Rainforest Charm | 4-Day Classic Tour of Xishuangbanna Manting Park, Wild Elephant Valley and Dai Culture

Welcome to Xishuangbanna, the homeland of the Dai people. Our guide will meet you at the reception desk of the airport/train station and escort you to the hotel for check-in. How to Get There 1. By Plane: Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport (JHG) has many direct flights, such as from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Changsha, Wuhan, Lijiang, Kunming, etc. 2. By Train: You can take a high-speed train directly to Xishuangbanna from Kunming (3.5~4 hours) and Mohan (5 hours) in Yunnan, or from Chengdu (11 hours) and Laos-Vientiane (9.5 hours). Free Time Recommendations 1. Starlight Night Market: Located in Gaozhuang Xishuangjing Scenic Area in Jinghong City (near the Grand Pagoda), it is considered the largest night market in Southeast Asia, offering various local Yunnan food snacks and distinctive handicrafts, and is one of the night markets tourists love to visit most. Opening hours: 18:00~23:30 2. Riverside Night Market: Located on the opposite bank of the Starlight Night Market, it is one of the night markets favored by locals. The night market starts from one end of the Xishuangbanna Bridge and extends to about two kilometers away, with food snacks and handicrafts lining both sides of the road. Opening hours: 19:00-23:30 3. Mekong·Six Countries Floating Market: Located to the southeast of the Grand Pagoda, here you can buy specialty goods from six countries—China, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—and taste cuisines from various countries, such as a full range of tropical fruits. There are also many bars in the market where you can experience the lively nightlife.

After breakfast, you will drive 62 kilometers (about 1 hour) to visit the [Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences]. This is the largest botanical garden in China, with the richest collection of species and the most specialized gardens. The entire botanical garden consists of three areas, and today you will mainly visit the most beautiful West Area. You can take the sightseeing bus to visit the Shade Plants Garden, Aquatic Plants Garden, Palm Garden, Banyan Garden, and more in sequence, enjoying a visual feast of tropical plants and a natural classroom of nature. After lunch, head to the city center to visit [Manting Park]. Manting Park is the oldest park in Xishuangbanna and was once the royal garden of the Dai kings, with a history of more than 1,300 years. It is also a natural village-style park. Here you can enjoy the tranquil natural environment and admire Dai Buddhist architecture, such as the Octagonal Pavilion and the Manfeilong White Pagoda. After the visit, head to the back gate of Manting Park to visit the [Zongfo Temple], known as the holy place for worship in Xishuangbanna. Zongfo Temple is the center of worship for Buddhist followers in Xishuangbanna and the holy place of worship for Buddhists in Xishuangbanna. The temple's architecture is grand and majestic, with every corner and detail unique, and the exquisitely carved beams and columns are a pleasure just to look at. Recommended Evening Activity In the evening, Manting Park hosts a wonderful cultural performance called "Night of the Lancang-Mekong River" and a bonfire party, featuring the cultural characteristics of six countries along the Lancang-Mekong River: China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It also includes folk performances of six ethnic minorities who have lived in Xishuangbanna for generations: the Dai, Jino, Blang, Lahu, Yao, and Hani. It is the best place to experience the diverse culture of Xishuangbanna.

After breakfast, you will drive 31 kilometers (about 40 minutes) to visit Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley. Wild Elephant Valley is the only place in China where you can observe wild Asian elephants up close. You will enter from the South Gate. The first thing you will see is the Rainforest Theater, where elephant performances are held at 10:20 and 11:30. In addition, there are various themed parks such as the Butterfly Garden and Bird Garden to visit. If you want to see wild elephants quickly, you can also take the cable car directly to the elevated elephant-watching walkway. This walkway is located near the ponds where elephants like to play and forage, so it is the best place to observe wild elephants. When wild elephants appear, you can see them strolling and foraging in the forest. After exploring the 2,280-meter-long elevated elephant-watching walkway, you will visit China's first elephant museum, the Asian Elephant Museum, to learn about the history, evolution, and conservation of wild Asian elephants, and then leave from the North Gate. Afterward, continue to visit Manzhang Village, which has a history of more than 500 years. Manzhang Village still retains the simple style of a Dai village. Here, you can immersively explore Dai culture and their traditional way of life. You can also stroll through the village, admire the very distinctive stilted bamboo houses and the beautiful pastoral countryside scenery, and experience rare intangible cultural heritage crafting techniques, such as handmade paper, slow-wheel pottery, traditional weaving, etc. Tips for Visiting Wild Elephant Valley 1. February to March is the elephant mating season, when elephants are more active and the chance of encountering them is higher. 2. The best time to see wild elephants is early morning, dusk, and nighttime. It is recommended to arrive at the scenic area as early as possible. 3. Observing wild Asian elephants requires great patience and luck, because their movements are elusive. 3. Even if you do not see wild elephants this time, there is no need to be too disappointed. The primeval forest here, the fresh and pleasant scenery, and the lively animals, such as gibbons and orangutans, will also feast your eyes.

After breakfast, this wonderful 4-day Xishuangbanna tour comes to an end, and our guide or driver will take you to the airport or railway station for your next destination. If you wish to extend this trip and explore more Yunnan travel regions, such as Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, etc., you may also contact our customer service to arrange it for you.