Xishuangbanna

Things to do in Xishuangbanna

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Xishuangbanna

View all Attractions
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden

8.9
4.8/5
17.9k reviews
The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is located in Yilun Town, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna. The park is divided into two parts: the eastern area and the western area. The West District is the main attraction. It includes more than 20 specialized botanic gardens. The “Exotic Flower Garden" is the most popular among tourists. Eastern District is a large area of ​​old-growth tropical rain forest. Most areas are paved with viewing trails, suitable for travelers who enjoy hiking.Mengla · 58.3 km from downtown
Manting Imperial Garden
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Manting Imperial Garden

8.8
4.5/5
17k reviews
Manting Imperial Garden is located in southeastern Jinghong, Yunnan Province. This natural village-style park is also the oldest urban park in Xishuangbanna. At Manting Imperial Garden, travelers can explore the vine plant area and peacock garden to see diverse flora and fauna, admire the charming Dai and Thai-style architecture, and enjoy ethnic minority song and dance performances in the evening.Jinghong · 1.3 km from downtown
Wild Elephant Valley
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Wild Elephant Valley

8.6
4.3/5
11.4k reviews
Wild Elephant Valley is located in Jinghong, Xishuangbanna, where Asian wild elephants frequently visit, hence the name. Coming here, you can watch elephant performances and explore the tropical rainforest. The attraction features a winding walking trail over 4,000 meters long through the rainforest, where you can stroll and experience the atmosphere. Along the trail, you can see rare tropical plants and traces of wild elephants like footprints and dung. If lucky, you might even spot herds of wild elephants wandering through the forest. There are daily elephant shows near the south gate of the attraction, where adorable elephants interact with staff in a spectacular display. Getting up close with these well-trained elephants for a safe and fun encounter is also a great experience. Near the south gate, you can also visit Wild Elephant Valley - Bird Park and Wild Elephant Valley - Butterfly Garden. Exiting Wild Elephant Valley - Bird Park, there is an approx. 920 m elevated walkway leading to the Asian Elephant Museum, where you can see elephant skeleton specimens and learn about elephants, with scenic views along the way.Jinghong · 19.1 km from downtown
Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park
No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park

8.2
4.3/5
6.8k reviews
Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park is located in the east of Jinghong City, north of Yongjiang River and is a primeval forest. The means of transportation in the park is a tour bus. The main attraction is the Peacock Villa. When the trainers whistle, hundreds of peacocks will cross the sparkling lake, creating an awe-inspiring scene. The other two stations are the Ai'ni Village and the ethnic customs performing arts field. You can both watch the ethnic singing and dancing performances, and participate in the small Songkran Festival.Jinghong · 8.2 km from downtown
Xishuangbanna Dai Garden
No. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Yunnan

Xishuangbanna Dai Garden

8.2
4.4/5
5.2k reviews
The Xishuangbanna Dai Garden is located in Menghan Town, southeast of Jinghong. It consists of five well-preserved Dai natural villages, namely Manjiang,Manchunman,MantingWhether you visit Manzha, Manga or any other village, you'll see typical Burmese-style pagodas and traditional Dai bamboo houses, immersing yourself in the rich Dai culture. Upon entering the attraction gate, you'll first arrive at the welcome square, where you can enjoy the warm Dai ethnic dance, blessings sung in their traditional songs, and water-sprinkling rituals. Then proceed to the Manjingman ancient Buddhist temple, one of the oldest temples in Xishuangbanna with over 1,400 years of history. Inside the temple, you can offer prayers amidst the resonant chanting of scriptures. The most significant festival for the Dai people in Xishuangbanna is the water festival. At Xishuangbanna Dai Garden, you can experience this vibrant celebration. Here, "every day is the water festival," with hundreds of people gathering around the pool, splashing water on each other to wash away dust and sins. Remember to bring a change of clothes.Jinghong · 22 km from downtown
Olives Dam

Olives Dam

8
5.0/5
2 reviews
Olives Dam is located in the lower reaches of the Lancang River and is known as "Menghan" in the Dai language. It is a well-preserved cluster of Dai ethnic villages. The area is rich in tropical produce, with coconuts, betel nuts, bananas, mangoes, and jackfruit visible everywhere, and bamboo houses shaded by lush greenery. Multiple natural Dai villages are scattered throughout the area, where villagers mostly live in traditional stilt-style bamboo houses surrounded by bamboo fences and banana trees, creating a pastoral scene typical of the south. The traditional temple architecture in the villages is magnificent, with the spires of the pagodas standing out strikingly under the tropical sun, making it a great place to learn about local ethnic culture. The villages are close to each other and can be visited on foot. Along the way, you can experience traditional Dai handicrafts and taste authentic Dai cuisine, which is primarily sour and spicy. The Dai people have a tradition of blessing others through water splashing, and water-splashing activities are a representative cultural experience in the area, as well as a distinctive, long-standing folk custom to enjoy during your visit.Jinghong · 22 km from downtown
Jinuo Mountain Rainforest Hiking
No. 7 of Family-friendly Attractions in Yunnan

