4 Days Xishuangbanna Tour: Tropical Rainforest, Wild Elephants & Dai Enthic Culture

Ni Hao! Welcome to Xishuangbanna, home to the Dai ethnic minority! Upon your arrival at Xishuangbanna airport/train station, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, greet you, and escort you directly to the downtown area, where they will help you check in at your hotel.

Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), officially known as Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, is located in the southern part of Yunnan Province, China. It is often referred to as the "Kingdom of Plants" and "Kingdom of Animals," boasting China’s only tropical rainforest nature reserve. This region is a sanctuary for a variety of plants, birds, and mammals, some of which are rare or endangered, such as the Asian elephant. Xishuangbanna is home to a diverse array of ethnic minorities, with 13 ethnic groups residing in the area, predominantly the Dai people. Intangible cultural heritages, such as the Dai Slow Wheel Pottery, Dai Brocade Weaving, and Palm Leaf Manuscripts, are still visible in many villages. This region is also the birthplace of Pu'er tea, one of China's most famous and historically significant teas. The tea culture here attracts many enthusiasts from around the world. Additionally, don’t forget to savor traditional Dai meals. Xishuangbanna food is known for its bold flavors, often featuring fresh herbs, spices, and ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and chilies.

Arrival Ideas: Travelers can reach Xishuangbanna by taking a flight or a train. Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport has direct flights connecting to major cities in China such as Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Lijiang, Dali Guiyang, Wuhan and Changsha, among others. Travelers can take high-speed trains to Xishuangbanna Station from Kunming (3.5 hours).

Free Time Ideas in Xishuangbanna:
1. The Starlight Night Market is renowned for its unique blend of religious architecture and local cultural elements. It is considered the largest night market in Southeast Asia. Situated within the Gaozhuang Xishuangjing area of Jinghong City, at the base of the Golden Pagoda. Open hours: 18:00 to 23:30.
2. The Riverside Night Market is one of the favorite night markets among locals. It is more authentic and offers a more local experience compared to the more tourist-oriented markets. Along Binjiang Avenue, beside Binjiang Park in Jinghong City (near the new bridge) Open hours:19:00 to 23:30.
3. The Mekong River Six-Country Floating Market is a unique floating market located southeast of the Golden Pagoda along the Lancang River. Visitors can purchase distinctive goods and foods from six countries: China, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride navigating between stalls that float on the river, creating a picturesque scene, especially at night with lights reflecting on the water. Opening hours: All day

After breakfast, we will drive 62km (about 1 hour) to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences to experience the magic and mystery of tropical vegetation. It will open the door to a new world for you.

The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (中国科学院西双版纳热带植物园), founded in 1959 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, boasts more than 13,000 species of tropical plants and a plethora of interesting insects, making it the largest botanical garden in China in terms of area and species diversity. The garden spans approximately 1,125 hectares and is divided into two main areas: the West Area and the East Area.

Today, our tour will primarily focus on the West Area. The West Area focuses on ornamental landscaping and showcases specialized plant zones with high scenic value, perfect for observing diverse species. To conserve your energy, a sightseeing car will be available to transport you around the area. First, explore the Shade-loving Plant Garden, where you can enjoy the lush, green scenery that thrives in low light. As walk to Aquatic Plant Garden, you will be amazed by the majestic giant water lilies serenely floating on the water's surface, especially during July and August. Their leaves are so large that they can support a child floating on them. Stroll through the Palm Garden where the towering palms here reach skywards, In the Banyan Tree Garden, you will witness unique natural phenomena of tropical rainforests such as “ single tree forming a forest”, and “strangler figs”. Marvel at the epiphytic orchids that naturally grow on trees, forming an "air garden." Explore Exotic Flower and Plant Garden, where plants are anything but ordinary. You'll come across flowers that change colors, mysterious fruits that taste sweet and sour, and even dancing grass that seems to sway to music. Along the way, you will encounter countless exotic flowers, unusual trees, and strange fruits, offering not only a visual feast of tropical vegetation but also a vivid lesson in nature.

