Water Splash Festival of the Dai ethnic minority [Photo: sina.com]

For a glimpse of authentic Xishuangbanna you can savor delicacies while enjoying the night scenery at Lancangjiang River. Citronella, or Xiangmaocao grilled fish is strongly recommended.

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden offers tens of thousands of tropical plants. The bizarre shape and form of these species may well be a big eye opener.

Ganlanba

Ganlanba, which literally refers to royal garden, is the soul of Xishuangbanna. Hundreds of Dai people settle here. Trees bearing coconut, areca, mango and jackfruit decorate the ethnic village, while typical Myanmar pagodas and traditional Dai bamboo buildings are tucked inside the jungle. Besides, the frescos also make these temples worth visiting.

Mengyuan Fairy Land

Located in Mengla county of Xishuangbanna, Mengyuan Fairy Land is a fantastic tropical rainforest cave. The cave maintains a temperature of 21 degree Celsius so it is regarded as a fairy land blessed with an eternal spring.

Peacock Hotel

Situated inside Xishuangbanna Forest Park, the hotel offers guests a unique opportunity to meet thousands of peacocks living in the Park.

Local delicacies

Grill fish, roast chicken, grilled eggplant, grilled leek, rice stuffed in bamboo, and many more.

Travel tips:

By air: fly to Kunming, and then take another plane to Jinghong airport in Xishuangbanna. The connecting trip takes 45 minutes.

Travel at Xishuangbanna: It costs 5 Yuan to take a taxi in the city, 20 Yuan for the trip to and from the airport.

Temperature: 13 to 28 degrees Celsius. Jackets are needed when the temperature drops in the morning and at night.