Located in Yunnan province in Southwestern part of China, Xishuangbanna is famous for its mysterious tropical rainforests, wild animals and minority customs. Xishuangbanna is an area of China that few travellers afford themselves the time to see. Yet it is a mysterious paradise. As the only tropical rainforest nature reserve in China, Xishuangbanna is ideal for nurturing wonderful plants and flora and is home to unusual wildlife. Old trees reach into the skies here, vines twist and grow together.

Western adventurers have journeyed here seeking rich biological treasures as far back as the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). For many years, Xishuangbanna's fame as a natural paradise was as well known as that of the Amazon.

Dai Minority people have lived on this land for generations. The distinctive natural environment here has created unusual customs and traditions.

All over the region, even today, Dai houses can be seen. These bamboo structures raised on stilts deter floods and dangerous animals, allowing many people to inhabit one house safely, often along with all their animals too.

Hunting is still the main source of income, in conjunction with farming. In terms of culture, the Dai people dress in spectacular colours and furs, and dance and song are popular ways to pass the time.

Now visitors can enjoy folk dance and other performances in local scenic spots in Xishuangbanna, thanks to the quickly developed tourism.

Buddhism is the predominant religion here. Temples and pagodas with a Southeast Asian flavour are dotted about the countryside and towns, and monks, especially young male trainee boys, are a common sight, clothed in traditional orange costume, often riding motorbikes to the temple.

Here are the main attractions for a trip to Xishuangbanna:

The wild elephants of Xishuangbanna mainly live in the Wild Elephants Valley or Yexiang Gu, at the juncture of the western and eastern part of Menyang natural reserve. To the Dai people, the elephant is the symbol of good luck, might and longevity. In the valley, there is an observation tower, especially built for tourists. The best time to see these impressive beasts is at dawn or dusk. There are currently 300 elephants living in the dense forest in Xishuangbanna, known locally as the "kingdom of elephants."

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden under the administration of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is surrounded by Luosuo River, a branch of Mekong River. The garden looks like a gourdshaped land area with a clear natural boundary extending to the east.  Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden has emphasized the exploitation, utilization and conservation of tropical plant resources, and carried out research on plant diversity conservation, ethnobotany, agroforestry, economic plant development etc. More than 3000 plant species have been collected and cultivated in about 20 living plant collections (plots), such as Palm Garden, Bamboo Garden, Shade Plants, Orchid Garden, Ethnobotanical and Cultural Garden, Arboretum and ex situ Conservation Collection of Rare and Endangered Plant species.

National Minorities Custom Park, or Minzu Fengqingyuan, is located near pretty Liusha River, one kilometre away from Jinghong. Occupying an area of 30 hectares, the park is covered with all kinds of tropical and fruit trees. Six minority group customs are detailed here including Dai, Akha, Jinuo, Bulang, La and Ya. Different ethnic performances and activities are usually held each Wednesday and Saturday evening. Orchids can be found in the park. At harvest time, visitors can pick up some tropical fruits here.