Xishuangbanna Voyage Tips and guide

Xishuangbanna (often just Banna is used; Chinese: 西双版纳; Lü: ᧑᧒ ᦗᧃ ᦓᦱ) is an autonomous prefecture in the south of Yunnan, near the Thai, Laotian, Vietnamese and Burmese borders. The ethnic groups and the local languages in this area are more Southeast Asian than Chinese.

The region is a very popular destination for Chinese tourists. It offers most of the attractions of Thailand — warm climate, tropical fruits and flowers, elephants, jungle treks, cultural diversity, and a reasonably well-established tourist industry — without the complications of a border or different language and currency.

For other tourists, especially backpackers, the region serves as stop on the Banana Pancake Trail; it is on a major route between China and Southeast Asia. No matter who you are, the area is a major tourist destination.

"Xishuangbanna" is a name from the Dai language, "Xishuang" means twelve, "Banna" means an administrative unit that provides feudal taxes, and actually refers to twelve administrative regions.

The Xishuangbanna region has the best-preserved tropical ecosystem in China, with tropical rainforests. It is a nature reserve, a member of the United Nations Biodiversity Conservation Circle, and an observation point for sustainable tourism development of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. It has one-sixth of all plant species and one quarter of all animal species in China. Xishuangbanna is the second largest natural rubber production base in China, the origin of large-leaf tea, and the hometown of Pu-erh tea.

Xishuanbanna is a very ethnically diverse region, with the Dai people forming a plurality. The Dai people share close cultural ties with Thailand, speaking languages in the same family as Thai, and being Theravada Buddhists just like the Thais. Many Thai festivals such as Songkran and Loy Krathong are also celebrated by the Dai people. As in Thailand, Songkran is the most important festival in Xishuangbanna, when the streets erupt in a massive water fight.

Map of Xishuangbanna

• 22.00571100.794811 Jinghong,—A lively tropical city serving as the administrative center and main transport hub of Xishuangbanna, and the primary gateway for visitors to the region.
• 21.48282101.565642 Mengla— A tropical county near the China–Laos border, known for its rainforests, nature reserves, and cross-border trade, serving as a gateway to Xishuangbanna’s natural ecosystems.
• 21.966667100.4666673 Menghai—A county renowned for Pu’er tea, surrounded by tea mountains, ethnic villages, and Buddhist temples, making it ideal for experiencing Dai and Hani traditional culture.
• 21.24345101.7093644 Mohan—small town on the Laotian border.

As anywhere in China, Mandarin is the lingua franca used for communication between speakers of different languages. However this area, like most of Yunnan, has several different ethnic groups and most of those have their own language. In Banna, the largest group is the Dai. The Dai language in Xishuangbanna is similar to the northern dialects of Thai, but more challenging for speakers of standard Thai (Bangkok dialect) to understand.

Visitors from ASEAN countries may visit Xishuangbanna for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa provided they join an approved group tour, enter and depart China through Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport or the road or rail border crossings with Laos at Mohan, and do not travel beyond the prefecture.

Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport JHG ^IATA in Jinghong City has some flights from Chinese cities, but much the most frequent are from Kunming. There are also a few flights from Bangkok; see Jinghong#Get in.

There is a highway south from Kunming into this region, via Pu'er.

Xishuangbanna Railway Station in Jinghong gets more than 20 trains per day from Kunming. The journey time from Kunming to Jinghong is about 3 to 4 hours. There is also one cross-border train daily from Laos.

The Yuxi-Mohan Railway runs through Xishuangbanna and connects the region to Kunming and the Laotian border. There are 5 passenger stations in Xishuangbanna. These include 3 stations in Jinghong as well as one station each in Mengla and Mohan. Xishuangbanna's main railway station is the Xishuangbanna Railway Station in Jinghong, which has much more frequent train services than the other stations.

The airport bus can easily reach the city from the airport, and the airport special line No. 1 also passes through the night market and temple attractions. The price is ¥4. The tourist route can choose ordinary bus and tourist line. Among them, ordinary bus No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and bus Z21 pass through many tourist attractions, and the price is ¥3. Attractions will have corresponding tourist bus lines, most of which are ¥5 for round trips. Payment methods can be credit card or coin.

