China Top Travel

Xishuangbanna or Sipsongpanna is an autonomous prefecture in southern Yunnan Province. The capital city is Jinghong, the largest settlement in the area and one that straddles the Lancang (Mekong) river. Its latitude is between 21.10 and 22.40 degrees north. And its longitude is between 99.55 and 101.50 degrees east.

The native name literally means "twelve thousand rice fields". Xishuangbanna is the home of the Dai people. The region sits at a lower altitude than most of Yunnan, and has a tropical climate. It is fast becoming a sought after tourist destination. Passiflora xishuangbannaensis is a recently discovered passionflower species that is endemic in Xishuangbanna.

It covers an area of 19,700 square kilometers.

Area code: 0691
Postal code: 666100

It has a population of 990 thousand.

Xishuangbanna is located in the tropical part of China. It has a temperate and humid climate, with enough sunshine and rain. Most part of the area is without frost all the year round.

Nationalities: Han, Dai, Hani, Jino, Yi, Blang, Yao, Miao, Bai, Hui, Zhuang. Dai has the most population, accounts for about 30 percent.

Jinghong is Xishuangbanna's district capital, located on the bank of the Mekong River which is named Lancang River for as long as it flows through China. Among the attractions of Jinghong are the Manting Park with the ancient Manting Temple, the White Pagoda, the Octagonal Pavilion, and a Cultural Village with displays of folk arts and dance shows.

Boat trips on the Mekong are possible from Jinghong to Ganlanba, another town on the Mekong, southeast of Jinghong.

Wat Ban Suan Men, near Ganlanba, dates back some 730 years. There are many older Wats (Thai-style Buddhist temples) in the area.