Chinese Name: 西双版纳 English IPA: [Xishuang Banna] Location: Southernmost Part of Yunnan Population (city): 1,180,000 Language: Dai Language,Southeast Mandarin and Yunnan Dialect Zip code: 666100 Tel code: 0691 Time zone: UTC+8

Xishuangbanna is a name taken from Dai language which means “twelve administrative regions.” Xishuangbanna, the ancient Dai language as “Meng Bala Naxi”, meaning “ideal and magical paradise”, referring to the magical tropical rain forest natural landscape and ethnic customs known for the world, is one of China’s hot tourist cities. It is connected with Laos and Myanmar by mountains and rivers and also close to Thailand and Vietnam. The annual splash festival is held on April 13-15, known as the “Oriental Carnival”.  Tourists can not only feel strong ethnic flavor but also appreciate beautiful tropical scenery here.

Highlights of Xishuangbanna

• Tropical Rain Forest: Xishuangbanna is famous for its mysterious tropical rainforest and minority customs. The dense and complicated primeval forests has nurtured the diverse boi-ecological system. Top rain forest includes Xishuangbanna Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden, Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park, WangTianShu Scenic Spot and Wild Elephant Valley, etc.
• Theravada Buddhism Culture: Dai people constitute the major population of Xishuangbanna. The Dai people follow Theravada Buddhism, and almost every Dai village has its own small temple built in the village site. Bright and magnificent Buddhist temples are common to be seen in Xishuangbanna, such as Zongfosi Temple, Mengle Buddhist Temple and Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion.
• Puer Tea Culture: Xishuangbanna is the home of China’s famous Puer tea. The oldest tea tree in Menghai is 700 years old. With the wide spreading fame of Puer tea, there are increasing number of tea lovers who join the  Puer Tea Culture Tours to experience and discover more about Puer tea culture.
• Ethnic Festivals: The annual Water Splashing Festival of Dai people held from April 13 to 15 inspires people’s imagination of carnival and blessing. It is the “Oriental Carnival” that cannot be missed in Yunnan Travel. Besides, the Gatangpa Festival of Aini People is also becoming well known to outsiders.
• Dai Food: Dai food features in spicy and sour tastes, much like Thai cuisine. Some vegetables are eaten raw, particularly medicinal plants which are used to curb the effects of living in a high humidity area.The popular dishes are Pineapple Rice(菠萝饭), Toasted Fish Wrapped in Lemongrass(香茅草烤鱼), Fish Filets Grilled with Herbs(包烧鱼) and Fried Eggplant, etc.