Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (Banna for short) lies in the very south of Yunnan province and borders both Laos and Myanmar. It's the home of China's Dai ethnic minority and Pu'er tea, the only place in China with wild elephants, and it has the best tropical rainforest in China.
This paradise of animals and plants is filled with fun and enjoyment, and our travel guide will help you plan a trip to Xishuangbanna that savors its highlights.
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How to Get to Xishuangbanna
Jinghong is the capital of Xishuangbanna and has the best urban infrastructure in the area. Therefore, Jinghong is usually the first place to travel to when visiting Xishuangbanna.
Gateway Cities for Xishuangbanna
Domestic gateway cities:
If you have already arrived in China, flights connect about 46 domestic cities with Xishuangbanna, such as Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali in Yunnan as well as other popular cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Hangzhou.
Southeast Asian gateway cities:
Chiang Mai in Thailand has direct flights to Xishuangbanna.
Laos has had bullet trains running to Xishuangbanna since the Laos-China Railway opened. Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Vang Vieng all connect by bullet train to Xishuangbanna.
Xishuangbanna Itinerary Suggestions
For a trip to Xishuangbanna, spending 3 to 4 days there is suitable to see the city highlights. If you want a deeper exploration, 5 to 6 days are recommended.
We have outlined some tour suggestions below for first-time Xishuangbanna visits of different durations.
Xishuangbanna in 1–4 Days
- Day 1: Arrival and nightlife exploration
- Day 2: Manting Park and Manzhang Dai Village
- Day 3: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
- Day 4: Departure
This 4-day itinerary covers the most popular attractions and unique experiences in Xishuangbanna, including a tropical rainforest, wildlife, the Dai culture, and local cuisine.
Day 1
You could take it easy on the first day. After arriving, rest at the hotel and, in the evening, visit the bustling Starlight Night Market to experience the vibrant local nightlife, perfect for strolling and taking photos.
For affordable local food, fruit, or souvenirs, we recommend the more down-to-earth Riverside Night Market or Mandou Night Market, which are popular with locals.
Day 2
Visit Manting Park to see the former Dai royal palace and Buddhist temples, then head to Manzhang Village to discover the lifestyle of the Dai people. Xishuangbanna has many Dai villages, with Manzhang Village, Manyuan Village, and Mandou Village being the most popular.
- Manzhang Village offers a variety of activities (such as papermaking, scooping fish, and pottery), making it ideal for families.
- Manyuan Village is a little farther, but it boasts more beautiful scenery, making it perfect for photography and strolling. It also offers some experiential activities.
- Mandou Village is the closest of the three villages to the city, making it a convenient option for those with limited time.
For evening activities, consider joining a campfire party in Manting Park. Dance with local people around the campfire and release a floating lamp on the water.
Day 3
Visit Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. It is the largest and best botanical garden in China, divided into East and West areas. The West area is ideal for plant viewing and photography, while the East area is best for rainforest hiking. If you don't want to spend the entire day there, you could just explore the West area.
The garden also offers a special night tour. The fireflies light up the nightscape from late April to June. The "walking sticks" hiding in flower-de-luce, the singing frogs, and the fragrance given forth by the dragon trees are all highlights.
The map of Tropical Botanical GardenXishuangbanna in 5–6 Days
Option 1: Xishuangbanna and Pu'er in 6 Days
If you have more time, consider visiting nearby cities like Pu'er, which is just a 40-minute bullet train ride away. It would offer you a richer experience — get close to animals and learn about the tea and coffee culture.
- Day 1: Arrival and nightlife exploration
- Day 2: Manting Park and Manzhang Dai Village
- Day 3: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
- Day 4: Transfer to Pu'er and Taiyanghe National Forest Park
- Day 5: Experience Yunnan coffee and Pu'er tea
- Day 6: Departure
On your first day in Pu'er, explore Taiyanghe National Forest Park, where you could encounter various adorable animals up close, including red pandas, rhinos, monkeys, black bears, peacocks, and cranes. You could also experience staying in a treehouse-like hotel room in the forest.
Tree house in the forestOn the second day, visit a tea plantation and coffee estate to learn about China's tea culture and see the cultivation and manufacturing process of Yunnan coffee. You could see more details in our 6-Day Xishuangbanna and Pu'er Tour
If you're interested in traditional Yunnan villages and prefer non-commercial, more authentic experiences, we recommend visiting Nuogang Village in Pu'er.
