient, with buses and taxis in Jinghong City. For more distant attractions, you can hire a private car or share rides. Accommodation 🏨: I recommend staying in downtown Jinghong for convenient travel and dining. There are also many hotels and guesthouses near Gaozhuang Xishuang Scenic Area, close to the Starlight Night Market for evening strolls. Tips 💡: • UV rays are quite strong in Xishuangbanna, remember to protect yourself from the sun. • Compare prices at different shops when buying souvenirs to avoid being overcharged. • When trying local food, start with small portions in case you're not used to the flavors.

Going to Xishuangbanna in May? This guide will make your trip even more exciting than the Water Splashing Festival! Melting Heat Warning: Xishuangbanna in May enters sauna mode, so consider sunscreen your best friend (just kidding). Even at 8 AM, you'll feel the sun's enthusiastic greeting. Recommended visiting hours: 7-11 AM and after 4 PM. Must-Visit Attractions: 1. Wild Elephant Valley: Sit in the front row for elephant shows (trust me, I learned the hard way after getting sprayed by an elephant trunk) 2. Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden: Consider wearing green to blend in like a rare plant 3. Gaozhuang Xishuang Scenic Area: Go at night! When the lights come on, you'll be the star of your social media 4. Manting Park: Rent Dai ethnic costumes for photos, 50 yuan per set will get you 999+ likes Foodie Guide: - Must-try: Pineapple rice (sweet enough to question your life choices), lemongrass grilled fish (so good you'll want to move here) - Avoid: Insect feast (a game for the brave; psychological counseling may be needed afterward) - Hidden menu: Green mangoes with chili powder from the market, tangy enough to make your soul leave your body Accommodation Tips: Guesthouses near Gaozhuang offer the best value, but the soundproofing might let you hear neighboring couples' whispers. For peace and quiet, choose Wanda Resort, though your wallet will cry. Transportation Advice: Local taxis are cheaper than Didi, but drivers might use Dai language for navigation. Remember to say "Driver, please speak Mandarin!" Ultimate Reminder: Pack plenty of extra clothes! Taking three showers a day is standard (don't ask how I know—lessons learned from sweat). Final Warning: Never wear black clothes when going out. Don't ask why I know (from someone who got so hot they wanted to strip down).

#discoverchina Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture is located in the southern part of Yunnan Province, China, bordering Laos and Myanmar. It serves as an important gateway from China to Southeast Asia and holds a uniquely strategic geographical position. Xishuangbanna is rich in ethnic culture, with the Dai, Hani, Bulang, and other minority groups living here—among which the Dai culture is the most distinctive and unique. Famous attractions include the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Wild Elephant Valley, Ganlanba Dai Village, and the vibrant city of Jinghong, especially during the lively Water Splashing Festival. It’s definitely worth a visit for an unforgettable experience.

| Beat the crowds this May Day. A super-refined three-day itinerary for Yunnan: Day 1: Wild Elephant Valley + Primeval Forest Park Wild Elephant Valley: - Arrive at 7:30 am, and head to the elevated elephant viewing walkway to spot wild elephants (best time is in the morning) - Watch the elephant school performance at 10:30 am (get there early to secure a good spot) - Photo recommendations: Overlooking the rainforest from the corner of the walkway, interacting with baby elephants near the elephant canteen - Lunch: "Elephant meal" inside the scenic area (fruit + sticky rice) Primeval Forest Park: - Watch the peacock release performance at 2:00 pm sharp - Hike the rainforest valley trail (about 1 hour) - Dinner recommendation: Manfeilong Roast Chicken 2 (roast chicken + pineapple rice are a must-try) Day 2: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden - West Zone highlights: Palm Garden, Exotic Flower Garden, Hundred Flowers Garden - Optional hike in the East Zone: Green Stone Forest (physically demanding) - Night tour of the botanical garden (reservations required) - Photo spots: Reflections in the Victoria Amazonica pool, hot air balloon lawn, strangler fig area - Lunch: Wanglian Hotel Restaurant inside the garden - Dinner: Nan Princess Southeast Asian Restaurant Day 3: Manting Park + General Buddhist Temple + Manyuan Village + Starlight Night Market Manting Park: - Enter the park at 8:30 am and take photos of the empty scenes - Dress modestly when visiting the General Buddhist Temple - Photo spots: Red brick background of the Chengxin Pagoda, covered bridge at the lotus pond Manyuan Village: - Experience Dai papermaking and bamboo rafting - Take photos of the mushroom house roofs Starlight Night Market: - Go to the Big Golden Pagoda at 7:00 pm when the lights come on to take panoramic photos - Bargain for portrait photography services Travel tips: 1. Best lighting: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm 2. Clothing suggestions: Light-colored long skirts, Dai costumes (available for rent) 3. Essential items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, straw bag 4. Transportation: Chartering a car or taking taxis between attractions is recommended Food recommendations: - Roast chicken - Pineapple rice - Lemongrass grilled fish - Local wild vegetable soup