The starting price of taxis in Xishuangbanna is ¥7 (3 kilometers), including ¥2 fuel surcharge.

There are many places in Xishuangbanna where you can rent battery cars (or a shared battery car parked on the side of the road). For many local residents, electric cars are one of the main ways to get around.

As most Dai people are Theravada Buddhists, the main attraction here is the Theravada Buddhist temples, which are very similar in architecture to those in Thailand and Laos. The Xishuangbanna Zongfo Temple, Mange Temple, and Manjinlan Temple can be visited in Jinghong.

• Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden- Located in Menglun Town, Mengla County, it is China’s largest tropical botanical garden, operated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, showcasing rich tropical plant diversity and offering opportunities for botanical viewing, research visits, and ecological education.
• Manting Imperial Garden- Located in Jinghong City, this historic tropical garden associated with the former Dai royal court combines Buddhist architecture, tropical plants, and ethnic cultural displays, making it suitable for relaxed visits and cultural experiences.
• Wangtianshu Scenic Area-Located in Mengla County about 60 km from the Mohan border crossing, this well-preserved tropical rainforest area near 21°N is famous for its towering Wangtianshu trees (70–80 m tall) and canopy walkway, ideal for rainforest walks and environmental education.
• Wild Elephant Valley-Located in Jinghong City,A conservation-focused attraction centered on Asian elephants; while sightings of wild elephants are rare, visitors can observe rescued elephants up close and learn about rainforest ecology, making it popular with families.

Stay in a Hani village homestay and visit tea plantations, do jungle hikes and try the local foods. ¥300 per night with three meals included.

Experience the Tropical Rainforest

Xishuangbanna is one of the few regions in China where visitors can systematically experience tropical rainforest environments. Popular options include the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (Menglun Town, Mengla County) and the Wangtianshu Scenic Area (Mengla County), both offering rainforest walks and educational visits. The botanical garden focuses on plant diversity and is suitable for relaxed sightseeing, while Wangtianshu is known for its primary rainforest and canopy walkway (Skywalk), appealing to visitors seeking a closer rainforest experience.

-Botanical Garden entrance: approx. ¥80–90

-Wangtianshu Scenic Area entrance: approx. ¥75 (canopy walkway usually requires an additional fee)

Rainforest Hiking (Jinuo Mountain)

In the Jinuo Mountain area (north of Jinghong City), there are several guided hiking experiences themed around the tropical rainforest, usually led by local guides and passing through primary or secondary rainforest. Activities vary by route and may include introductions to rainforest flora and fauna, stream trekking, simple meals in the rainforest, and light interactive activities such as stone painting. These hikes are suitable for families with children and groups of friends.

Hiking routes are typically 4–6 km in length, with moderate difficulty and relatively low physical demands.

-Price: approx. ¥170–370 per person, depending on the specific program, duration, and services included

-Advance booking is usually required; non-slip footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing are recommended

Learn About Dai Culture and Buddhist Traditions

At Manting Royal Garden (Jinghong City), Dai Ethnic Park, and nearby villages, visitors can learn about Dai history, Buddhist temple architecture, and traditional festivals. Buddhist temples continue to play an important role in daily life, and visitors are advised to dress modestly and respect local religious customs.

-Manting Royal Garden entrance: approx. ¥40

-Dai Ethnic Park entrance: approx. ¥ 45–50

Water Splashing Festival

The Water-Splashing Festival is the most important traditional festival in Xishuangbanna, marking the Dai New Year and usually held in mid-April. During the festival, several key areas in Jinghong host official and informal activities.

-Water-Splashing Square (Jinghong City): The official main venue, where large-scale water-splashing activities usually begin around midday on April 15.

-Gaozhuang Xishuangjing: One of the main activity areas during the festival, often crowded.

-Lancang (Mekong) River waterfront (between the New Bridge and Old Bridge): A popular area for spontaneous water-splashing activities among locals and visitors.

Additional events may be organized during the festival (subject to annual schedules):

-Sky lantern releases, held at designated times and locations along the river.

-Ethnic parades, usually taking place around April 14, passing through major streets toward the main venue.

