Xishuangbanna is a famous tourist destination in Yunnan, known for its unique tropical rainforest landscape and rich ethnic customs. The area is teeming with animals and plants, known as the 'Kingdom of Animals' and 'The moonstone on the Crown of the Kingdom of Plants', attracting countless tourists from all over the world.
Top tourist attractions in Xishuangbanna
Today we are going to discuss the top 10 must-visit attractions in Xishuangbanna, and hopefully it will be helpful to you.
1. Wild Elephant Valley (Gajah Liar Valley)
If you love elephants or are visiting with children, visiting the Wild Elephant Valley is a must. It's the only place in China where you can see wild Asian elephants, and it's also China's first national park dedicated to animal and environmental protection. It is known as "the bridge for communication between humans and wild Asian elephants."
Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley
You can observe Asian elephants closely in a relatively safe manner and capture unforgettable shots of wild Asian elephants at the Wild Elephant Valley.
In addition, this place is also a habitat for many rare species of animals and plants, where you can admire a variety of beautiful butterflies.
Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
Tour Length: 3 hours
Ticket price: CNY 60
2. Manting Park
Manting Park, known as "Chunhuan Park" in the Dai language, is situated 2 kilometers from central Jinghong. Its construction began more than 1,300 years ago when it was a royal garden of the Dai royal family. It's the most ancient park in Xishuangbanna.
The Manting Park, Xishuangbanna
Entering into Manting Park, visitors can admire the Dai royal architecture and gardens, view a variety of tropical plants and exotic flowers, and see elephants, peacocks, and parrots up close.
Open Hours: 08:00-17:30
Tour Length: 2 hours
Ticket price: CNY 40
3. Zong Buddhist Monastery
The Zong Buddhist Monastery is right next to the Manting Park and is the central Buddhist temple of Xishuangbanna. Unlike other temples, it is a lot quieter and has more of an authentic tradition, essentially the same as a Thai temple.
Zong Buddhist Monastery
Here, you can explore the temple's golden pagoda, Buddha statues, and prayer hall, enjoying a serene and spiritual journey.
Open Hours: 08:00-17:30
Tour Length: 1-3 hours
Ticket price: Free of charge
4. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, also known as the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of Chinese Academy of Sciences, is located in Menglun Town, Mengla County, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. It is the largest and most biodiverse botanical garden in China, as well as the botanical garden with the largest number of outdoor plant species in the world. It is also the only 5A-level scenic spot in Xishuangbanna.
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
The botanical garden has many rare plants, divided into several areas, such as the tropical area and the bamboo plant area, where visitors can admire diverse plants like water lilies, tiger whiskers, palm trees, and banyan trees.
Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
Tour Length: A visit to the botanical garden can take anywhere from half a day to a full day, depending on your interests and pace.
Ticket price: CNY 80
5. Dai Minority Park
Dai Nationality Park, located in Ganlanba, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna, is home to five of the best-preserved Dai natural villages in China. Each village here has its own temple , and each temple has a long history.
Water Splashing Festival, Xishuangbanna
In addition, visitors can experience the joy of Dai water splashing, especially those who are traveling with children. It's best to prepare spare clothes for changing in advance, because there are daily water-splashing activities.
Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
Tour Length: 3 hours
Ticket price: CNY 45
- Get more information on the Water Splashing Festival in Yunnan
6. Gaozhuang Starlight Night Market
Gaozhuangxishuangjing is a shining visiting card of Xishuangbanna, famed for its "Nine Towers and Twelve Strongholds", encapsulating the quintessence of Dai and Thai cultures. Visitors can visit the bustling Starlight Night Market to experience the vibrant local nightlife.
The Starlight Night Market, Xishuangbanna
Gaozhuang is enormous. In addition to a wide variety of stalls, the night market is also near the Giant Golden Pagoda, which comes alive under the evening lights.
Open Hours: 17:00-23:00
Tour Length: 3 hours
Ticket price: Free of charge
7. Mengle Buddhist Temple
Mengle Buddhist Temple, located in Mange Village, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, is the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Xishuangbanna. It is the former royal temple of Dai kings and features Southeast Asian architectural style.
Mengle Buddhist Temple, Xishuangbanna
Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
Tour Length: 2 hours
Ticket price: CNY 100
8. Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park
Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park is located in the eastern part of Jinghong City. Visitors can enjoy observing wild animals and exploring the pristine tropical rainforest there. Inside the park, tourists can witness the spectacular sight of hundreds of peacocks gathering.
Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park
Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
Tour Length: 4 hours
Ticket price: CNY 45
9. Wangtianshu Scenic Area
Wangtianshu Scenic Area is located in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna. The most striking feature of the scenic area is the towering Wangtian trees that rise into the sky. If you are not afraid of heights, you can challenge yourself on the air corridor in the scenic area and experience both thrill and excitement.
The air corridor in Wangtianshu Scenic Area
Open Hours: 08:30-18:00
Tour Length: 4-6 hours
Ticket price: CNY 55
10. Jino Village
The Jino Village is home to a unique ethnic group, the Jino ethnic group. This ethnic group has preserved many ancient customs and traditions. Walking through this place, visitors can feel the rich cultural heritage, historical depth, the mysterious primitive religion, and the simple production methods of the Jino people.
Jino Village
Open Hours: 09:00-18:00
Tour Length: 2-3 hours
Ticket price: CNY 160
- Get more information on The Guide to Visiting Xishuangbanna.