Hey everyone 👋, I'm a total travel enthusiast, and I just got back from a trip to Xishuangbanna. It was absolutely gorgeous in April, and I have to share this guide with you all. Let's head to Xishuangbanna together! 📍【Impressions of Xishuangbanna】 Xishuangbanna, located at the southernmost tip of Yunnan, is a truly exotic "ideal land" 👏. Here, you'll find mystical rainforests teeming with rare plants and animals, magnificent Dai temples with towering pagodas, and vibrant ethnic minorities. From the graceful dances of the Dai people to the unique customs of the Hani people, every corner exudes captivating charm. April in Xishuangbanna marks the Water Splashing Festival, a city-wide celebration of water and joy. The streets are filled with people in festive attire, flowers are in full bloom, and the air is thick with excitement. Every corner holds an unexpected surprise. 🚗【Transportation Guide】 ✈️By Air: Fly directly to Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, which offers numerous routes with global connections. From the airport, airport buses connect to various bustling areas in the city. Taxis are also readily available, taking about 20–30 minutes to reach the lively city center and kick off your journey. 🚄By High-Speed Rail: High-speed rail now connects to Xishuangbanna. Upon arrival, convenient bus routes provide easy access to popular attractions like Manting Park and the Starlight Night Market, ensuring seamless and hassle-free travel 😃. 🚗By Car: Driving to Xishuangbanna offers breathtaking scenery along the way, but the journey is long. Be prepared for a long drive and ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Traffic can be congested in certain areas within the city, so plan your route and parking in advance to avoid illegal parking. 🗺【Recommended Itinerary】 Day 1: Gaozhuang Xishuangbanna - Starlight Night Market - Grand Golden Pagoda Morning: Upon arrival in Xishuangbanna, head straight to Gaozhuang Xishuangbanna, a place brimming with Southeast Asian charm. The colorful buildings and fluttering flags will transport you to a foreign land. Lunch: Savor some Dai barbecue nearby. Don't miss the lemongrass grilled fish, marinated and grilled with lemongrass, resulting in crispy skin, tender meat, and a unique herbal flavor. It's incredibly satisfying 😋. Afternoon: Explore the Starlight Night Market, one of the largest night markets in Asia. The dazzling array of goods, from unique handicrafts to ethnic clothing, will keep you browsing for hours. In the evening, the Grand Golden Pagoda glows under the lights, creating a stunning photo opportunity. Day 2: Manting Park - General Buddhist Temple - Xishuangbanna Dai Garden Morning: Visit Manting Park, a former royal garden with over 1,300 years of history. Ancient architecture blends seamlessly with tropical plants, offering a tranquil stroll through history and nature. Lunch: Enjoy a hearty Dai meal. I recommend pineapple rice, where glutinous rice is steamed inside a hollowed-out pineapple. The sweet and sour pineapple complements the soft and chewy rice perfectly. Afternoon: Immerse yourself in Dai culture at the Xishuangbanna Dai Garden. Watch Water Splashing Festival performances, join the water splashing revelry, and experience the blessings of water. Day 3: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences - Departure Morning: Explore the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, home to tens of thousands of tropical plants. This botanical kingdom offers a fascinating journey of discovery as you stroll through the park and learn about various exotic flowers and plants. Lunch: Try the local specialty, *migan*, a soft and chewy rice noodle dish served with meat sauce, pickled vegetables, and a rich broth. It's a truly satisfying meal. Afterward, browse for souvenirs like Pu'er tea and Dai brocade before heading back. 📝【Practical Tips】 🎫Tickets: Some attractions, such as Manting Park and the Tropical Botanical Garden, require tickets. Booking in advance online often offers discounts and avoids long queues. Some areas, like Gaozhuang Xishuangbanna and the Starlight Night Market, are free to enter. 🕙Opening Hours: Opening hours vary for each attraction. Check official websites or call for information before your visit to plan your itinerary effectively. 📸Photography: Wear vibrant Southeast Asian or ethnic clothing at Gaozhuang and the night market. Opt for plain clothes when visiting parks and temples for the best photos. 🍱【Food Recommendations】 1. Tom Yum Soup: This hot and sour soup is bursting with flavor, featuring fresh shrimp, mushrooms, and other ingredients. It's a warming and delicious treat. 2. *Bao Shao*: Ingredients like beef or wild vegetables are wrapped in banana leaves and grilled, preserving their original flavors and creating a fragrant aroma. 3. Bamboo Rice: Glutinous rice is steamed inside bamboo tubes, infusing the rice with the bamboo's subtle sweetness. It's a unique and delicious dish. 4. Iced Coffee: Locally roasted coffee beans are brewed and served with ice and condensed milk. This rich and refreshing beverage is the perfect way to beat the heat. 💡【Tips】 1. April in Xishuangbanna is hot. Bring sun protection, such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. 2. Protect your electronic devices, like phones and cameras, from water damage during the Water Splashing Festival. 3. Respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Xishuangbanna in April is full of surprises. Pack your bags and embark on this adventure 💕. I'm sure you'll fall in love with this charming place!

