Top 10 China tours 2024/2025 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
Manfeilong Pagoda, Xishuangbanna

Manfeilong Pagoda, Xishuangbanna

Written by Sunny XieUpdated Jul. 31, 2023

Manfeilong White Pagoda is a cluster of towering stupas (mausoleums) in the typical architectural style of Theravada Buddhism — an artistic treasure in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. They are well known to the nearby Southeast Asian countries of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. Every year, believers come from thousands of miles away come to worship the entombed bodhisattvas (Buddhist saints).

Scroll down and find out interesting facts about Manfeilong Pagoda and travel tips.

Buddhist BelieversBuddhist Believers

Basic Facts about Manfeilong White Pagoda

  • Chinese: 曼飞龙白塔 Mànfēilóng Báitǎ /man-fay-long beye-taa/ 'Manfeilong White Pogoda'
  • Location: 70 kilometers south of Jinghong, city seat of Xishuangbanna, and a few kilometers from the Burmese border
  • Recommended visit duration: 1–3 hours
  • Open: 8:00am to 5:00pm
  • Suited to: anyone, especially photographers and Buddhists

Nicknames of Manfeilong Pagoda

Bamboo Shoot Pagoda or Tanuo

Manfeilong Pagoda consists of one central stupa and eight smaller ones encircling it. From a distance, with imagination, the towering stupas look like spring bamboo shoots emerging from the earth, hence the name Bamboo Shoot Pagoda or Tanuo (Ta is 'pagoda' and nuo is 'bamboo shoot' in the Dai language).

White Pagoda

The stupas are white in color and highly reflective of the strong tropical sunshine, so much so that they can appear completely white like snow (though their gold decoration shows up more at other times), giving them another name: White Pagoda.

White Bamboo Shoot Pagoda White Bamboo Shoot Pagoda

The Features of Manfeilong Pagoda

Manfeilong's stupas are said to have been built in the early 1200s AD, around 1,000 years after Sakyamuni's death.

The stupas are made of bricks, decorated with exquisite paintings and sculptures of phoenixes, dragons, peacocks, etc. The base of the tower is octagonal with Buddha statues in eight niches in the outer faces. The central stupa measures 16.3 meters (53.4 feet) tall and the other eight smaller ones that encircle it measure 9.1 meters (29.9 feet) tall.

Cannot wait to see these beautiful, exquisite and charming pagodas? Take a look at our sample 6-Day Xishuangbanna and Pu'er Tour or contact our travel consultants to tailor-make a Banna tour for you.

Buddha Statues in the NichesBuddha Statues in the Niches

Best Times to Visit Manfeilong Pagoda

The best time to visit Manfeilong Pagoda is during dry season, from October to April.

For photographers, it's better to go there in the afternoon or at sunset when the golden sun shines on the white stupas.

Every year from April 13 to 15, local people gather there to celebrate the Water Splashing Festival. Feel free to contact us for tour recommendations if you are interested in joining in the pleasant moments.

Contact us

What to See at Manfeilong Pagoda

Besides the gorgeous architecture of the pagoda itself, the walk up Manfeilong Hill is rewarding for its tropical scenery and views of local life.

The stupas ("pagoda") sit on top of a hill called Manfeilong. There is a stairway with 200 steps, and you can walk up the path for around 20 or 30 minutes and enjoy the jungle on the hill, Dai-style stilt houses, and rubber plantations in the villages.

Contact our Xishuangbanna expert for more information.

Dai VillageDai Village

Touring Manfeilong Pagoda with China Highlights

Manfeilong Pagoda is a historical site with a rich history and culture. It will be more interesting and easier to visit it with a professional guide, especially as English is not commonly used in Xishuangbanna. China Highlights can help you customize a worry-free tour to visit Manfeilong Pagoda and other highlights in Banna.

Here is a sample tour plan for inspiration:

Popular tours
Make the most of your time
Choose the best time to visit
Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on