Text by Ai SU
 
 
 
For years, the land of Xishuangbanna has been a dream of global travellers: the tropical landscape, religious architectures, mysterious rainforest with abundant wildlife, beautiful Dai girls dressed up in gorgeous national costumes and, dazzling customs and traditions鈥?all stir up passion for adventure.
In the Dai language, Xishuangbanna means "Twelve districts of one thousand mu of paddy fields each". It is the name given to twelve administrative bodies ruled by twelve chieftains in the old days. Not until the liberation of Xishuangbanna in February 1950 did peoples of the various nationalities really become the masters of their beautiful and affluent land.
The only tropical rainforest nature reserve zone remaining around the Tropic of Cancer, Xishuangbanna is hot, with plentiful sunshine and an average temperature of 21 degrees C, and humid, with abundant rainfall.
It is called 鈥渢he kingdom of plants and animals鈥?for good reason: there are over 5000 species of plants, and hundreds of rare birds and animals scattered among its 15,000 square kilometers of tropical rainforest.
Buddhism is the dominant religion, but monks have assimilated common customs. Trainee boys, clothed in traditional orange costumes, using mobile phones and riding motorbikes to the temple, are common sights.
White Stupa
The white stupa is located atop a small hill behind Manfeilong village, Damenglong. Built in 1206, it is a stupa group constructed in the shape of an octagon. The major stupa in the middle is 16 meters tall and the eight minor ones 9 meters in height. There is a huge footprint in its niche, said to be left by Buddha. This stupa group, originally designed by three Indian Monks and repaired several times in its history, is a cultural site under national class protection, and attracts tourists and buddhists from home and abroad.
Wild Elephant Valley
Wild Elephant Valley, north of Jinghong City, is a passage through the West and East Mengyang Nature Reservation Area. Due to its hot and humid weather, the valley's rainforest is a natural reserve for wild animals. About 300 wild Asian elephants live in the jungle. People can view the rainforest from the air by taking the 2-kilometer long sightseeing cableway in the park. Wild elephants usually come out at night, so a small hotel was built on the treetops for tourists who want to observe wild elephants more closely. Elephant shows are held at 11:00 am-12:00 noon and 2:00-3:00 pm everyday.
Tropical Botanical Garden
The tropical botanical garden in Menglun, a research center belonging to the Chinese Academy of Science, is the biggest tropical botanical garden in China, covering an area of around 900 hectares. More than 3000 kinds of plants are thriving and prosperous. With its tropical flowers and ornamental plants cultivated with the latest scientific technology, this picturesque garden is indeed a must-see sight.
Dai Village
The Dai Village at Manfinglan is famous for its beautiful and unique architecture. The houses are mainly of bamboo, with leaves covering their ceilings and walls. These houses are all lifted above the ground by strong bamboo lumbers. The small village is also famous for its warmhearted hospitality and good food. Popular dishes in the delightful home-style restaurants include Sweet and Hot Fried Buffalo Skin, Bamboo Stick Rice and Traditional Dai BBQ Birds.
Ganlanba (Olive Dam)
Ganlanba is about 30 kilometers away from Jinghong City. It is a basin by the Mekong River. Its main scenic spots are Mansongma and Manting, tropical landscapes combined with minority culture. Here you can see typical Dai villages and countryside scenery. Palms trees, villages, paddy fields, and mountains in the distance form a gorgeous picture. There is also a wide selection of tropic fruits and travel souvenir for tourists to buy. (Text by Ai Su Polisher: Gary Checker: Ai Su Photo source:bannaok.com)
source: crienglish.com
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