Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park is located in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, about 8 kilometers from downtown Jinghong. It is a national 4A-level scenic area covering 30,000 mu (20 square kilometers) with a forest coverage rate of 98.6%, preserving one of the most intact primeval forests south of the Tropic of Cancer. With an altitude ranging from 720 to 1,355 meters, the park integrates magical natural scenery of primeval forests and rich ethnic customs, focusing on three themes: "Tropical Valley Rainforest," "Wildlife Display Centered on Peacock Culture," and "Folk Custom Display Centered on the Hani-Aini People." It also features the Peacock Villa Resort, built to four-star standards, offering guest rooms, dining, conference, and entertainment facilities.
History and Culture
The Dai people in Xishuangbanna have a long history and splendid culture, renowned for the Dai calendar, Dai script, and colorful ethnic folk literature and art. As early as over a thousand years ago, Dai ancestors wrote numerous beautiful myths, fables, novels, and poems on palm leaves and cotton paper, with over 550 long poems preserved in the Dai language. Dai dance is highly artistic and distinctive, such as the "Peacock Dance" and "Elephant Foot Drum Dance," featuring movements that mimic and beautify animal gestures. The Dai people practice Theravada Buddhism, with Buddhist temples widely distributed—almost every village has a temple, often accompanied by pagodas. Buddhist architectural art is a precious cultural treasure of the Dai people. Additionally, Dai bamboo houses are the most typical stilt buildings in China, with elegant and unique designs that provide cool and comfortable living environments.
Main Attractions
Aini Village
This serves as a showcase for Aini (Hani) culture, featuring traditional Hani architectural styles and ten original vivid Hani murals telling the tribe's stories. Visitors can join the lively Hani song and dance performances, dancing to the cheerful rhythms and experiencing rich Hani customs.
Tropical Valley Rainforest
The park preserves intact tropical valley rainforests south of the Tropic of Cancer, where visitors can admire unique landscapes such as buttress roots, cauliflory, and ancient vines. Exploring deep into the forest along the tour path, one may encounter monkeys frolicking in the trees and hornbills foraging.
Golden Lake (Peacock Release)
Visitors can witness the spectacular scene of numerous peacocks flying down from the mountains, a highly impressive display. Along the path to Golden Lake, dozens of peacocks often stroll leisurely, and lucky visitors may see them spreading their feathers.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum
This museum is a treasure trove of ethnic cultural relics in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, displaying a rich collection of intangible cultural heritage artifacts. Visitors can listen to performances of intangible cultural heritage instruments, such as Dai folk songs, hulusi (gourd flute), and elephant foot drums. These melodies seem to transcend time, leading people into the musical palace of ancient ethnic groups and showcasing the charm of Xishuangbanna's intangible heritage.
Jiulong Waterfall
The waterfall originates from a natural cascade, with a legend that it was the site where a youth named "Jiulong" slayed an evil dragon.
Manshuanglong White Pagoda
A typical Theravada Buddhist pagoda of the Dai people, its snow-white tower body and bamboo shoot-shaped spire give it the nickname "Bamboo Shoot Pagoda." The main pagoda stands 18 meters tall, flanked by two 68-meter dragon sculptures along the tour path. Visitors are expected to climb 286 steps as a sign of sincerity.
Food
Dai-style Barbecue
Featuring unique flavors, signature dishes include lemongrass-grilled fish and chicken, marinated with local spices to create aromatic and delicious meals.
Hand-Picked Rice
Rice is served with various side dishes such as grilled meat, vegetables, and fruits, meant to be eaten with hands, embodying rich ethnic characteristics.
Pineapple Purple Rice
Purple rice is steamed inside a pineapple, combining the sweetness of purple rice with the fruity aroma of pineapple for a soft, glutinous, and delicious taste.
Sour Bamboo Shoots
A traditional Dai delicacy with a unique sour taste and aroma, used in stir-fries and soups such as sour bamboo shoot fish, which is hot, sour, and appetizing.
Admission
Full ticket: 43 yuan/person; Half ticket: 22.5 yuan/person.
For the latest updates or online booking, search the official WeChat public account "西双版纳原始森林公园".
Opening Hours
Open daily from 08:00 to 18:00; last entry at 17:00. Subject to scenic area announcements.
Tour Route
Hundred-meter Relief → Golden Lake (Peacock Release) → Aini Village → Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum (Rainforest Cultural Square) → Tropical Valley Rainforest (Monkey Park, Valley Rainforest Path, Jungle Leap, Skywalk) → Rainforest Water Splashing Party (Rainforest Cultural Square) → Exit.
Transportation
- Bus: Direct special bus routes are available, such as Bus Route Z21 from Huahui Garden to the park.
- Taxi: Directly locate "Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park," convenient for groups to share costs.
Must-See Attractions
- Tropical Valley Rainforest: An intact primeval forest south of the Tropic of Cancer, offering unique landscapes and natural wonders.
- Golden Lake (Peacock Release): A spectacular display of peacocks flying, a highlight of the park.
- Aini Village: Experience Hani-Aini history, culture, and interactive folk activities.
Tour Tips
- Arrive around 9:00 AM to watch the peacock release performance first.
- Wear light, comfortable sneakers for walking on rainforest paths.
- Bring mosquito repellent to protect against rainforest insects.
- Check the weather forecast and prepare rain gear in advance.
Notes
- Use mosquito repellent due to high insect activity in the rainforest.
- Do not feed animals during visits to avoid accidents.
- Keep personal items safe and dry during water splashing activities.
- Follow park rules and do not damage the environment.