What to do in Xishuangbanna: A Yunnan hidden treasure
Jinghong (景洪) is the capital of Xishuangbanna Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳). Located in China, in the southwest of Yunnan, 400km from Kunming, Xishuangbanna borders Laos and Myanmar.
They call it the “little Chinese Thailand” thanks to the cultural and architectural heritage left by the Dai ethnic minority. At the time of feudal China, because of continuous wars, much of the Dai population emigrated to the south and settled in what is now Thailand and Laos.
Xishuangbanna is characterized as one of the prefectures of Yunnan with the most variety of ethnic minorities (thirteen, of which the Dai minority remains the most abundant). It is also famous for its good tropical climate (average 18-22 degrees per year) and for its large forests full of biological diversity. In addition, the Mekong River (in the area, called Lancang River) crosses the entire prefecture.
How to go to Xishuangbanna: Trip from Kunming to Xishuangbanna
Kunming is the provincial capital of Yunnan. From Kunming you can go to Xishuangbanna by plane, my train or bus from the south station. I have been many times in Xishuangbanna because I love it.
The first time I went, I went by bus. It took us 7 hours of the trip plus 3 hours that the driver has to stop by law to rest. The ticket cost about 200 Rmb (25 euros). That was on 2014. Nowadays, you can go by highspeed train, and arrive there in almost 3 hours. Much more convenient. Also, if you plan ahead, you can go by plane for a small fee and arrive there in 45 min.
Where to stay in Jinghong (Xishuangbanna)?
Just arriving in the city one has the feeling of having left China. The city of Jinghong is full of trees and green areas, the signs and the architecture of the houses and restaurants are reminiscent of Thailand and Laos. The summer climate encourages one to relax.
So we decided not to make big trips around the area and to stay the three days in the center of the city, in the Manytrees International Youth Hostel. It is a good enough hostel for backpackers but not suitable for those who demand a great service.
If you’re looking for a hotel with a little more quality, but also a price that won’t go away, you can look at the Dalian Hotel. It is in the city center, has spacious rooms and offers good service.
What to see and do in Jinghong – Xishuangbanna?
1. Peacock Lake Park
In Peacock Lake Park, you can spend almost an entire day enjoying various spaces dedicated to Dai culture. Just entering the park, there is a beautiful lake surrounded by nature. At different times of the day, they feed hundreds of peacocks, the symbol of Dai culture. The beginning of the show is quite spectacular, where you can see flocks of peacocks flying to the shore of the lake.
Next, following the park’s route, you can witness a tiger show or go directly to visit an ancient Dai village. The village, transformed into a museum, still retains the charm it would have had years ago. If you’re brave enough, in addition to touring the huts, you can also dance a traditional dance with the locals.
Recreation of the Dai New Year Festival in the park.
Finally, there is a large fountain to commemorate the Dai New Year’s festival, which is usually held between 12 and 17 April. It marks the beginning of the new solar year, which ends the dry season and begins the wet season.
The way it is celebrated coincides with the Thai New Year (Songkran), Laotian (Pimai), Burmese (Thingyan) and Cambodian (Chaul Chnan Thmey). The custom of throwing water at each other is to “purify” themselves and wish each other a happy new year.
Although it was not the indicated date, we decided to try. We messed with the locals (park employees) who were already inside the fountain throwing water at each other. Immediately we started a water war, or rather, a all against foreigners. Without a doubt it was the funniest thing of the day. Happy, exhausted and wet, we decided it was time to leave the park and return to the hostel to rest after a long day.
2. Visit to Dai Villages
A visit to the Dai villages around the city of Jinghong is also highly recommended. Some are so famous that they charge an entry fee of 100 RMB (about 12 euros). We intended to avoid parks and tourist spots, so we paid a taxi driver to take us to an authentic village, far from the city, and leave us there for a few hours.
After a half-hour drive, we arrived at the village, quite enchanted. It was surrounded by nature, with temples and pagodas, old wooden and bamboo houses, and children playing barefoot on the streets. If you’re looking for a similar village, ask for Manfeilong village or Manzhang village.
The villages are surrounded by rice fields, palm trees, and rivers, reflecting the Dai people’s deep connection with nature. The traditional Dai houses are made of wood and elevated on stilts to protect against floods and animals. Besides, the houses have sloped roofs and large terraces, perfect for the hot and humid climate.
3. The Manting Park
If you visit Xishuangbanna, you should not miss a park located south of the city: Manting Park. The park’s original name was “Chunhuan,” which means “garden of the pure soul.” It is believed to have been a place reserved for rest and recreation for the kings of Xishuangbanna. The park integrates tropical nature, Theravada Buddhist culture, and the traditions of the Dai ethnic group, giving it a spiritual and cultural atmosphere.
Inside the park, you can witness a show of traditional minority dances from the Dai ethnic group. Additionally, if you wish, you can enjoy a pleasant boat ride on the lake, visit a couple of temples and pagodas in a style similar to Thailand’s, and see various animals such as parrots, monkeys, and even enjoy a 30-minute elephant show. The entrance fee is 100 RMB (about 12 euros), and you can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring.
4. The Big Buddha Temple
Also in Xishuangbanna, you can find the Da Fo Temple (Big Buddha) and the Mengle Temple, the largest temple in Xishuangbanna and the largest Theravada Buddhist temple in China. The Dai society, influenced by Theravada Buddhism, built the temple during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was destroyed by the Japanese in 1848 and its restoration began in 2005.
The entrance fee ranges from 60-100 RMB (around 8-12 euros), depending on the season or special activities at the site. It is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM, though it’s advisable to confirm the hours before your visit.
5. The Street Market
The night market in Jinghong is one of the most impressive I have seen in all of Asia. Surrounded by a huge Thai-style temple and modern buildings, you can find anything you need, from local dishes and drinks to souvenirs from the region. It’s the best place to spend the evening. A must-visit in Jinghong.
You can try typical dishes: glutinous rice, roasted fish wrapped in banana leaves, and tam mak hoong (green papaya salad) are a must. Also, the Dai hotpot (a spicy broth with fresh ingredients) and delicious grilled meat skewers.
The market starts to fill with activity in the afternoon, reaching its peak around 7:00 PM and lasting until well past midnight. Like in many markets in China, it’s common to haggle over prices. Don’t hesitate to negotiate to get good prices, especially for crafts. But remember, never haggle over food!
6. Go during the Dai New Year celebration and celebrate Po Shui Jie
The Dai New Year Festival is typically celebrated, as I mentioned earlier, between April 12 and 17. Therefore, it is the best time to visit Xishuangbanna. It’s a 3-day celebration filled with unique festivities.
You can enjoy traditional dances, boat races along the Mekong River, vibrant street markets, and even a night where the sky is lit up with lanterns filled with good wishes and hope. Of course, there will be no shortage of nightlife either.
Even with all that, the main event is when everyone throws water at each other in the streets to wish prosperity and good luck for the New Year. Whether with water guns or buckets, it’s all part of the fun. Also, if you’re a foreigner, be prepared—because they’ll come after you! Needless to say, this is one of the best memories I have of my time in China.
If the post has been useful to you, help us to continue growing: comment, evaluate and/or share. If you want to visit Xishuangbanna, you can take a look at the route we organize through Yunnan. Also, you can check this post about one of the most beautiful places in Yunnan, Yuanyang, the rice terraces of Yunnan.
We spend a lot of time making a living, but not enough time living it.
– Teresa de Calcuta –
