Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park is located in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, approximately 8 kilometers away from the urban area of Jinghong. As a national 4A-level scenic spot, it covers an area of 30,000 mu (about 2,000 hectares) with a forest coverage rate as high as 98.6%, making it a well-preserved primeval forest south of the Tropic of Cancer. The altitude within the scenic area ranges from 720 to 1,355 meters, boasting distinct natural advantages. It integrates the magical natural scenery of the primeval forest and rich ethnic customs, and centrally embodies three core thematic features: "tropical valley rainforest", "wildlife exhibition focusing on peacock culture", and "ethnic customs exhibition centered on the Hani - Aini people". Additionally, it is equipped with the Peacock Villa Resort, built to a four-star standard, which integrates guest rooms, catering, conference services, and entertainment facilities.
History and Culture
The Dai people in Xishuangbanna have a long history and have created a splendid culture, which is world-renowned for the Dai calendar, Dai script, and colorful ethnic folk literature and art. More than a thousand years ago, the ancestors of the Dai people wrote numerous beautiful and touching myths, legends, fables, novels, and poems on palm leaves and cotton paper. There are over 550 long poems written in the Dai script alone. The Dai people excel in dance art with distinct characteristics, such as the "Peacock Dance" and "Elephant-Foot Drum Dance", whose movements are mostly imitations and artistic depictions of animal behaviors. The Dai people believe in Theravada Buddhism, and Buddhist temple architectures can be seen everywhere—almost every village has a Buddhist temple, and some temples are even accompanied by pagodas. Buddhist architectural art is a precious cultural and artistic treasure of the Dai people. Furthermore, the Dai bamboo houses are the most typical existing stilt houses in China, featuring elegant and unique designs that provide a cool and comfortable living environment.
Major Attractions
Aini Village
Serving as a window to showcase the culture of the Aini people (a branch of the Hani ethnicity), this village features traditional Hani architectural styles. Visitors can also see ten original and vivid Hani murals that tell stories of the Hani people. They can join in the lively "Ganie Mie" (a traditional Hani song and dance performance), dance to the cheerful rhythms, and immerse themselves in the rich Hani customs.
Tropical Valley Rainforest
Within the park lies a well-preserved tropical valley rainforest south of the Tropic of Cancer, where visitors can admire unique landscapes such as buttress roots, strangler figs, cauliflory (flowers growing on tree trunks), and ancient vines. As visitors follow the sightseeing path deep into the forest to explore, they may catch sight of apes playing among branches or hornbills foraging in the woods.
Golden Lake (Peacock Release)
Here, visitors can witness the spectacular scene of numerous peacocks flying down from the mountain—a breathtaking sight with great ornamental value. Along the road leading to Golden Lake, dozens of peacocks wander leisurely; if lucky, visitors may even see peacocks spreading their tail feathers (displaying their plumage).
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and Folk Custom Exhibition Hall
This hall is a treasure trove for exploring the cultural gems of the ethnic minorities in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, displaying a rich collection of ICH and folk custom artifacts. Visitors can listen to ICH musical instrument performances, such as those of the Dai "Zhangha" (a traditional narrative singing art), hulusi (a vertical bamboo flute), and elephant-foot drum. The melodies, like sounds from across time, guide people into the musical world of ancient ethnic groups, allowing them to experience the charm of Xishuangbanna's intangible cultural heritage.
Jiulong Waterfall
The original site of this attraction is a natural waterfall. According to legend, this is the place where a young man named "Jiulong" (Nine Dragons) slew an evil dragon.
Manshuanglong White Pagoda
This is a Dai Buddhist pagoda. Its body is as white as jade, and its spire resembles a bamboo shoot—hence it is also called the "Bamboo Shoot Pagoda". As a typical Theravada Buddhist architecture, the main pagoda stands 18 meters tall. Along the sightseeing path, two 68-meter-long giant dragon sculptures flank the road as guardians. Visitors are required to climb 286 steps to show their sincerity.
Recommended Tour Route
Hundred-Meter Relief → Golden Lake (Peacock Release) → Aini Village → ICH and Folk Custom Exhibition Hall (Rainforest Culture Square) → Tropical Valley Rainforest (Monkey Garden, Valley Rainforest Trail, Jungle Zip-line, High-Altitude Boardwalk) → Rainforest Water Splashing Carnival (Rainforest Culture Square) → Exit the Park.
Travel Tips
- It is recommended to arrive at the scenic spot around 9:00 AM to watch the Peacock Release performance first.
- Wear lightweight and comfortable sports shoes for easier walking on the rainforest trails.
- Bring mosquito repellent spray and take anti-mosquito measures.
- Check the weather forecast in advance and prepare rain gear.
Notes
- There are many mosquitoes in the rainforest, so be sure to take anti-mosquito measures.
- Do not feed the animals while watching them to avoid potential dangers.
- When participating in the water splashing activity, keep personal belongings safe to prevent them from getting wet.
- Abide by the scenic spot regulations and do not damage the park environment arbitrarily.
Transportation
- Bus: There are direct special bus routes available. For example, Bus Route Z21 can take you directly from the Flower Garden to the Primeval Forest Park.
- Taxi: Directly set "Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park" as the destination. This is a convenient option, especially suitable for group travel as the cost can be shared among passengers.
Opening Hours
Open daily from 08:00 to 18:00 (no entry after 17:00). Please refer to the official announcement of the scenic spot for the latest updates.
Ticket Information
Full ticket: 43 RMB per person; Half-price ticket: 22.5 RMB per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic spot "西双版纳原始森林公园" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.