A Journey to Xishuangbanna: Temples, Markets and Water Battles
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Introduction to Xishuangbanna, on an Electric Scooter
Located in southern Yunnan, on the border with Laos and Myanmar, Xishuangbanna immediately envelops you with its tropical climate, palm trees, the generous and colorful fruit found in its markets, and the bright clothing of its inhabitants (and of the tourists who visit: in fact, one of the favorite activities of Chinese tourists here is dressing up in traditional outfits for a photo session).
Xishuangbanna is an autonomous prefecture inhabited by the Dai minority, one of the many ethnic groups of Yunnan. They belong to the Tai peoples and are officially recognized by the government as one of China’s 56 ethnic minorities. (If you would like to learn more, you can read our travel guide to Yunnan here.)
Perhaps thanks in part to the evocative name of this region, one of the great merits of this destination is undoubtedly the following: from the moment you leave the airport in Xishuangbanna, you cannot help but immediately feel on vacation.
We would like to tell you a little more about this destination, which could be the perfect starting point for exploring southern Yunnan. Let us begin by saying that every time the team of Ink Voyages visits Xishuangbanna cannot help but be surprised by one great absence… The sea!
Yes, because in Xishuangbanna — precisely thanks to the relaxed atmosphere, the colors and the lush vegetation — you would expect that, at some point while turning down a street, you might suddenly find yourself facing a golden beach and the crystal-clear waters of a tropical sea.
And yet, in Xishuangbanna there is no sea to be found! In a sense, we cannot help but live with this constant expectation, waiting for it to appear somewhere. It is a strange and amusing sensation, difficult to explain, but one that grows stronger the more you explore this place.
A practical tip: a fun way to explore some of the main places in the area — and to move around like a true local — is to rent an electric scooter. They cost very little (29 CNY / about 4 euros for a full day) and allow you to move from one destination to another with great flexibility (while always paying attention to traffic, which can sometimes be quite busy).
What We Like (and Don’t Like) About Xishuangbanna
In this article we would like to share with you what we like most about Xishuangbanna, while also highlighting a few aspects that are not necessarily among our favorites. That way, if you decide to rent a scooter, you will have a few ideas for your exploration.
The Unexpected Temples
You are riding along a road when suddenly you see a temple peeking out from behind the gate of a half-open entrance. You lean in discreetly and notice two monks chatting under a patio. They see you and pause for a moment, surprised by your sudden appearance. “Ni Hao, keyi kan yi xia ma?” (“Hello, may I take a look?”)
Usually the answer is yes — which means you may find yourself, often in perfect solitude, exploring these small urban oases. We enjoy visiting these temples not because they are more beautiful than the famous and touristy ones (Zongfo Temple, Manfeilong Pagoda, Mengle Great Buddhist Monastery), but because they feel more lived-in and more spontaneous.
The architectural style of the temples of Xishuangbanna is largely recurring: the main colors are red and gold, shimmering in the sunlight, with dazzling dragons emerging from the edges of stairways and statues with blue skin and slightly naïve expressions watching you from the walls.
Inside the temples you are usually welcomed by one or more golden statues. The most inevitable one is that of a large and serene Buddha, before whom it is possible to pray and make offerings. One element that often catches the eye is the halo sometimes placed behind the statues’ heads, which flashes intermittently with multicolored lights: a symbol that might be somewhat debatable from an aesthetic perspective… but then again, how can one criticize the choice of representing spiritual enlightenment with electric light?
For more spiritual encounters and temple explorations, you can take a look at our catalog of travel experiences in China, which includes destinations such as Gannan in Gansu, Sichuan, Tibet, and northern Yunnan — regions deeply rooted in Buddhist culture.
Markets and Flavors
Xishuangbanna is made up of a constellation of markets: by connecting them all together, you would almost obtain the complete map of the city. We are joking — but with a grain of truth in it.
In fact, there are many markets where you can wander in search of fruit, unfamiliar foods, souvenirs, local handicrafts, traditional medicine ingredients, and much more.
It is worth distinguishing between the more touristy markets and those where you can experience a more local atmosphere. Since Xishuangbanna is a major destination for domestic Chinese tourism, some markets have gradually transformed into real “attractions.”