Xishuangbanna Travel Guide: Chill, eat, and dance like crazy—this guide will make you feel like a "runaway Dai princess👸" —Budget-friendly edition, perfect for budget travelers, foodies, and camera fanatics📷 --- 🌴 Before you go: Don't pack too much, the night market will empty your wallet 1. Weather: Xishuangbanna in April is like a "natural sauna." Short sleeves + sunscreen + a hat are essential. But the temperature difference between day and night is significant, so bring a light jacket. 2. Outfit👗: Buy it when you get there! Dai costumes at the Starlight Night Market are 30 yuan a set. Put one on and instantly transform into a "Dai maiden"—perfect for photos📷 (Don't ask how I know, I bought 3 sets). 3. Avoiding scams: Use DiDi for airport taxis. Don't trust roadside "low-price chartered cars" unless you want to experience the "Xishuangbanna edition of Fast and Furious." --- 🏡 Accommodation recommendations: 100+ yuan per person, live like a "Dai village noble" - ✅Gaozhuang Xishuangjing: The central area, a 5-minute walk to the night market. I recommend "Pineapple Homestay" (not the real name, but the owner is as enthusiastic as your aunt). - ✅Splashing Water Square: More cost-effective. Chain hotels like "Cloud Four Seasons" are clean and affordable, suitable for those who want to get up early to secure a good spot for the water splashing. - ✅Avoid: Don't stay too far out. Xishuangbanna's nightlife ends late, and the taxi fare back might be more expensive than the room rate. --- 🍍 Food, glorious food: From "sour to the soul" to "sweet to sorrow" 🔥 Must-try list (with average price per person) 1. Dai barbecue: - ✅"Maza Barbecue" (a local favorite), must-try grilled tilapia and lemongrass grilled chicken. 40 yuan per person, eat till you're stuffed. - ✅"Xiaoyu Barbecue": Near the Starlight Night Market. Tastes good, but remember to go early, or you'll only be watching others eat. 2. Dai cuisine: - ✅"Manfeilong Roast Chicken": An internet-famous restaurant, but genuinely delicious. 128 yuan for a 2-3 person set meal: pineapple rice + roast chicken + Dai rice noodles🍜, guaranteed to fill you up. - ✅"Luoluo Ice House": In 35℃ weather, you must have a bowl of "Sleeping Coconut" (coconut smoothie). So sweet you'll want to get married on the spot. 3. Night market snacks: - ✅Pounded chicken feet (sour and spicy), Vietnamese rice paper rolls (refreshing), and Lao iced coffee☕️ (choose your sweetness level carefully, the default sugar level can kill an ant). ⚠️ Scam alert: - ✅Many "Thai durians" at the night market are actually from Vietnam. Ask before you buy. - ✅Dai sour and spicy level ≈ "medium spicy hot pot." If you can't handle spice, have some milk ready. --- 🎢 What to do: From "chilled temple visits" to "wild dancing" 📸 Must-visit attractions 1. Manting Park + General Buddhist Temple: - ✅The Royal Garden of the Dai King, a photo📷 hotspot. Wear a Dai costume for instant Instagram-worthy pictures. - ✅Pro tip: Tickets are half price after 4pm, and you can also catch the evening bonfire party (separate fee). 2. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden: - ✅A real-life "Wizard of Oz." The Victoria regia pool and the rainforest area are must-sees. It's recommended to buy an electric car ticket, otherwise, you'll walk till you question your life choices. 3. Wild Elephant Valley: - ✅Seeing wild elephants depends on luck, but you can feed the elephants🐘 (30 yuan for a basket of cucumbers, the elephants eat more gracefully than you). 4. Starlight Night Market: - ✅The largest night market in Asia. Lights up after 7pm. Experience "Dai Di" (a group of people in Dai costumes dancing), party till dawn. 💦 Water Splashing Festival exclusive (April 13-15) - ✅Gear: Water gun (buy it at the night market), waterproof phone case, change of clothes (don't wear white, don't ask why). - ✅Battlefield: Splashing Water Square, Gaozhuang main street. Remember—"Splashing you is a blessing, not splashing you is looking down on you." --- 🚗 Money-saving transportation tips - ✅Within the city: Shared scooters🛵 are the best, 3 yuan to get around Jinghong. - ✅Long distances: For the botanical garden and Wild Elephant Valley, carpooling is recommended (50-80 yuan per person), more comfortable than the bus🚌.

Xishuangbanna is truly a place brimming with tropical charm! It's like spring all year round, with lush greenery and a wide variety of tropical fruits. Once you're here, you won't want to leave 🥭🌴. Must-visit attractions: 1. Manting Park: Once the royal garden of the Dai king, it's now a stunningly beautiful place to take photos. There are also elephant performances to watch 🐘. 2. Wild Elephant Valley: You'll have the chance to get up close and personal with wild Asian elephants. You can also take a cable car for a thrilling bird's-eye view of the entire valley. 3. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden: A dazzling array of exotic flowers and plants will open your eyes to the wonders of the plant kingdom 🌿. 4. Dai Garden: Experience the rich culture of the Dai people and participate in the Water Splashing Festival for tons of fun 💦. 5. Jinghong Grand Golden Pagoda: This gleaming golden pagoda is a magnificent sight and a great place to take photos. 6. Starlight Night Market: Super lively at night, with all kinds of snacks, handicrafts, and photo opportunities 📸. 7. Jinuo Mountain Village: Learn about the culture and history of the Jinuo people and sample their unique cuisine. 8. Primeval Forest Park: Watch the peacock release performance and experience the magic of nature 🦚. Food recommendations: 🍲 Dai barbecue: Various meats and vegetables grilled to perfection, served with special dipping sauces. Simply divine! 🍜 Dai hot and sour noodles: Tangy, spicy, and delicious, with smooth and tender noodles. You won't be able to stop at just one bite. 🥭 Mango sticky rice: Fresh mango paired with soft and glutinous sticky rice. Sweet but not greasy, super delicious! 🍲 Tom Yum Soup: A Xishuangbanna specialty, this Thai-inspired soup is sour, spicy, and appetizing, with plenty of seafood. 🍢 Dai grilled fish: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned with fragrant and spicy spices. The taste is amazing! 🥗 Dai cold noodles: Refreshing, cool, and perfectly balanced with sour and spicy flavors. A great choice for beating the summer heat. 🍛 Pineapple rice: The refreshing aroma of pineapple blends perfectly with the sweetness of rice. Every bite is a delight. Transportation: Getting around Xishuangbanna is quite convenient. You can take the bus to various attractions, and taxis are also affordable. For more freedom to explore, you can rent an electric scooter or a car 🚗. Accommodation: Xishuangbanna offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to high-end resorts. Staying in Jinghong city center is convenient, as it's close to various attractions 🏨. Tips: 🌸 When visiting Manting Park and Wild Elephant Valley, it's recommended to wear long sleeves and pants to prevent mosquito bites. 🍂 The Starlight Night Market stays open late, so you can visit at night and experience the local nightlife. 🍃 While in Xishuangbanna, try on some local ethnic clothing and take some beautiful photos as souvenirs. 🍁 If you want to buy handicrafts or local specialties, remember to bargain!

Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, located at the southernmost tip of Yunnan Province, is China's only tropical rainforest nature reserve, known as the "Emerald on the Tropic of Cancer." With its rich biodiversity, unique Dai culture, and charming Southeast Asian flair, it is an "ideal and magical paradise" for travelers. ### **🌿 Natural Wonders** - **Tropical Rainforest**: Explore the world's oldest ecosystem at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wangtianshu Scenic Area, and Wild Elephant Valley. - **Lancang River (Mekong River)**: The "Danube of the East," flowing through six countries, nurtures Dai villages and rainforest ecosystems along its banks. - **Home of Asian Elephants**: The last wild Asian elephant population in China inhabits this area. Observe elephant activities up close at Wild Elephant Valley. ### **🎎 Culture and Customs** - **Dai Culture**: Experience the wisdom and beliefs of the "people of water" through the Water Splashing Festival (Dai New Year), Beiye Sutra, Peacock Dance, and bamboo architecture. - **Theravada Buddhism**: Discover the unique charm of Southeast Asian Buddhist culture at the Mengle Great Buddha Temple and the golden pagodas and chanting at the General Buddhist Temple. - **Flavors of Xishuangbanna**: Indulge in the spicy and sour tropical flavors of Dai barbecue (lemongrass grilled fish), pineapple rice, and pounded chicken feet. ### **🚀 Travel Highlights** - **Winter Getaway**: With an average annual temperature of 21°C and summer-like weather year-round, it's an ideal winter escape. - **Cross-border Travel Hub**: Located near Laos and Myanmar, it offers convenient access to cross-border travel experiences like the "China-Laos Railway." - **Rainforest Adventure**: Hike, walk across treetop canopy walkways, and camp in the jungle to experience the breath of the "lungs of the Earth." **📌 Travel Tips** - **Best Time to Visit**: November to April (dry season, avoiding mosquitoes during the rainy season). - **Must-Try Experiences**: See fireflies on a night tour of the botanical garden, experience the slow life in Dai villages, and explore the Lancang River night market. Xishuangbanna, a hidden gem where nature and culture intertwine, is a modern utopia for escaping the hustle and bustle. Are you ready to embark on this magical tropical journey? 🌴✨

🌴Natural Wonders Xishuangbanna's tropical rainforests, including the pristine forest in Mengla and Wangtianhu Scenic Area, are famous for their 100-meter-tall emergent trees. Visitors can experience the canopy walkway for a bird's-eye view of the rainforest's secrets. Wild Elephant Valley is a habitat for Asian elephants where visitors can observe wild elephant herds up close. The majestic confluence of the Lancang and Nu Rivers forms the Three Rivers Junction, where bamboo rafting and water adventures are popular activities. Additionally, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences houses 13,000 plant species from around the world, earning it the title "Encyclopedia of Tropical Plants." 👸Cultural Melting Pot This region is home to multiple ethnic groups, primarily the Dai people, along with the Hani and Jino peoples. The Water Splashing Festival (Dai New Year) is the grandest celebration, featuring spectacular water ceremonies and peacock dance performances with exotic charm. The Dai Village preserves five original Dai villages where visitors can participate in traditional brocade weaving and palm leaf scripture making, experiencing thousand-year-old cultural heritage. The Jino Township's drum dance and the Pu'er tea culture in the ancient tea mountain villages showcase the unique charm of different ethnic groups. 🇲🇲Cross-border Experiences and Special Tours Leveraging its geographical advantage, Xishuangbanna offers "Southeast Asian Cultural Resonance Tours." At the Mengjinglai Scenic Area on the China-Myanmar border, visitors can cross the boundary river to experience the cultural fusion of both countries. The 2025 ASEAN visa-free policy will make cross-border tourism more convenient, allowing 6-day visa-free visits to tropical rainforests, tea and coffee plantations, or hot springs with Dai traditional medicine wellness experiences. 🍲Tropical Culinary Delights The cuisine is predominantly Dai style, featuring appetizing sour and spicy pineapple rice, lemongrass grilled fish, and banana leaf-wrapped dishes, complemented by tropical fruit feasts (including mangoes and durians) that leave lasting impressions. The night market's barbecue stalls and pounded chicken feet are the soul of nightlife. Xishuangbanna is both a paradise for nature lovers and a playground for cultural explorers. Whether you're seeking rainforest adventures, immersing in ethnic festivals, or enjoying the laid-back tropical watertown lifestyle, this place offers "elephant-sized happiness" to heal every traveler.

