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In April, when the north of China was still in freezing coldness, Xishuangbanna, the area on the border of Yunnan, has been already full of the air of summer. As the only oasis on the Tropic of the Northern Hemisphere, Xishuangbanna is also called “Mengbalanaxi” by the Dai people, meaning an ideal and magical paradise.

The full name of this area is Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. It is located at the southern tip of Yunnan Province, China. Being famous for its magical tropical rainforest natural scenery and ethnic minority group’s customs, Xishuangbanna is one of China’s most popular touring destinations to visit in April.

The climate in Xishuangbanna is a tropical monsoon climate. The humid subtropical monsoon climate dominates in its mountainous area. It is warm, sunny and rich in rainfall in Xishuangbanna all year round.

It is most suitable to travel to Xishuangbanna in April. The temperature in April is moderate during this time. Moreover, the annual Songkran(Water-Splash) Festival is also held in mid-April, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists to participate.

Dai Group Culture

 

The Dai group is the ethnic minority with the largest population in Xishuangbanna. The Dai people have a long history and a splendid culture. They have their own language and script. They mainly believe in Theravada Buddhism. Since ancient times, they have regarded peacocks and elephants as mascots.

Dai’s bamboo buildings are quite distinctive. Most of them are built on the banks of rivers and lakes. They are two-story dry fence buildings surrounded by trees and flowers, which is pleasing to appreciate.

Water is a very important thing in the life of Dai people. Many festivals and customs of the Dai people are related to water, such as the Songkran(Water-Splash) Festival, which celebrates the Dai New Year. Dai people are very concerned about the cleanliness of the water source. When passing by the Dai village, remember not to throw anything into the well.

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The Buddhist culture in Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna was isolated from the culture of the Central Plains due to geographical factors, but it was close to Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Burma, so Hinayana Buddhism was introduced into Xishuangbanna and became a part of its culture. Local men must be ordained to serve the Buddha when they were young, and become vulgar when they grow up.

The pagodas and temples are set against Dai’s bamboo buildings and ancient trees, creating a sacred view.

The Xishuangbanna area mainly believes in Theravada Buddhism introduced from Sri Lanka. The Flying Dragon White Pagoda is a typical Buddhist building in Xishuangbanna area. It has a round spire, a jade-like body and a golden spire. People who have been to Bangkok may find some similarities between Xishuangbanna’s pagoda and those in Bangkok. Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion is also a famous Buddhist building in Xishuangbanna, with a high base and cone-shaped eaves, which resemble Dai bamboo buildings. Xishuangbanna people believe in Buddhism and do not stick to details. Therefore, there are not many clear rules and precepts in Banna temples. Their belief in Buddha is more reflected in the harmonious coexistence with nature.

Pretty scenery and touring attractions in Xishuangbanna

Wild elephant valley

Frequent wild elephant activities can be observed in the Wild Elephant Valley, making it one of the few places in Xishuangbanna where you can see wild elephants. Protected animals such as Asian wild elephants, bisons, green peacocks, and macaques inhabit here as well.

Manting Park

Manting Park is the oldest park in Xishuangbanna. It has a history of more than 1,300 years. It used to be the royal garden of the Dai King of Xishuangbanna.

Xishuangbanna Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of Chinese Academy of Sciences is a comprehensive research institution integrating scientific research, species preservation and science education. There are more than 13,000 kinds of living plants collected in the garden and there are 38 special plant areas. It is the botanical garden with the largest area, the richest collection of species and the most plant-specific parks in China.

Dai Cuisine

The residents of Xishuangbanna are mainly Dai people, and Dai-style cuisine enjoys a unique reputation in Yunnan cuisine. Dai-flavoured dishes are based on glutinous rice, roasted meats and aquatic foods. Dai-flavoured dishes mostly use wild plants as spices and have a unique ethnic flavour. The most representative Dai dishes are:

Lemongrass Grilled Fish

 

Lemongrass grilled fish is a special dish of the Dai people.

When cooking this dish, Dai people will fix the whole fish with two pieces of green bamboo slices and roast it over an open fire. This endows the dish both the aroma of barbecue and the fragrance of bamboo. Before serving, use the citronella and coriander rich in tropical rainforest in Xishuangbanna as auxiliary materials, so it tastes with a peculiar scent of citronella.

Pineapple rice

Pineapple rice, as a unique delicacy of the Dai people in the Yunnan border area, is quite different from ordinary rice. It not only has the fragrance and sweetness of subtropical fruit pineapple, but also has the mellow and smooth taste of glutinous rice, and is rich in vitamins, which is delicious and nutritious.

The hand-picked Feast

The hand-picked feast is a typical mode for Dai people enjoying a meal. When setting the table, a layer of clean banana leaves have to be laid on the table, and then directly place various well-cooked dishes on the banana leaves symmetrically, with the rice in the middle. The group of diners sit around the table, grabbing food with their hands directly during the meal.

Tropical Fruits

Due to its unique geography and climate, Xishuangbanna carries a wide variety of fruits, some of which can only be seen in Xishuangbanna.

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Songkran(Water-Splash) Festival

The Xishuangbanna Water Splashing Festival is actually the New Year of the Dai people. It is an annual traditional festival of the Dai people. It is one of the most solemn traditional festivals in Xishuangbanna. It is generally held from April 13th to 15th in the solar calendar and lasts three to four days. This festival has a history of thousands of years. Local residents regard this day as the most beautiful and auspicious day.

The Dai people bless and pray to each other by splashing water. During the Songkran Festival, various lively activities kicked off one after another. One of the liveliest activities for 10,000 people to splash water is on the third day of the festival. In addition to participating in the grand water splashing activities, visitors can also watch dragon boat races, national traditional programs, and blessing activities such as the light of Kongming lanterns and water lanterns.

Xishuangbanna is the warm capital of China, a paradise for sheltering from the cold winter, a secret place to live in and a place that everyone yearns for. To enjoy your life and holiday, coming and visiting Xishuangbanna, Yunnan in April!

Xishuangbanna

Countless reasons attract people to visit beautiful Xishuangbanna. It presents visitors the original ethnic customs, the annual Songkran Festival, fresh and cheap tropical fruits, rare tropical rainforest plants, and various kind of wild animals.

When most parts of China are in the harsh winter, winter is the most comfortable time for the city. Even in the coldest months, the average temperature here can reach 16°C, making it the preferred city as the shelter from the coldness in winter.

You cannot miss it when travelling in Yunnan.

Tropical Adventure in South of Yunnan (5 Days in Xishuangbanna)

Tropical Adventure in South of Yunnan (5 Days in Xishuangbanna)
4 nights

From 519 USD

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