Jinuo Mountain Rainforest Hiking

7.8
4.7/5
815 reviews
Jinuo Mountain Rainforest Hiking is located in the former Youle Mountain, one of the six ancient tea mountains of Pu'er tea and the ancestral home of the Jinuo people. The hike usually starts from villages like Papiao, led by a local guide along dirt trails into the rainforest. Towering trees that block the sun, massive buttress roots rising like walls, and aerial roots of strangler figs can be seen along the way. Rainforest phenomena once only read about in books—old trees blooming, epiphytes and parasites, drip tips on leaves—can almost all be witnessed firsthand here. The route combines land and water: First, there's a roughly 2 km stream trekking section, wading against the cool stream while the guide points out medicinal herbs, wild fruits, and insects hidden under leaves, also demonstrating wilderness skills like collecting water in the rainforest. The subsequent uphill hiking section leads through denser woods, as if truly entering the heart of the rainforest. Along the way, the guide often paints travelers' faces with natural colored stones and sings a few Jino mountain songs. The gentle stream pools are perfect for splashing and catching fish, while supply stops often offer wild delicacies like bamboo-tube rice and banana-leaf-wrapped grilled food. The entire route is not very challenging and is quite fun, so even kids can keep up. You're likely to get your shoes wet during stream trekking, so it's recommended to wear anti-slip water shoes or rain boots and bring a change of clothes. There are many mosquitoes and insects in the rainforest, so don't forget to bring mosquito repellent.Jinghong · 17.4 km from downtown
Tropical Flower Garden
No. 13 of Family-friendly Attractions in Yunnan

Tropical Flower Garden

7.4
4.4/5
1.3k reviews
The Tropical Flower Garden is located within the Yunnan Institute of Tropical Crops in Jinghong, combining a research base with a sightseeing garden. It serves as the institute's tropical crop germplasm repository, preserving over a thousand species of tropical flowers, fruits, and economic trees, allowing visitors to learn about tropical plants while strolling. The garden features interconnected themed sections. The bougainvillea in the foliage garden blooms almost year-round with layered hues, while the gardenia petals in the egg garden—white outside and yellow inside—are favored by Dai women for adorning their hair. The five trees and six flowers area showcases plants deeply rooted in Dai culture, such as bodhi trees, talipot palms, betel nuts, and musella lasiocarpa. The waterfront flower zone displays giant Victoria amazonica leaves and vibrant water lilies. Children especially enjoy the tropical fruit germplasm garden, where jackfruit, wax apples, mangoes, and macadamia nuts bear fruit year-round, alongside the miracle fruit that turns sour tastes sweet. During harvest seasons, visitors can pick and taste fresh fruit. The coconut grove and lotus terraces offer opportunities to feed koi and observe waterbirds. The garden also preserves old rubber trees planted in the late 1950s, featuring latex-tapping demonstrations that highlight Xishuangbanna's rubber cultivation history. A waterway runs through the garden, with most key views along its banks, making navigation easy. Informative plaques accompany many plants, ideal for families exploring at a leisurely pace. On summer nights, the garden organizes firefly and nocturnal insect observation activities. With minimal physical demand and convenient urban access, a half-day visit covers flowers, fruits, and rubber history, making it a hassle-free, family-friendly educational outing.Jinghong · 2.6 km from downtown
Wangtianshu Scenic Area
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Xishuangbanna

