The Wangtianshu Scenic Area is located in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, approximately 134 kilometers away from Jinghong City. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and the only core area of tropical rainforest recognized by the world in China. The scenic area covers a total area of about 864 hectares, featuring China's best-preserved tropical rainforest ecosystem, with the tallest Wangtianshu (Parashorea chinensis) reaching 80 meters, equivalent to a 20-story building. The scenic area is centered on the core features of "Sky Corridor" and "Rainforest Adventure," equipped with a 500-meter-high canopy walkway, rainforest hiking trails, and the Philip Trail, serving as a comprehensive area integrating natural sightseeing, science education, and ecological experience.
Historical Culture
Mengla County, where the Wangtianshu Scenic Area is located, was an important node of the ancient "Tea and Coffee Ancient Road" and historically served as a hunting ground for the Dai royal family. The Dai villages in the scenic area retain traditional stilt architecture and slow-wheel pottery craftsmanship, with the pottery craftsmanship of Mandan Village listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage. Additionally, the Wangtianshu (scientific name: Parashorea chinensis), a rare protected plant in China, was discovered by botanist Cai Xitao in 1975. It got its name from its straight trunk reaching the sky, becoming an iconic tree species of China's tropical rainforest.
Main Attractions
High-Altitude Canopy Walkway
The High-Altitude Canopy Walkway, the core attraction of the scenic area, is suspended between the canopies of Wangtianshu trees 36 meters high, spanning 500 meters and composed of steel cables and mesh walkways. Walking on it allows visitors to overlook the entire rainforest and experience the thrill and shock of "strolling among treetops." The single passage takes about 1 hour, with a maximum capacity of 200 people visiting simultaneously.
Rainforest Hiking Trail
The Rainforest Hiking Trail is 3 kilometers long, divided into two routes, A and B. Route A passes through the "Giant Rainforest Trees" group of Wangtianshu, the "Large Buttress Roots" wonder, and the "Parasitic Strangulation" ecological scene; Route B extends to the Nanla River, where seasonal drinking spots for wild Asian elephants can be observed. The hiking trail is equipped with 12 scientific signage boards detailing rainforest ecology knowledge, with a full tour lasting approximately 2.5 hours.
Philip Trail
Named after Prince Philip of the UK, the Philip Trail is a 1.5-kilometer primitive rainforest adventure route. Along the way, visitors can observe highly toxic plants such as the arrow poison tree (Antiaris toxicaria) and parasitic plants like tree ferns and orchids. The trail ends at a rainforest ecology museum displaying insect specimens and plant fossils, with a tour duration of about 1.5 hours.
Nanla River Sightseeing Cruise
The Nanla River, a tributary of the Lancang River, has an 8-kilometer section within the scenic area. Taking a sightseeing cruise allows visitors to admire the rainforest scenery along the riverbank and spot rare birds such as egrets and hornbills. Cruises operate from 9:00 to 17:00 daily, with hourly departures, and the full journey takes 40 minutes, offering a distant view of the "One Bridge, Two Countries" landscape at the China-Laos border.
Food
Lemongrass Grilled Chicken
A classic Dai dish, locally raised free-range chickens are marinated and grilled with lemongrass, resulting in a crispy outer skin and tender meat with a unique lemongrass fragrance. Available at Dai-style restaurants near the scenic area entrance, half a chicken costs about 50 yuan, best served with dipping sauce.
Pineapple Rice
Fresh pineapples are hollowed out and filled with glutinous rice, ham, nuts, and other ingredients, then steamed to create a sweet and sour dish with a blend of fruit and rice aromas. Sold at snack stalls in the scenic area, each portion costs 25 yuan, suitable as an afternoon tea snack.
Tamarind Juice
A beverage pressed from tropical tamarind fruit, rich in vitamin C and organic acids, offering heat-relieving effects. Available at scenic area shops and rest areas, chilled tamarind juice is sold at 10 yuan per bottle.
Bamboo Tube Rice
Glutinous rice is steamed with meat and mushrooms in fresh bamboo tubes, infusing the rice with a bamboo fragrance. Common flavors include chicken and mushroom bamboo tube rice, provided by scenic area restaurants at 30 yuan per portion with generous servings.
Tickets
Adult tickets are 55 yuan per person.
For the latest updates or online booking, search the official WeChat public account "西双版纳望天树景区".
Opening Hours
Open year-round from 08:30 to 18:00 (entry closes at 17:30). The High-Altitude Canopy Walkway is open from 09:00 to 17:00, and the last Nanla River cruise departs at 17:00. In case of severe weather such as heavy rain or strong winds, the canopy walkway may close temporarily; check scenic area notifications before visiting.
Tour Routes
Classic one-day tour route: Arrive at the scenic area at 08:30, first explore the Philip Trail (09:00-10:30) to learn about the primitive rainforest ecosystem; proceed to Rainforest Hiking Trail Route A at 11:00 (11:00-12:30) to view Wangtianshu and unique vegetation; have lunch at a scenic area restaurant at 13:00, trying lemongrass grilled chicken and bamboo tube rice; experience the High-Altitude Canopy Walkway at 14:30 (14:30-15:30) for a high-altitude adventure; take the Nanla River sightseeing cruise at 16:00 (16:00-16:40), then return after the tour.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Depart from Jinghong City and drive along the Mengmo Highway (G213) for about 2 hours, covering 134 kilometers. The scenic area offers free parking.
- Bus: Jinghong Bus Terminal has direct buses to Mengla County at 07:30 and 09:00 daily, with a fare of 50 yuan per person. Upon arrival, transfer to the scenic area's special minibus (15 yuan per person, 30-minute drive).
- Group tours: Major travel agencies in Xishuangbanna offer one-day Wangtianshu tour packages including tickets, transportation, and guides, priced at 280-350 yuan per person with lunch and canopy walkway experience included.
Must-Visit Attractions
- High-Altitude Canopy Walkway: A 500-meter high-altitude walkway offering panoramic rainforest views and a courage challenge, with a 1-hour experience.
- Rainforest Hiking Trail Route A: A 3-kilometer trail for up-close observation of Wangtianshu, large buttress roots, and other rainforest wonders, suitable for ecology enthusiasts with a 2.5-hour tour.
- Nanla River Sightseeing Cruise: An 8-kilometer river section for enjoying riverside rainforest and rare birds, a relaxed 40-minute cruise.
Tour Tips
- Wear quick-dry clothing: The rainforest has a hot and humid climate; breathable quick-dry clothing is recommended to avoid the burden of damp clothing.
- Bring mosquito repellent: The scenic area has many mosquitoes; prepare mosquito repellent lotion and patches, especially during hikes.
- Pre-book the canopy walkway: Weekends and holidays see high visitor numbers; book canopy walkway tickets 1 day in advance and choose morning slots for better lighting.
- Travel light: The canopy walkway requires climbing stairs; carry a small backpack and avoid large luggage.
Notes
- Safety warning: Running or shaking the walkway is prohibited on the canopy walkway. Visitors weighing over 120 kg must notify staff in advance.
- Eco-protection: The rainforest has diverse plants; picking flowers or touching toxic plants (e.g., arrow poison tree) is strictly forbidden, with fines of 200-500 yuan for violations.
- Respect local customs: The scenic area contains Dai villages; avoid entering residential areas and seek permission before taking photos.
- Weather alert: Xishuangbanna's rainy season (May-October) sees heavy rain. Check the weather forecast before traveling; raincoats can be rented at the scenic area (20 yuan per piece) in case of rain.
- Protect belongings: With high foot traffic on cruises and the canopy walkway, secure mobile phones, cameras, and other items to prevent loss in the rainforest or river.