Xishuangbanna Region

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

China

$34.99

Shop Book

Beautiful buildings in ancient temples in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China.

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Xishuangbanna Region

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

North of Myanmar and Laos, Xishuangbanna (西双版纳, Xīshuāngbǎnnà) is the Chinese approximation of the original Thai name of Sip Sawng Panna (12 Rice-Growing Districts). Better known as Bǎnnà, the area has become China’s mini-Thailand, attracting tourists looking for sunshine, water-splashing festivals and jungle treks. Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, as it is known officially, is subdivided into the three counties of Jinghong, Menghai and Mengla.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

White Bamboo Shoot Pagoda

Xishuangbanna Region

Surrounded by bamboo stands and rubber plantations, this pagoda dates back to 1204 and is Damenglong’s premier attraction. According to legend, the pagoda…

Octagonal Pavilion

Xishuangbanna Region

On the outskirts of the village of Jingzhen (景真, Jǐngzhēn), about 14km west of Menghai, is the Octagonal Pavilion, first built in 1701. The original…

Dai Minority Park

Xishuangbanna Region

This was once the part of Menghan that everyone in this region came to experience, primarily for its classic temples and Dai families hosting visitors in…

Tropical Botanical Garden

Xishuangbanna Region

Lovely tropical gardens – the largest botanic gardens in all China – with many rare plant species and decent English and Latin signage. Don't miss the…

Black Pagoda

Xishuangbanna Region

Just above the centre of town is a Dai monastery with a steep path beside it leading up to the Black Pagoda – you’ll notice it when entering Damenglong…

Tropical Flower & Plants Garden

Xishuangbanna Region

This terrific botanic garden, found west of the town centre, is one of Jinghong’s better attractions. Admission gets you into a series of gardens where…

View more attractions

Planning Tools