Wangtianshu Scenic Area is located in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, about 134 kilometers from Jinghong city. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and China's only core area of tropical rainforest recognized by the world. The scenic area covers a total area of about 864 hectares and possesses China's most well-preserved tropical rainforest ecosystem. The tallest Wangtianshu (Parashorea chinensis) reaches 80 meters, equivalent to the height of a 20-story building. With "Canopy Walkway" and "Rainforest Adventure" as its core features, the scenic area offers a 500-meter-long elevated canopy walkway, rainforest hiking trails, Phillip's Trail, and other facilities. It is a comprehensive scenic area integrating natural sightseeing, science education, and ecological experience.
History and Culture
Mengla County, where Wangtianshu Scenic Area is located, was an important node on the ancient "Tea and Coffee Horse Road" and historically served as a hunting ground for Dai royal families. The Dai villages within the scenic area have preserved traditional stilt-style architecture and slow-wheel pottery-making techniques. The pottery-making craft of Mandan Village has been listed as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage. In addition, Wangtianshu (scientific name: Parashorea chinensis) is a rare and protected plant in China. It was discovered in 1975 by botanist Cai Xitao and was named for its straight trunk reaching toward the sky, becoming a symbolic tree species of China's tropical rainforests.
Main Attractions
Canopy Walkway
The Canopy Walkway is the core attraction of the scenic area, suspended among the canopies of Wangtianshu trees at a height of 36 meters. It has a total length of 500 meters and is composed of steel cables and mesh walkways. Walking on it allows visitors to overlook the entire rainforest and experience the thrill and awe of "walking atop the trees." A single crossing takes about 1 hour, with a maximum capacity of 200 visitors at a time.
Rainforest Hiking Trail
The Rainforest Hiking Trail is 3 kilometers long and is divided into two routes, A and B. Route A passes through the "Rainforest Giants" Wangtianshu grove, the "Buttress Root" spectacle, and the "Parasitic Strangulation" ecological scene. Route B extends to the bank of the Nanla River, where visitors can observe seasonal drinking sites of wild Asian elephants. The hiking trail has 12 interpretive signs introducing rainforest ecology. The entire tour takes about 2.5 hours.
Phillip's Trail
Phillip's Trail is named after Prince Phillip of the United Kingdom and is a 1.5-kilometer primitive rainforest adventure route. Along the way, visitors can observe highly toxic plants such as the upas tree and the poison arrow tree, as well as epiphytic plants such as tree ferns and orchids. At the end, there is a rainforest ecology museum displaying insect specimens and plant fossils. The tour takes about 1.5 hours.
Nanla River Sightseeing Cruise
The Nanla River is a tributary of the Lancang River. The section within the scenic area is 8 kilometers long. Taking the sightseeing cruise allows visitors to enjoy the riverside rainforest scenery and commonly see rare birds such as egrets and hornbills. The cruise operates daily from 9:00 to 17:00, departing every hour, with each trip lasting 40 minutes. Visitors can also view the "One Bridge, Two Countries" landscape at the China-Laos border from afar.
Tour Route：
Classic one-day tour route: Arrive at the scenic area at 08:30 and first visit Phillip's Trail (09:00-10:30) to learn about the primitive rainforest ecosystem; at 11:00, head to Route A of the Rainforest Hiking Trail (11:00-12:30) to see Wangtianshu trees and peculiar vegetation; at 13:00, dine at the scenic area restaurant and taste lemongrass roast chicken and bamboo tube rice; at 14:30, experience the Canopy Walkway (14:30-15:30) and challenge yourself with a high-altitude walk; at 16:00, take the Nanla River sightseeing cruise (16:00-16:40), then return after ending the itinerary.
Travel Tips：
Wear quick-dry clothing and pants: The rainforest climate is hot and humid. It is recommended to wear breathable, quick-dry clothing and avoid cotton clothing, which becomes heavier after absorbing moisture.
Bring mosquito repellent: There are many mosquitoes and insects in the scenic area. It is advisable to bring mosquito repellent spray and patches, especially for protection during hiking.
Book the Canopy Walkway in advance: There are more visitors on weekends and holidays. It is recommended to book Canopy Walkway tickets one day in advance and choose the morning time slot for better lighting.
Travel light: The Canopy Walkway requires climbing stairs. It is recommended to carry a small backpack and avoid bringing large luggage.
Precautions：
Safety warning: Running and shaking the walkway are prohibited on the Canopy Walkway. Visitors weighing more than 120 kilograms must inform staff in advance.
Ecological protection: The rainforest has diverse plants. Picking flowers and plants or touching toxic plants (such as the poison arrow tree) is strictly prohibited. Violators will be fined 200-500 yuan.
Respect local customs: There are Dai villages within the scenic area. Avoid entering villagers' living areas during the visit, and ask for permission before taking photos.
Weather attention: During the rainy season in Xishuangbanna (May-October), there are frequent rainstorms. Check the weather forecast before traveling. In case of rain, raincoats can be rented at the scenic area (20 yuan each).
Keep belongings safe: There is a large flow of people on the cruise and Canopy Walkway. Pay attention to keeping mobile phones, cameras, and other items safe to avoid dropping them into the rainforest or river.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Depart from Jinghong city and drive along the Mengmo Highway (G213) for about 2 hours, a total distance of 134 kilometers. The scenic area has a free parking lot.
Shuttle bus: Jinghong Bus Passenger Transport Station has direct buses to Mengla County daily at 07:30 and 09:00. The ticket price is 50 yuan per person. After arriving, transfer to the scenic area shuttle minibus (15 yuan per person, about 30 minutes).
Group tour: Major travel agencies in Xishuangbanna offer one-day Wangtianshu tour packages, including tickets, transportation, and a guide. The price is about 280-350 yuan per person, including lunch and the Canopy Walkway experience.
Opening Hours：
Open all year round, daily from 08:30 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:30). The Canopy Walkway is open from 09:00 to 17:00, and the last Nanla River cruise is at 17:00. In case of severe weather such as rainstorms or strong winds, the Canopy Walkway may be temporarily closed. It is recommended to check scenic area notices before traveling.
Tickets：
Adult ticket: 55 yuan per person.