🔵9 Recommended Spots for April Travel in Xishuangbanna 🔵Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences 💸Tickets: Approx. CNY 100/person (prices may vary seasonally, check the official website). 🔥Tips: Flowers such as Victoria amazonica and Bougainvillea are in full bloom in April. Stroll through the rainforest, take the electric car to the East Zone Green Stone Forest, and experience the tropical rainforest ecosystem. 🕰️Suggested visiting time: Full day is recommended. Arrive before 9am to avoid crowds. 🔵Wild Elephant Valley 💸Tickets: Approx. CNY 200/person. 🔥Tips: April is not the best season for elephant viewing, but you can watch elephant shows, visit the butterfly garden and the snake and lizard garden, and look for wild elephants along the elephant viewing trail. 🕰️Suggested visiting time: 9am to 3pm, avoiding the midday heat. 🔵Manting Royal Garden (Manting Park) 💸Tickets: Approx. CNY 50/person. 🔥Tips: Flowers are in full bloom in April. Visit the ruins of the Dai King's Palace and the White Elephant Lake. Participate in the bonfire party in the evening to experience Dai singing and dancing. 🕰️Suggested visiting time: After 4pm to enjoy both day and night views. 🔵Xishuangbanna Dai Garden 💸Tickets: Approx. CNY 120/person. 🔥Tips: Participate in the Water Splashing Festival activities in April, visit temples, watch handicraft making, and experience traditional Dai life. 🕰️Suggested visiting time: 10am to 4pm, allowing ample time for activities. 🔵Primitive Forest Park 💸Tickets: Approx. CNY 250/person. 🔥Tips: Watch the peacock release show at 11:00/15:00. Wear non-slip shoes for hiking on the rainforest trails. 🕰️Suggested visiting time: 9am to 2pm, avoiding the humid periods in the rainforest. 🔵Mengle Great Buddha Temple 💸Tickets: Approx. CNY 100/person. 🔥Tips: Participate in the water splashing activities at 2:30pm. Overlook the Jinghong city view from the mountain top. 🕰️Suggested visiting time: 2pm to 4pm, ideal lighting for photos. 🔵Gaozhuang Xishuangjing 💸Tickets: Free. 🔥Tips: A must-visit at night is the Starlight Night Market. Buy Dai costumes and enjoy Lao iced coffee with pounded chicken feet. 🕰️Suggested visiting time: After 6pm to experience the lively atmosphere of the night market. 🔵Jinghong Golden Pagoda 💸Tickets: Free. 🔥Tips: Adjacent to Gaozhuang Xishuangjing, it offers different scenery during the day and night, perfect for photos. 🕰️Suggested visiting time: 5pm to 7pm, best lighting during sunset. 🔵Jinuo Mountain Village 💸Tickets: Approx. CNY 150/person. 🔥Tips: Experience Jinuo culture, watch traditional song and dance performances, and taste local cuisine. 🕰️Suggested visiting time: 9am to 12pm, avoiding the afternoon heat. 🍧5 Recommended Specialty Food Shops in Xishuangbanna 🍧Lao Puer Bean Soup (Mingzhu Community Branch) A local breakfast shop, cost-effective, CNY 9 for a filling meal. 🍧Yang Yang Snacks The fish in banana leaf is fresh and fragrant, with delicious sauce, popular among tourists. 🍧Yunweifang Free-range Chicken Rice Noodles Open kitchen, generous portions of chicken in the free-range chicken rice noodles, delicious soup base. 🍧Suandudu · Handmade Fresh Dumplings Delicious and affordable, CNY 4 for a large bowl, perfect for a quick meal. 🍧Shiping No. 4 Old Brand First Roasted Tofu Night market food stall, Shiping tofu is a must-try barbecue delicacy. 🗺️3-Day Itinerary Day 1: Nature and Culture Exploration Morning: Arrive in Jinghong, check in to your hotel in Gaozhuang Xishuangjing, and take a break. Noon: Enjoy Dai cuisine in Gaozhuang (e.g., lemongrass grilled fish, pineapple purple rice). Afternoon: Visit Manting Royal Garden, explore the ruins of the Dai King's Palace and White Elephant Lake. Evening: Stroll through the Starlight Night Market, try on Dai costumes for photos, and enjoy Lao iced coffee. Day 2: Rainforest and Animal Encounters Morning: Visit Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and explore the West Zone. Noon: Have lunch in the scenic area, tasting local specialties. Afternoon: Explore the East Zone Green Stone Forest and experience the tropical rainforest ecosystem. Evening: Return to Jinghong city and enjoy Dai barbecue. Day 3: Dai Culture and Water Splashing Fun Morning: Visit Xishuangbanna Dai Garden, explore temples and traditional buildings, and watch song and dance performances. Noon: Have lunch in the Dai Garden, savoring Dai cuisine. Afternoon: Participate in the Water Splashing Festival activities and experience traditional Dai culture. Evening: Return to Jinghong city, pack your luggage, and prepare for your departure. 📌Important Notes The temperature in Xishuangbanna is high in April. Bring light and breathable clothing, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Air ticket prices are high during the Water Splashing Festival. Book flights and hotels in advance. Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Take off your shoes when entering Buddhist temples and do not touch the heads of young monks. Attractions are scattered. It is recommended to hire a car or take the scenic spot shuttle bus.