After lunch, head downtown to visit Manning Park (曼听公园), also known as "Chunhuan Garden," which means "Soul's Garden" in the Dai language. This is the oldest park in Xishuangbanna and was once the royal garden of the Dai kings, with a history of 1300 years. According to legend, the garden's enchanting beauty captured the soul of a Dai queen who visited, which is how the park got its name. The park beautifully integrates "Dai Royal Culture, Buddhist Culture, and Dai Folk Culture," Strolling through the park, you will encounter tranquil ponds and vibrant tropical flora, with cultural landscapes adorning the serene environment. You can explore Royal architecture like the Dai king’s former palace and the royal gardens. And you will find the the typical Dai Buddhist architecture models like the Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion (景真八角亭) and White Bamboo Shoot Pagoda (曼飞龙白塔). The Zongfosi Temple (总佛寺), located on the southern side of the park, is a significant pilgrimage site for local Buddhists and holds a special place in the hearts of the Dai people. Along the way, if you're lucky, you might encounter various cultural activities in the park such as the Zangha show (Dai Ethnic Singing), elephant show, and parrot interaction.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Hotel in Jinghong Downtown.

Optional Night Activity:

As night falls, the highlight of Manting Park is the ethnically themed "Lancang-Mekong River Night" Song and Dance Bonfire Party. This event showcases the diverse cultures of Xishuangbanna and the six countries along the Lancang-Mekong River basin. Besides the evening's performances, which include a welcome ceremony, indoor theater shows, releasing water lanterns, and a bonfire celebration, there's also an authentic ethnic buffet dinner. Show Time: 19:40 to 21:15.

After breakfast, we will drive 31km (about 40 minutes) to visit the Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley. Wild Elephant Valley (野象谷) is the only place in China where you can safely observe Asian elephants up close. Visitors can watch wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat from a safe, elevated observation platform, walk through the tropical rainforest, and track herds.

You will start from the South Gate, which has the Rainforest Theater. Visitors can watch an elephant performance at specific times: 10:20 and 11:30. Beyond this, explore themed gardens like the Butterfly Garden and the Bird Garden, or skip straight to the cable car for the best viewing spot. On the cable car, you can overlook the vast tropical rainforest and wildlife, and then arrive at the elevated observation walkway. This walkway is built near the pond where elephants like to play and forage, so it is the best place to observe wild elephants. When wild elephants appear, you can see them strolling and foraging in the forest. After exploring the 2,280-meter-long elevated walkway, conclude your visit at the Asian Elephant Museum to understand the history and conservation of these majestic creatures, exiting through the North Gate.

Tips for Wild Elephant Valley:
1. February to March is the mating season for elephants, during which their activity is frequent, increasing your chances of encountering them.
2. It is said that wild elephants prefer to show up in the early morning. It is recommended to arrive at the scenic area early.
3. Observing wild Asian elephants may require great patience, as their whereabouts are hard to track.
4. Even if you don't spot any elephants, walking through the pristine forest, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the natural scenery is refreshing. You also have the opportunity to see gibbons and orangutans.

Continue your journey by visiting Manzhang Dai Village (曼掌村), a pristine Dai ethnic village with over 500 years of history. This village offers an immersive experience of Dai culture, allowing you to explore their cultural heritage and traditional lifestyle. Wander through the village with its traditional stilted bamboo houses and neatly maintained streets lined with flowers and fruits. Often described as a "living Dai cultural museum," the village showcases various Dai handicrafts, including handmade paper, slow-wheel pottery, and traditional weaving. You can engage in their intangible cultural heritage experiences to get a hands-on understanding of their art and crafts

After the tour, return to your hotel in Jinghong downtown.

It’s time to end this 4-Day Yunnan Xishuangbanna Tour. Your guide and driver will escort you to the Xishuangbanna airport or train station for your departure.

Extension Ideas: If you wish to extend your trip and explore other highlighted parts of Yunnan, such as Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-La, and more, we can help you with the arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Yunnan tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!