Xishuangbanna is an intriguing region of the Yunnan province in China. Straddling the Mekong River, its capital city is Jinhong and it presents a unique array of visitor-friendly sights and attractions that merit exploration. When in the country and searching for luxury hotels to host your stay, look no further than the exclusive range of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. Epitomising the height of luxury and quality hospitality, these luxury hotel resorts present the ideal option to host your stay, whether it’s business or leisure that brings you to the region. Explore the wonders of Xishaungbanna when you’re in the prefecture to enhance your time here. Take an afternoon off and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the scenic flora that dots the grounds of the Menglung Tropical Botanical Garden. Spreading over a vast expanse of 900 hectares, discover some exotic species of rare plants you may have never heard of before, such as the Clock Flower, whose petals open and close at sunset and sunrise; the lively Dancing Grass that responds to sound and the exquisite King Lotus, which is able to support the weight of a child on the water. Tour the unique Jingzhen Pavilion, a grand, three-tiered structure extending about 20 metres, and is an impressive tribute to the Buddhist heritage that saturates the country. Inside, marvel at the copper statue of the Buddha and the assortment of gilded pictures, a venerable tribute to the faith. Another spiritual locale that merits a visit is the Manfeilong Pagoda, a beautiful and pristine white structure that, according to legend, has been constructed over the original footprint of the Buddha when he visited the region. It is a truly an architectural marvel to behold, with elegant spires decorated with tinkling bells that add an element of grandeur to the serene structure. The Dai Village presents the curious tourist with an intimate portrait into Dai village culture, with the unique two-tiered houses erected on sticks. Each year, the village bursts with celebration at the water-splashing festival, which is a great time to visit. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy trekking through the Wild Elephant Gully, to catch intriguing sights of peacocks, buffalos, rhesus monkeys and of course, wild Asian elephants.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