📍 Starlight Night Market The largest night market in Asia! Dai barbecue, tropical fruits, handicrafts… The night is brightly lit. Take photos in Dai costumes and travel to Southeast Asia in a second! 📍 Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, CAS The largest tropical botanical garden in China. Ride on Victoria amazonica, see exotic flowers and plants. During the night tour, fireflies dance all over the sky. It's suffocatingly romantic! 📍 Wild Elephant Valley Observe Asian wild elephants up close, watch elephant school performances, and experience rainforest elephant herding. It's super suitable for family trips~ 📍 Manting Park The Royal Garden of the Dai King. The golden and white pagodas complement each other. Change into Dai costumes and become a "runaway princess" in seconds. Every photo is an exotic blockbuster! 📍 Primeval Forest Park Hike the rainforest boardwalk, watch peacocks fly, challenge the jungle zipline, and feel the wild charm of the tropical rainforest! ✨Tips：The Water Splashing Festival is a must-try! Taste Dai-style hand-pilaf and Paoluda. Stay in a Dai-style inn in Gaozhuang for a truly worthwhile trip! ↓Click to collect and unlock a fantastic journey to Xishuangbanna!

1. **Lijiang·Jade Dragon Snow Mountain** As the sacred mountain of the Naxi people, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one of Yunnan's most iconic attractions. Take the Glacier Cable Car to the viewing platform at an altitude of 4,506 meters to experience the magnificence and purity of the glacier up close. Don't miss the Blue Moon Valley at the foot of the mountain, where the lake water displays a dreamy blue-green color due to minerals, like a gem inlaid among the snow-capped mountains. It is recommended to visit in the early morning to avoid crowds, and in the afternoon, you can go to Spruce Meadow on the mountainside to experience the tranquility of the primeval forest. **Tips**: Tickets are 130 yuan (including scenic bus), cable car tickets need to be booked in advance; pay attention to warmth and sun protection in high-altitude areas, and prepare oxygen cylinders. 2. **Xishuangbanna·Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences** This is the largest tropical botanical garden in Asia, with 13,000 species of exotic flowers and plants. Walking among the "dancing grass" and "strangler figs" is like stepping into the fantasy world of Avatar. In summer, you can experience "walking on water" in the Victoria amazonica pool, as the giant lotus leaves can support up to 70 kg! The night tour of the botanical garden is even more unique, with fireflies and stars shining together. **Recommended Itinerary**: Visit the east and west areas during the day. The west area features exotic flowers and plants, while the east area allows you to explore the primeval tropical rainforest; tickets are 80 yuan, and electric shuttle buses are 50 yuan. 3. **Dali·Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor** Cycling around Erhai Lake is the best way to experience the "wind, flowers, snow, and moon." Starting from Longkan Wharf, cycle along the 46-kilometer ecological corridor, passing by the famous S-bend, Xizhou Ancient Town, and Bai fishing villages, all set against the backdrop of Cang Mountain. It is recommended to stay overnight at a seaside guesthouse in Shuanglang Ancient Town, where you can wake up to the gentle "moon over Erhai Lake." **In-depth Experience**: Rent an electric bicycle (50 yuan/day) and taste the Xizhou Baba along the way; avoid the midday sun and encounter the pink sunset in the evening. 4. **Kunming·Stone Forest Geological Wonder** The karst landforms sculpted by 270 million years of time, including Black Pine Rock and the sword-shaped stone pillars, are breathtaking. Follow in the footsteps of the Sani people of the Yi ethnic group, listen to the legend of "Ashima," and search for natural stone statues in the dense forest. In the Yi embroidery experience hall within the scenic area, you can create intangible cultural heritage embroidery pieces yourself and take home cultural memories. **Photography Guide**: Wear bright clothes to contrast with the grayish-white stone forest; tickets are 130 yuan, it is recommended to spend 4 hours, and the evening light is the softest. --- The charm of Yunnan lies in the fact that every scenic spot is imbued with the soul of ethnic culture. Whether it's the holiness of the snow-capped mountains, the mystery of the rainforest, the bustling atmosphere of the ancient city, or the vicissitudes of the strange stones, you can find your own travel meaning.