Nuogang Village is on Jingmai Mountain, about 5 hours' drive west from Pu'er. Its people retain the most authentic Dai and Bulong ethnic lifestyles.
Locals take advantage of local natural resources to build their wooden houses. The village is enveloped in wisps of smoke rising from the chimneys, surrounded by serene tea groves.
Elderly villagers, dressed in traditional ethnic attire, chat leisurely by their doorways, while sunlight gently bathes the cobblestone paths. Excellent photos could be taken, especially if you take a drone.
Option 2: Continue Exploring Xishuangbanna
If you want to continue exploring Xishuangbanna, that's no problem — there are many more attractions to discover. Here are some recommendations based on different interests:
- For animal lovers or families with children: Visit Wild Elephant Valley, with a tour duration of about 1 hour.
- If you travel in the summer and want to experience Dai water splashing, you could go to the Dai Minority Park, with a visiting time of about 2–3 hours.
- For tropical rainforest adventure enthusiasts: Explore Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park, which features forest trails, peacock shows, and jungle zip-lining. The tour duration is about 3 hours. If you want to explore deeper, you could spend a day there.
- For a more challenging rainforest hiking experience: Go to Jinuo Mountain, which offers a wilder environment, for about 3 to 4 hours.
You could start planning your Xishuangbanna tour immediately by contacting us and getting your Xishuangbanna tour perfectly customized.
How to Get Around Xishuangbanna
Xishuangbanna doesn't have a subway system and the public bus routes are limited, mainly covering attractions within the city, such as Manting Park.
For attractions that are farther away, such as Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park, and Wild Elephant Valley, there are direct shuttle buses available. These buses typically depart from locations like Gaozhuang or Water-Splashing Square and have fixed schedules.
If you prefer a more convenient and time-saving option, taking a taxi is recommended. For more distant attractions, you could consider hiring a car or booking a tour service.
Want to save the fuss of getting around and get the best version of your Xishuangbanna tour directly? Contact us and enjoy our one-stop service.
The Best Time to Visit Xishuangbanna
Tropical Botanical GardenXishuangbanna is located in a tropical region and has a climate very similar to that of some Southeast Asian countries. The year is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.
The dry season, which lasts from November to April, is the best time for tourism in Xishuangbanna. During this period, the weather is warm and comfortable with minimal rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The rainy season runs from May to October, characterized by frequent rainfall. Pleasantly, after each bout of rainfall, the temperature drops, making the hot weather cooler.
Due to the much increased rainfall, Xishuangbanna during the rainy season is full of vitality and lush greenery. The natural scenery is particularly captivating.
April to May marks the transition from the dry season to the rainy season and is the hottest time of the year. Temperatures are high and the sunlight is intense, so it's essential to take precautions against sun exposure.
Where to Stay in Xishuangbanna
In Xishuangbanna, there are three recommended areas:
Gaozhuang
Gaozhuang is the most bustling area in Xishuangbanna, surrounded by a variety of dining and entertainment options. The nightlife there is very convenient and it is within walking distance of Xingguang Night Market.
Water-Splashing Square (Poshui Guangchang)
Water-Splashing Square is located in the heart of Xishuangbanna's old town. Not only is transportation convenient but there are also many affordable accommodation options nearby.
Wanda Plaza and Theme Park Area
The hotels in this area are generally more upscale and the environment is very quiet. However, it is quite far from the city center.
Xishuangbanna Travel Tips
- The Water-Splashing Festival is normally around mid-April and lasts for about 3–4 days. Water-Splashing Square and the main streets of the city are the best places to experience people splashing water on each other.
- When visiting the rainforest or areas with dense vegetation, remember to take insect repellent, especially in the summer. It's best to wear breathable tops with long sleeves and pants.
- When visiting temples, dress appropriately. Skirts should be knee-length and shoulders should be covered.
- For photos, wearing colorful clothing would make your pictures look better. It would highlight the tropical charm of Xishuangbanna.
- If you visit a minority family's home, avoid touching their belongings casually. Peeking into a Dai family's bedroom is considered impolite.
- To experience local life, visit the local markets and fruit wholesale markets, where you could find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. It's best to go early in the morning.
- The cuisine in Xishuangbanna is mainly sour and spicy. If you would prefer something different, inform the restaurant or your guide in advance when ordering.