Wangtianshu Scenic Area

7.4
4.8/5
3.2k reviews
Parashorea Chinensis Park (a national AAAA-level tourist attraction) is an integral part of Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve. This area hosts over 1,000 vertebrate species and more than 6,000 higher plant species thriving in competition. Centered around the iconic Parashorea chinensis tree community, the park offers comprehensive exploration of tropical rainforest wonders through land, water, and aerial perspectives, fully showcasing this unique ecosystem. It serves as an exceptional educational base for discovering nature's mysteries, experiencing close encounters with tropical rainforests, and deeply appreciating their natural wonders. This is a venue for parent-child learning activities, a creative and exploratory world where children can gain knowledge and joy while connecting with nature. Our diverse course offerings include hands-on activities like building bird nests, making leaf vein bookmarks, crafting amber, exploring the Skyward Forest, discovering the secrets of seeds, and more. Beyond that, this place is a paradise for extreme sports enthusiasts, where you can drive ATVs through the rainforest and experience the harmony between humans and nature. The water park offers a diverse range of thrilling and exciting activities. Whether you're seeking speed and adventure or looking to enjoy quality time with family and friends, we provide unforgettable aquatic experiences. Soar through the rainforest canopy, feel the breeze on your face, and immerse yourself in the lush greenery of this "Oriental Amazon." Here, the landscape becomes your playground, evoking the free-spirited heroism of ancient legends.Nanla Riverside'sRainforest RestaurantYou can also enjoy original, pollution-free delicacies for a full sensory rainforest feast. Next to the ticket hall, the Tiannuolin Café offers a tranquil poetic journey with rainforest hand-brewed coffee, along with various creative handmade crafts and products for you to explore and choose from.Mengla · 15.5 km from downtown
Xishuangbanna Mengle Cultural Tourism Area
No. 13 of Night Attractions in Yunnan

Xishuangbanna Mengle Cultural Tourism Area

7.4
4.3/5
2k reviews
Dafo Temple is one of the most symbolic buildings of Southern Buddhism, representing the twelve Banna. It is also an important site for activities of Banna Buddhism. The temple is built on top of a hill, atop more than 3000 steps. at which visitors can gaze down at the beautiful sight of Jinghong city. Visitors can also participate in Buddhist activities within the temple, and experience Buddhist culture. At the foot of the mountain, Water-sprinkling Festivals take place, a unique insight into local cultures.Jinghong · 4.7 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Xishuangbanna

Featured Day tours in Xishuangbanna

View all Day tours
Xishuangbanna Dai King Banquet: Royal Dai Outfits, Palace Dinner Show & Tropical Cuisine
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From€19.82
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (West District) + Dai Ethnic Garden Private Day Tour | Pure Sightseeing & Giant Water Lily Experience
󱌍
From€72.04
Xishuangbanna mushroom picking 1-day tour: Hani guide + special hearth meal + tea picking and making
󱌍
4.8/5
· 76 reviews· 1k booked
Duration: 8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
94.7% of travelers recommend
From€38.57
1-Day Tour to Mount Nannuo in Xishuangbanna [Tea Picking + Tea Making + Tea Tasting + Hani Stove Dinner]
󱌍
Duration: 9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
10% off
Limited-time sale
From€43.83€48.7
Jinuo Mountain Bapo Village Hiking 1-day tour | High cost-performance option + primitive rainforest crossing
󱌍
5.0/5
· 3 reviews· 26 booked
Duration: 4.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From€23.84
Xishuangbanna wild 1-day tour | Rainforest mushroom hunting + tea picking and stir-frying/private boutique small group
󱌍
Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From€69.10

Featured Cultural experiences in Xishuangbanna

View all Cultural experiences
Xishuangbanna "Lancang River Mekong Night" song and dance bonfire experience
󱌍
Duration: 3.2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From€37.50
Xishuangbanna Dai King Banquet: Royal Dai Outfits, Golden Palace Dinner Show & Dai Cuisine
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From€70.30
Xishuangbanna: Kingdom Dinner Show with Costumes and Dinner
󱌍
Duration: 90 mins
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From€62.67
Xishuangbanna "Lancang River · Mekong River" (immersive Dai culture + buffet with local flavors)
󱌍
Duration: 7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From€37.50

Featured Outdoor experiences in Xishuangbanna

View all Outdoor experiences
Jinuo Mountain Rainforest Hiking Group Day Tour:Dive into Xishuangbanna's Uncharted Jungle
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 6.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From€39.87
[Premium service] One-day tour from Mangshi to Moli tropical rainforest scenic area, Zongfo Temple and One village, two countries
󱌍
From€119.03

More things to do

Private Tours in Xishuangbanna

View More Private Tours in Xishuangbanna

Group Tours in Xishuangbanna

View More Group Tours in Xishuangbanna

Free things to do in Xishuangbanna

What travelers say about Xishuangbanna

user-avatar
plp89001972October 23, 2026
5.0
Director Zhou Zhou's warm and attentive service to the elderly, along with her detailed and humorous explanations, made our trip to the Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden very enjoyable. A worry-free trip to Xishuangbanna, making travel with seniors safe and secure.

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden

user-avatar
willie253October 24, 2026
5.0
The folk custom theater performance was alright and educational. The bonfire party initially seemed unremarkable; I kept wondering when the bonfire would be lit and I almost left, but the climax came at the end, so overall it was still quite good.