Here is a travel guide to Xishuangbanna: To all the corporate slaves drained by city life, welcome to Xishuangbanna—a place where even the laziest person can be cured! Here, you can be a lazy bum with a clear conscience, because even the plants here live a lazier life than you (just look at those chill tropical plants). 🛞 Transportation Guide: ✈️ By Plane: It is recommended to fly directly to Gasa International Airport. Don't think about saving money by transferring flights. The money you save will eventually turn into funds for two more barbecue meals at the night market in Gaozhuang. 🚏 Local Transportation: Please use Didi for taxis. If you hail a car on the roadside, you may encounter a "wild driver" giving you a "Xishuangbanna F1" performance. Shared electric bikes are a good thing, until you find out that it takes 3 hours to ride to the botanical garden... 🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (East District) Here, you will deeply understand what it means to be true to your nature. The Victoria water lily can carry a child, but it may not be able to carry your weight. Don't try it, the security guard will scold you. Remember to turn off your phone when watching fireflies at night, and don't use the flash to turn on a disco for the bugs. 2️⃣ Wild Elephant Valley Seeing wild elephants depends entirely on luck, but if you don't see wild elephants, you can still watch the elephant school performance. Friendly reminder: Elephants are better at playing soccer than you are, accept this fact. 3️⃣ Manting Park + The Grand Buddhist Temple The Dai King's back garden. If you take photos and post them on WeChat, you will be asked, "Did you go to Thailand?" Remember to bring a coat. If you are dressed too revealingly at the Grand Buddhist Temple, you will be asked to put on traditional Dai clothing—instantly transforming into a "Dai concubine on the run." 4️⃣ Gaozhuang Xishuangjing + Starry Night Market The largest night market in Asia is not just for show, it is recommended to go on an empty stomach. But don't get excited when you see "Laos Iced Coffee," don't blame me if you have insomnia in the second half of the night. Remember to bargain when taking Dai costume photos, don't end up being a sucker. 🥯 Food Recommendations: 🥞 Breakfast: Have a bowl of rice noodles. Yunnan people are as serious about breakfast as they are about life. 🍱 Lunch: Dai Flavor Hand-Grabbed Rice. The reason for eating with your hands is finally justified. 🍲 Dinner: See you at the barbecue stall! Lemongrass grilled fish, grilled pork belly... Losing weight? Not a chance. - Dessert: Paruta, this carbohydrate bomb combination of bread soaked in coconut milk is so delicious it's criminal. 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations: - If you want excitement, stay in Gaozhuang. You can go downstairs for supper at night, but the cost is that you may still hear someone downstairs shouting "Boss, another order of oyster omelet with mango" at 3am. - If you want peace and quiet, stay in Wanda Resort, where it's so quiet you can only hear birds chirping and your own stomach growling. 🆖 Anti-Pit Guide: 🙅‍♀️ Any driver who says they will take you to see a "mysterious village" will eventually take you to a shopping spot. 🙅 The "Musang King Durian" at the roadside fruit stand is mostly fake. Real Musang King will not appear here. 🙅‍♂️ Check your bank balance before buying Pu'er tea, don't get carried away and buy an entire tea mountain. 🌹 Final Advice: In Xishuangbanna, please automatically slow down your pace of life by 0.5x. The tropical sun here will melt away your anxiety, and the smiles of the Dai girls can heal your EMO. Remember, being a lazy bum here is not a sin, it is following nature! 🔔 Final Friendly Reminder: Please reserve 3 kg of space in your suitcase for dried mangoes on the return trip, don't ask me how I know.

Xishuangbanna is truly a treasure trove with a rich tropical vibe! 🌴 It's like spring all year round here, lush and green, like a natural oxygen bar! Must-see attractions: 1. Manting Park 🌳 The garden of the Dai Royal Palace is unbelievably beautiful. There are also elephant shows to watch, which are super fun! 2. Wild Elephant Valley 🐘 Get a chance to get up close with wild elephants, ride the cable car through the rainforest, and experience the mystery and magnificence of nature! 3. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden 🌵 A paradise for plant lovers, with all kinds of exotic flowers and herbs to feast your eyes on! 4. Gaozhuang Xishuangjing 🏮 It's especially lively at night. The Starlight Night Market is here, with lots of delicious food and fun things to do. You won't want to stop exploring! 5. Jinghong Pagoda 🕌 Glistening with gold, it's especially magnificent and a great place to take photos! 6. Dai Ethnic Garden 🏡 Experience the customs and culture of the Dai people, and participate in the Water Splashing Festival to feel the joy of the festival! 7. Primitive Forest Park 🌲 Watch peacocks being released, enjoy ethnic folk performances, and experience the charm and harmony of nature! 8. Mekong River Night Cruise 🛳️ Take a boat trip on the Mekong River at night and see the lights on both sides of the river. It has a special flavor! Food recommendations: Dai-style barbecue 🍖, spicy and delicious, makes people want more! Pineapple rice 🍍, sweet and soft, is a specialty of Xishuangbanna! There's also Lao iced coffee ☕, which is refreshing and cools you down! Transportation is also quite convenient: There are many public buses 🚌 in Jinghong, and it's easy to take a taxi 🚕. If you want to go to attractions further away, you can charter a car or share a ride, which is also very affordable. For accommodation: There are many hotels 🏨 and hostels near Gaozhuang, which is convenient for traveling and you can also visit the night market in the evening. If you prefer a quieter place, you can choose a place on the edge of Jinghong city, which has a quiet environment that is suitable for resting. Finally, a reminder that it's hot here, so remember to bring sunscreen 🌞 and mosquito repellent 🦟. Also, respect local customs and enjoy the unique charm of Xishuangbanna!

