Xishuangbanna: Charming tropical atmosphere

Author: Zhang Beili
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Xishuangbanna is home to six ethnic minorities: Dai, Hani, Lahu,, Jino, and Yao. Their vibrant ethnic costumes, dances, and cuisine are truly captivating. In this magical green kingdom of Xishuangbanna, there are many lovable indigenous residents, who are wild and free, like spirits of the forest, with the elephant being one of them. Yunnan regards the golden peacock as its symbol. And the homeland of this golden peacock is at the southern tip of South Yunnan—Xishuangbanna, a Dai homeland, known as the "Kingdom of Plants" and the "Kingdom of Animals." Xishuangbanna is a national key scenic area. The natural and cultural landscapes, including ethnic culture, ethnic customs, tropical rainforests, ornamental plants, and wildlife, are all integrated here. Major attractions include: Qilin Tropical Botanical Garden, Manfenglong White Pagoda, Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion, Elephant Valley, Green Stone Forest, Banna Ethnic Culture Park, Dala Single Tree Forest, Dai Village, Jino Village, and the Ruins of the Viceroy Street. The beautiful Xishuangbanna leaves an impression like a series of exquisite scrolls; in the dense primeval forests, elephants stroll leisurely, while peacocks and silver pheasants fly through the trees. On the beautifully decorated farmlands, the swaying bamboo shadows of the, the elegant trees, and the towering trees with aerial roots like forests of bamboo hide the Dai houses and reveal the golden roofs of the Myanmar-style pagodas. The graceful figures of Dai women, bathed in the sunset-colored Lancang River, resemble groups of peacocks playing in the water.