For visitors who wish to experience water-splashing outside the main festival period, some attractions offer scheduled sessions on a regular basis. Activities are held at set times, and it is advisable to confirm the schedule in advance.

-Dai Ethnic Park: Offers regular water-splashing sessions three times daily, typically at 11:00–11:30, 13:30–14:00, and 15:30–16:00.

-Single-entry ticket: approx. ¥45

-Entry ticket + electric shuttle within the park: approx. ¥68 per person

-Basic water-splashing equipment is usually provided

Clothing: Wear dark, quick-drying clothes and non-slip sandals; bring a change of clothes.

Protection: Use waterproof bags for phones and valuables; sun protection is recommended.

Etiquette: Avoid splashing water on elderly people, pregnant women, and young children, in respect of local customs.

Dai Intangible Cultural Heritage Experiences

Manzhang Village is a Dai ethnic village with a history of approximately 500 years, offering a range of traditional handicraft and folk-culture experiences. Common activities include traditional papermaking (with air-drying required, making it a relatively time-consuming activity), Dai pottery such as hand-shaped elephant figures, and Dai brocade weaving, most of which are hands-on experiences.

Some activities reflect rural lifestyles, such as traditional river fishing; for a processing fee of around ¥35, local vendors can prepare the catch on site. Rubber boots or waders are available at some locations for water-based activities.

-Handicraft experience prices: generally ¥10–20 per activity

Xishuangbanna is known for its ethnic diversity and tropical environment, offering a wide range of shopping options including ethnic handicrafts, traditional clothing, tea, tropical agricultural products, and daily necessities. Prices vary by location; bargaining is common at traditional markets and small stalls, while shops with fixed prices generally do not negotiate.

Ethnic handicrafts and clothing are among the most distinctive items to purchase. Common products include Dai brocade, embroidered textiles, and Dai-style traditional clothing, such as lightweight tops, tube skirts (sarongs), and shawls featuring traditional patterns. Other items include bamboo and rattan crafts, wood carvings, and ethnic-style silver or beaded jewelry. Visitors interested in more unique local crafts may wish to visit ethnic handicrafts markets, where many items are made from plant seeds, fruits, and other natural materials.

Tea and tropical products are also popular souvenirs. Xishuangbanna is an important production area for Pu’er tea, available in various grades at tea shops and markets. Local markets also sell a variety of tropical fruit products; dried mango is widely available in traditional villages and night markets, and some vendors allow customers to sample the product before purchasing.

Most shopping areas are located in Jinghong City. Gaozhuang Xishuangjing and various night markets are convenient for purchasing souvenirs, ethnic clothing, and handicrafts, while traditional food markets are better suited for tea, dried goods, and local specialties. Conditions and prices vary widely by location.

For daily necessities, convenience stores and supermarkets are widely available in Jinghong and major tourist areas, offering drinks, snacks, sunscreen, and other travel essentials at fixed prices. A 24-hour 7-Eleven convenience store is located near the entrance to the Gaozhuang Night Market in Jinghong, providing round-the-clock access to basic supplies.

When shopping, visitors are advised to remain polite and respectful of local customs. Bargaining is acceptable in markets but should be done moderately, particularly when purchasing handmade goods, whose craftsmanship should be respected.

The ethnic-flavored foods of Xishuangbanna are unique, with the Dai flavor forming its own system. The basic cooking methods are grilling, frying, steaming, chopping, and pickling, with stir-frying being rare. The flavor characteristics are aromatic, crispy, sour, spicy, and fresh. The main dietary habits likely include rice as the staple food, accompanied by dishes made with rich ingredients such as seafood, pork, poultry, vegetables, and wild plants. Among these, specialty dishes represented by hot pot and sour fish are widely popular. In Jinghong and major tourist areas, visitors can find everything from simple local eateries and night-market stalls to mid-range restaurants and hotel dining. A limited number of Chinese and international chain restaurants are also present, mostly concentrated in Jinghong, with menus often adapted to local tastes.

For more authentic and affordable meals, small local restaurants and street food stalls are generally a better option than tourist-oriented restaurants.

Local restaurants and everyday meals

Local eateries typically serve rice-based set meals, rice noodles, stir-fried dishes, and grilled items. Flavors often emphasize sour, spicy, and aromatic herbs, with fresh vegetables and seasonal ingredients. Sticky rice is widely consumed, particularly in Dai cuisine, and meals are usually simple and filling.