[1:00] Time: Dragon Boat Festival Holiday (rainy season in Banna, but the rain in Banna is a period of time, up to half an hour to stop, after the rain is still cool, do not care about the weather forecast, do not delay the trip, Dragon Boat Festival Banna not many people travel, because it is not summer vacation) [Airplane] Transportation: Shanghai departure, not bad money to fly directly, poor travel to Chengdu / Ningbo transit, I went to Chengdu played a night the next day to arrive in Banna, return is Banna to Ningbo, really cabbage price, but Spring and Autumn Airlines experience is not good [×], round trip transportation two people total 3000. [House] Accommodation: Xishuangbanna Wei Talk City Garden Hotel, highly recommended [ThumbsUp] Located in the house, very convenient. Price is cheap, 159 a night, stayed three nights in a row, two nights or more can pick up. The room is very Dai style, the room is very hygienic and clean, the facilities in the room are good, the best thing is that the hotel provides Dai clothes can be worn out for free. The clothes are washed every day and are quite clean. My mother and I wore three days and changed three sets of Dai clothes. We didn't have the chance to wear our own clothes. [Onlooker] Itinerary: Arrive at 1pm on 6.23, return at 7pm on 6.26. 6.23: Afternoon walk to Gaozhuang (Jinghong Dajin Pagoda), photo book appointment after dinner, Planetary Light Night Market. 6.24: Morning walk (you can take a nap), afternoon Manting Park + General Buddha Temple, night Manting Park to participate in the bonfire party, come back to continue the Planetary Light Night Market (you can go to the riverside night market or Six Nations Water World to dance Daidi) 6.25: Primitive Forest Park (11:30-15), evening photo book appointment, Planetary Light Night Market 6.26: Zhongke Botanical Garden (10:00-15:00), walkway, return [Tableware] Food: Xiao Hu Zi Southeast Asian Restaurant (no queues until 5pm) Wan Tai, many branches, no need to queue, recommend Xiang twist litchi, cheese corn barrada, coconut smoothie. My trip is actually relatively relaxed, did not arrange too many attractions with the tour, many tour groups have a day trip, really too rushed, can not have fun and take pictures, will be very tired, Banna nightlife is very rich, Starlight Night Market 12 o'clock is very lively, almost every night back to the hotel is 12:30, then wash up and sleep at 1:00. The tour’s schedule is due to leave at 8 am. Don't want to get too tired you can refer to my itinerary [Love] Manting Royal Garden Starlight Night Market Riverside Night Market Bonfire Party Gaozhuang Xishuangjing Xishuangbanna General Buddhist Temple Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of Chinese Academy of Sciences Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park Wei Qingcheng Garden Hotel (Xishuangbanna Jinghong City Gaozhuang Xishuangjing Starlight Night Market Store) Xishuangbanna Yunnan

• Opening hours: 8:00–18:00, latest entry at 17:00. • Ticket price: CNY 80 per adult. Tickets can be purchased through the "Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences" mini program, official account, or major travel apps. • Park zones: Divided into the East Zone and the West Zone. The West Zone is a themed garden with many specialized plant areas. The East Zone is a primitive tropical rainforest, including the Green Stone Forest Scenic Area and the Tropical Rainforest Scenic Area. Transportation Guide • Self-driving: Navigate to "West Gate of Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences". It is about 70 km from Jinghong City, a drive of 1–1.5 hours. • Direct shuttle bus to the scenic area: Many travel service centers in Jinghong City provide pick-up and drop-off services, which can be booked through online mini programs. • Public transportation: Take a bus from Jinghong City Passenger Station to Menglun Town, and then walk to the scenic area after arriving in Menglun Town. Tour Route • West Zone: West Gate → Shade Plant Garden → Aquatic Plant Garden → Palm Garden → Banyan Garden → Garden of Exotic Flowers and Herbs → Baihu Garden → Arboretum → Garden of Celebrities and Famous Trees → National Tree and National Flower Garden. • East Zone: West Zone Tourist Center → Green Stone Forest Station → Tropical Rainforest Station → Return to West Zone. Must-See Attractions • Aquatic Plant Garden: There are huge Victoria water lilies. You can experience taking photos while sitting on the water lilies from June to October. • Banyan Garden: You can see strangler figs, single trees forming a forest, and other unique landscapes. • Baihu Garden: There are many kinds of flowers and a colorful hot air balloon, perfect for taking pictures. • Palm Garden: There are more than 400 kinds of palm plants, where you can take jungle blockbusters. • Tropical Rainforest Scenic Area: You can see strangler figs, buttress roots and other classic rainforest plants, as well as large tree waterfalls. Other Information • Dining: There are restaurants and snack stalls in the park, where you can taste bamboo rice, pineapple rice and other special delicacies. You can also bring your own food. • Accommodation: There is the Wanglian Hotel in the park, which is convenient for playing in the morning and evening. The prices of nearby homestays are relatively affordable. • Precautions: Bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sun hat, etc.; wear light and comfortable shoes and clothing; abide by park regulations, and do not pick or trample plants at will.

#springwander A sprawling oasis rich in biodiversity, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden is where nature awakens in endless shades of green. Situated far from the city, it’s best explored at a relaxed pace—an early start ensures time to capture its beauty before heading to Dai Ethnic Park in the afternoon. For travelers looking to explore on their own, direct buses make transportation effortless. Whether strolling among exotic flora or soaking in the scenic views along the Lancang River, this botanical haven transforms each step into a portrait of spring’s vibrant charm. 🌿✨🌺🚌