The most striking example is the Mekong River Starlight Night Market, where entry requires scanning a QR code and where something resembling a small amusement park has been installed inside — complete with a Ferris wheel. Photo shoots are also everywhere: here you can rent or buy Dai-style clothing and then begin a photo session with one of the photographers roaming around the market.
There are also markets where you can immerse yourself more deeply in local rhythms and traditions, attracting curious looks from vendors when they spot the figure of a “laowai” (foreigner). This is the case at Jinghong Farmer’s Market, where you can observe the explosion of colors among the products for sale and the lively spirit of the merchants. If you want to eat delicious fresh fruit at a very low price, this is the right place.
If you would like to follow up your fruit snack with a dinner just as local in flavor, we recommend heading to another market located in Manyangguang, where some stalls offer a simple yet welcoming dining service, with small tables and stools available. If you love grilled meat, it is highly recommended.
The Hidden Bookstore: Erengu
Erengu is a hidden place that appears almost like a mirage beside a small road climbing up the mountain, just as you leave behind the carousel of stalls, vendors, photographers and tourists that fill the village of Manhena.
It is a place you do not expect — one that describes itself as a bookstore, yet uses books mostly as symbols of contemplation, just like the other installations artistically arranged throughout the space.
You will find hammocks, trees covered with fragments of mirrors, torches marking the space of a meditation altar, paintings, a tent, and even a small café/bar. All of this is quietly watched over by a grey stone Buddha head, in front of which it is possible to sit and meditate.
Erengu is a place you do not expect, one that attracts visitors like an invitation to inner peace — or at least to a refreshing coffee break — within an environment that is both relaxing and intriguing.
The Water Festival — New Year of the Dai Minority
If you happen to be in Xishuangbanna in April, after a refreshing stop at Erengu you might cool off in another way as well…
In April, the Water Festival takes place — the Dai celebration par excellence — which over time has turned into a full-scale water battle in the streets. The water spares no one — tourists included — so be careful with your electronic devices!
From a symbolic point of view, water washes away bad luck, welcomes the new year and purifies those who take part in the celebrations. In short, it may well be worth getting soaked! And if you are still unsure, keep in mind that the region’s generous climate ensures you will not catch a cold (it is already quite warm in April).
What to Include in Your Visit to Xishuangbanna
With this article we hope to have sparked your curiosity. The Xishuangbanna Autonomous Prefecture has much more to offer as well. Depending on the time you have available, you may want to explore further. Here are a few additional ideas for your journey:
Tropical Botanical Garden
The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, managed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is one of the largest tropical botanical gardens in Asia. It hosts thousands of rare plant species from rainforests around the world, with spectacular greenhouses, lakes of giant water lilies, and nature trails. It is also possible to take a guided tour to observe nocturnal wildlife.
Manting Imperial Garden
Manting Park was once part of the royal garden of the Dai rulers. Today it is a peaceful tropical park with temples, small lakes and traditional architecture — an ideal place to discover local culture.
Primeval Forest Park
Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park protects a portion of the region’s original rainforest. Visitors can walk among ancient trees, observe tropical wildlife and enjoy various forest attractions (rope bridges, zip lines, etc.). There is also a show featuring peacocks — one of the symbols of Xishuangbanna — although we cannot wholeheartedly recommend it…
Jinuo Mountain Rainforest Hiking
Guided hikes in the forests of Jinuo Mountain allow visitors to explore one of the most authentic environments in the region. It is an immersive experience to discover tropical biodiversity.
Wild Elephant Valley
Wild Elephant Valley is a natural reserve famous for the presence of wild Asian elephants, one of the symbols of the region. Elevated walkways and observation towers allow visitors to explore the rainforest and, with a bit of luck, spot these animals in their natural habitat.
And if luck is not on your side, entertainment moments and fenced areas with elephants are still available for visitors. We must say that the somewhat zoo-like and slightly circus-like effect of these features contrasts quite strongly with the name of this park…
With that said, are you ready to set off for Xishuangbanna and discover the beauty of southern Yunnan? If you would like to explore more travel opportunities, you can also take a look at our catalog dedicated to immersive journeys across China.
From all of us at Ink Voyages, we wish you the very best for your next adventures!
