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Xishuangbanna

A golden phoenix in tropical rainforests

Xishuangbanna means "a wonderland of promises" in the language of the Dai. One of the very few precious lands of lush rainforests in China, Xishuangbanna is noted throughout the world for its spectacular natural landscape of tropical rainforests as well as for the unique lifestyles and customs observed by the minority groups that live there. It is also the only oasis to be found further north than the Tropic of Cancer.

Stepping into Xishuangbanna region, visitors feel as though they are immersed in a world of thick greenness, consisting of virgin forests, rubber plantations, banana plantations, tea plants, and trees of luxuriant greenness with twisted roots and gnarled branches. As one of the regions in China that has the most densely distributed and richest biodiversity, it has enjoyed the reputation of being "a floral kingdom" and "a kingdom of herbs." In the 115,316 acres (46,666 hectares) of wild forests stretching far and wide, there are over 20,000 species of flora, 5000 of which are of the highest grade. About three hundred are indigenous, rare, or surviving species. Thus this is also referred to as the "archive of floral genes." These species, having survived for over a million years, are also referred to as "living fossils." The rich vegetation and moderate climate have created an ideal environment for various animal species to prosper. So far, Xishuangbanna has been identified as having almost 400 bird species, 67 animal species, and 1437 insect species. Among them, species like the Asian elephant, bald eagle, and leopard are under protection. Species such as the slow Loris and Apes are under first-degree state protection. Besides, it has a number of rare mammal species such as goanna, python, and so on, earning itself another title, that of "kingdom of animals." This region accommodates a large peacock population and is hence also known as "home to peacocks." With their elegant style and dazzling colours, peacocks symbolise good luck, beauty, and happiness to the Dai people. No wonder almost every young girl of Dai is capable of peacock dancing. The peacock park in Jinghong city has become the largest breeding ground for peacocks in Asia.

Xishuangbanna is where the Dai people live in compact communities. In Banna visitors will be impressed by the thick bamboo woods and the Dai bamboo houses in the woods. The bamboo houses look like peacocks boasting their dazzling plumage, or like young Dai girls performing the peacock dance with pride.

The typical Dai bamboo house is a two-story elevated building with railings. In order to avoid the damp earth, the lower floor is not intended for people to live in but for raising domestic animals. The inhabitants of the house live on the upper floor, which is the center of the building. The living room is usually at the entrance, where the wooden ladder from the ground stops.

At the center of the living room is a large piece of bamboo matting on which people eat, rest, or receive guests. Outside the living room, there is a balcony and a corridor where odds and ends such as bamboo tubes and water tanks are stored, or where the Dai women do some needlework. There is a stove in the living room on which an iron rack is placed for pots and kettles. Next to the living room is the bedroom, also with bamboo matting on the floor. The bamboo house is usually spacious and well ventilated, perfectly adapted to the humid and rainy climate of the region. The Dai people live in these bamboo houses, eating rice and drinking wine from bamboo tubes. Sometimes the Dai girls, with trim figures and long hair, perform the peacock dance, striking graceful postures for their audience.

Location

Xishuangbanna is located on the southern tip of Yunnan province. Jinghong, the capital city, is 430 miles (692km away) from Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province.

Climate

Conditions are tropical and monsoonal with plentiful sunshine and rainfall, and an annual average temperature of 69F (21C).

Of Special Interest

A natural landscape of tropical rainforests, this is home to the Dai people who have a unique lifestyle and customs.

Main Attractions

Tropical Botanical Garden, Virgin Forest Park, Ganlanba (olive plain), Ethnic Culture Park, Park of the Dai Ethnic Culture, Wild Elephants Valley, and so on.

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