Adventuring in Xishuangbanna: A Tropical Paradise

Whether winding through the overgrown foliage towards a quiet hamlet of the Bulang people, or climbing up through the tea plantations of the Hani, travelers interested in the intersection of culture and landscapes have long been drawn to this border region where China, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Only in recent years has it truly hit mainstream consciousness.

Why Go to Xishuangbanna Now?

A boom in domestic tourism and infrastructure investment by the Chinese government has seen massive growth in Xishuangbanna (that’s ‘Banna for short) over the past decade, consequently increasing connectivity to adventure experiences. While multi-day jungle treks are still possible, many visitors now find the main outdoor draws are easily managed day trip experiences. Explore the vast rainforests of the region by daylight, but return to a fancy new hotel or resort complex at night. For the moment, both types of travel exist side-by-side, offering a plethora of options for nature lovers.

Best Time to Visit Xishuangbanna

The period from November to April in this tropical region is optimal for outdoor activities, characterized by lower temperatures and less rainfall. The September to October shoulder season can be pleasant, albeit less perfect, with lower crowds in popular tourist destinations. However, it’s advisable to avoid the intense heat and heavy rains from May to August.

Organizing a Guided Trek

Most local tour agencies can arrange treks of various types, though setting clear expectations regarding daily distance and acceptable ruggedness is crucial, especially considering that many do not regularly cater to foreign tourists. Both the Mekong Cafe and Forest Cafe in Jinghong can facilitate treks and guides, providing valuable resources. While Meimei Cafe doesn’t offer booking services, its old binders contain priceless information on trekking locations and logistics.

Visit Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in Menglun

China’s largest botanical gardens blend exquisitely manicured pathways and wild tropical jungle, making it an easy day trip from Jinghong. Most visitors tend to stick to the front section of the arboretum, where over 12,000 plant varieties are set in distinct thematic zones. Nevertheless, nature lovers seeking an offbeat experience should head to the back wilder section of the preserve, featuring 250 hectares of true jungle with only a few pathways and signs.

Stand Eye-to-Eye with Monkeys in Sanchahe Nature Reserve

Sanchahe Nature Reserve offers an attractive jungle experience without strenuous effort. A cable car transports visitors from one end of the park to the other, while elevated walking bridges provide decent opportunities to see wild birds and monkeys. Although managed elephant experiences may dissuade some visitors, it is possible to explore the reserve while avoiding this particular section.

Trek from Bulangshan to Menghun

This two-day trek, which most independent visitors can navigate, travels through bamboo forests and light jungle cover, exploring less-remote areas between Menghai and Menghun. Overnighting in the Bulang village of Laomawo allows hikers to engage with a local family and witness rural life firsthand. Meimei Cafe’s website features detailed directions for navigating this trek independently, or local agencies can arrange guides as well.

Swim in Cascading Mandian Waterfalls

An easy one-day outing from Jinghong, the series of cascading falls known as the Mandian Waterfalls offers an excellent trip, both for the dense jungle hiking trail and the invigorating swim beneath a 20m (65.6ft) waterfall at the lowest and tallest of the fall’s cascades. Whether biking and hiking from Jinghong or utilizing a quick van transfer and a 2.5 km (1.6-mile) trek, this experience is well worth it for those wanting to relish raw nature near the capital’s tourism bustle.

Zip Over a Jungle River

Adventure seekers looking for speed can zipline across a small ravine in the Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park. Following the thrilling ride, visitors can head into Hani and Aini cultural villages nearby or take a walk to the Nine Dragon Falls to admire more of the area’s natural splendor.

Head Underground into Fairyland Cave at Mengyuan

Uniquely located in this region of Yunnan, the 1.4 km (.9-mile) Fairyland Cave at Mengyuan takes visitors underground to witness a fantastical display of stalactites and stalagmites in bright neon colors. After the cave exploration, the surrounding jungle territory warrants an additional hour or two of adventure.

Explore the Xishuangbanna Jungle Canopy

Unique to Xishuangbanna, the Sky Tree Scenic Area features an aerial walkway that transports travelers to the rainforest’s crown on a 2.5 km (1.6-mile) pathway, 36 m (118 ft) above the forest floor. High among the jungle’s giants, the calls of birds and the interplay of light and water dripping from the foliage above provide an unforgettable perspective on this captivating habitat. For those averse to heights, land-based walks and river cruises are available in the same territory.

Walk to the Hani Village of Aini

Among the most popular easy day hikes near Jinghong, the half-day journey to Aini village provides an accessible way to delve into Pu’er tea plantations and experience local Hani culture. Within reach via public transport through a connection in Menghai, the Forest Cafe also offers an extended version of this hike that continues through banana plantations and rice paddies to a small Bulang village, ultimately leading through another tea-growing area back to public transport and Jinghong.

Meditate Beneath the One Tree Forest

Engaging in meditation beneath a towering banyan tree has profound religious significance in Buddhism, echoing the Buddha’s own experiences. The towering banyan in Daluo village remains popular among visitors due to this connection. With nearly 40 aerial root systems reaching back down toward the earth, a mere glance reveals why this magnificent tree could be considered a forest unto itself.

Hike from Mengsong to Yako and Bulangshan

This once-popular three-day trek retains appeal, though many of the region’s former favorite hikes are increasingly encroached upon by development. From the eleven Akha cultural villages of Mengsong and Guangming, a trail winds through the Banna jungle to the village of Yako, providing opportunities to spend a night with a local family, indulging in local cuisine and directly interacting with Akha hosts. However, continuing on to Bulangshan now showcases a markedly different trekking experience, with swathes of clear-cut forest and crossings of newly constructed roads marking the advance of progress into Xishuangbanna’s jungles.

Xishuangbanna is on our 2022 Best of Travel list. For more stories from some of the world’s most exciting destinations, check out travel guides and resources.

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. It is advisable to consult local authorities for up-to-date guidance before traveling.