Manting Imperial Garden

user-avatar
Anonymous userOctober 17, 2026
5.0
It's definitely worth a visit. I fed the elephants and saw a song and dance performance. It's worth mentioning that the performers were very dedicated and professional on stage. I also had an elephant meal at the scenic area. The price wasn't expensive; it cost about 200 yuan for four people. After visiting Wild Elephant Valley, you can also go to Manzhang Village to do handicrafts. A taxi from Xishuangbanna city to Wild Elephant Valley cost about 70 yuan.

Wild Elephant Valley

user-avatar
Anonymous userOctober 6, 2026
5.0
It's recommended to visit Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park in the morning to avoid the afternoon sun. Be sure to bring mosquito repellent, a sun hat, and non-slip sneakers, as there are many mosquitoes in the rainforest and the trails can be slippery. Don't miss the peacock release show; arrive early to secure a front-row spot. Do not touch wild animals, respect local customs, protect the rainforest vegetation, and stay on the designated trails for safety.

Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park

user-avatar
袅娜October 6, 2026
5.0
We also visited other similar places in Xishuangbanna; this place is a collection of these tourist attractions. The highlight is the Water Splashing Square, where the atmosphere is lively and the host is very good at managing it. There are many activities during the National Day holiday. Walking around, you can feel the rhythm of life of the local villagers. Fruit is very cheap. The Buddhist temple is beautiful, and the commercial atmosphere is not strong, which is fantastic! Going in the morning means fewer people and you can take your time exploring; it gets crowded from around noon onwards, as we came here after visiting the botanical garden.

Xishuangbanna Dai Garden

user-avatar
正在听旅行记April 24, 2026
5.0
It's said that you haven't truly been to Xishuangbanna if you haven't been to Ganlanba. The scenery here is breathtaking, brimming with tropical charm. Lush coconut groves and greenery surround the villages, while rustic Dai bamboo houses are scattered throughout, dotted with pagodas and ancient temples, creating a tranquil and captivating atmosphere.

Olives Dam

user-avatar
Lilian3721September 27, 2026
5.0
We had a lot of fun this time. The route included sun-drenched dirt roads, shady paths, streams, and other attractions like swings, bamboo rafts, and archery. My child bravely walked the entire 4km. Our guide, Saimula, was wonderful; he noticed I was having trouble and offered to help me guide my child. It showed the kindness and simplicity of the local ethnic minorities.

Jinuo Mountain Rainforest Hiking

user-avatar
Anonymous userOctober 17, 2026
5.0
Worth a visit. The attraction is located in the city center, making it easily accessible. I also saw the Victoria water lilies during the National Day holiday, though they were quite small. The scenic area is rather large. Taking the sightseeing bus is suitable for families with elderly people and children.

Tropical Flower Garden

user-avatar
毛毛@旅途October 6, 2026
5.0
It's quite far from Jinghong City, about 150 kilometers away. I recommend driving there and spending a day exploring. First, take a boat trip on the Nanla River, a 4.5-kilometer journey. Then, walk along the Wangtianshu Canopy Corridor, a thrilling 15-section walk! After that, you can hike the Philip Trail, a 2-kilometer-long tropical rainforest trail with stunning scenery.

Wangtianshu Scenic Area

user-avatar
Vanessa Eko 蓝音July 11, 2026
5.0
The scenery was just incredible. It looked like AI because it was so so so unbelievable on the picture but you don't have to worry because as you see them in the picture is really as they are in the reality. You need a little bit of 4 hours to complete the whole thing, if you take the elevator its faster. If you have more strength and more time, you can walk through the whole way, but if it's rainy or if it's sunny, I really advise you to take either the small car or the elevator

Xishuangbanna Mengle Cultural Tourism Area

Popular cities near Xishuangbanna

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Xishuangbanna?

Don't miss these attractions in Xishuangbanna: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Manting Imperial Garden, and Wild Elephant Valley. If you like Day tours, try Xishuangbanna Dai King Banquet: Royal Dai Outfits, Palace Dinner Show & Tropical Cuisine. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Xishuangbanna "Lancang River Mekong Night" song and dance bonfire experience.

You can give Xishuangbanna Lancang River Mekong River cruise (enjoy cruise performances + savor local delicacies + admire starlit nightscapes on both banks) and Xishuangbanna Dai Le kitchen (immersive experience in making Dai-style delicacies + fun with traditional pounded dishes) a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Xishuangbanna Dai King Banquet: Royal Dai Outfits, Palace Dinner Show & Tropical Cuisine, Group tour for 2-8 people | One-day tour of Xishuangbanna: Wild Elephant Valley + Primitive Forest Park / includes entrance fee and transportation within the scenic area, and Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (West District) + Dai Ethnic Garden Private Day Tour | Pure Sightseeing & Giant Water Lily Experience. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 26, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Xishuangbanna is around EUR 19.82 – EUR 77.4. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.