These restaurants are common in residential areas and near markets, and are popular with local residents.

Night markets and street food

Night markets are an important part of the food culture in Xishuangbanna. The most well-known are located in Jinghong, especially around Gaozhuang Xishuangjing and other evening market areas. Visitors can find a wide variety of freshly prepared foods, including:

-Charcoal-grilled meats, fish, vegetables, and mushrooms

-Grilled chicken and pork

-Sticky-rice snacks and desserts

-Tropical fruits and fruit products

Night-market food is generally inexpensive and suitable for casual dining, though seating and hygiene standards can be basic.

Dietary restrictions

Local cuisine in Xishuangbanna commonly includes meat, especially pork, chicken, and fish. Vegetarian options may be limited in traditional restaurants, and some dishes use fish sauce, shrimp paste, or fermented ingredients. Visitors with dietary restrictions should ask about ingredients before ordering.

Spicy food is common, but most restaurants can adjust the level of heat on request. Halal food options are limited and may require advance research, though some tourist-oriented restaurants offer non-pork dishes.

Prices

-Local restaurants and street stalls:

A simple meal typically costs ¥ 15–30

-Tourist-oriented restaurants:

Expect to pay around ¥ 40–80 per person

-Mid-range to high-end restaurants or hotel dining:

Prices often exceed ¥ 100 per person

In general, restaurants in Xishuangbanna do not charge a service fee. Service charges may apply only at high-end restaurants or hotel dining venues, and are usually clearly indicated on the menu.

Xishuangbanna’s hot, tropical climate makes cold and sweet drinks especially popular. Influenced by neighboring Southeast Asia and Yunnan’s tea and coffee culture, the region offers a wide range of iced coffee, milk tea, fruit-based drinks, and local dessert beverages. These drinks are widely available at street stalls, night markets, cafés, and small beverage shops, particularly in Jinghong and tourist areas.

Coffee and tea

-Lao-style iced coffee is one of the most common drinks in Xishuangbanna, reflecting cultural influence from nearby Laos. It is typically strong, sweet, and served over ice, and can be found at street stalls and small cafés throughout the region.

Price: usually ¥10–20

-Thai milk tea is also widely available, especially at night markets and beverage shops.

-Dianhong latte, made with Yunnan black tea and milk or foam, is offered by some cafés and specialty drink shops, combining local tea culture with modern café styles.

Local specialty drinks

-Paoluda is a traditional Dai-style dessert drink made with coconut milk and mixed ingredients such as bread, jelly, or fruit. It is commonly found in local specialty restaurants and dessert shops and is considered a distinctive regional drink.

Price: typically ¥15–25

Fruit juices and smoothies

Thanks to the abundance of tropical fruit, fresh fruit juices and smoothies are widely available. Common ingredients include mango, pineapple, watermelon, papaya, and banana. These drinks are especially popular during the hot season and are sold at night markets, street stalls, and juice shops.

Price: usually ¥10–20, depending on fruit and location.

Water

Tap water in Xishuangbanna is not considered drinkable. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available in shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Sun protection

Xishuangbanna has a tropical climate and strong ultraviolet radiation, even on cloudy days. Visitors are advised to use high-SPF sunscreen, and to wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when spending extended time outdoors.

Mosquitoes and insect protection

Mosquitoes are common, particularly during the summer and autumn months. While mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever are currently uncommon, basic precautions are recommended. Insect repellent is widely available at local pharmacies; When visiting forested areas or participating in rainforest hikes, wearing long sleeves and long trousers provides additional protection.

Weather and rain

Weather conditions can change quickly, and sudden rainfall is common. Carrying a compact umbrella or light raincoat is recommended, especially during the rainy season.

Footwear

Many attractions involve walking, and distances between sites can be considerable. Comfortable walking or sports shoes are recommended for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

The prefecture borders Myanmar and Laos. Buses leave from Jinghong and Mengla to Luang Namtha. From Jinghong it costs ¥70 and takes 7 hours. Laos visas cost USD40 at the border; two extra passport photos are required.