4 Day Xishuangbanna Nature Discovery Tour

Your tour starts on arrival at the airport or train station in Xishuangbanna. Immediately feel the warmth and friendliness the Dai people are famous for when you are greeted by your local Xishuangbanna guide. Together you will make your way to the hotel for check in, while on the way taking in the sights and sounds of this city which is vastly different to anywhere else in China. Enjoy the rest of the day, resting at the hotel or exploring in Xishuangbanna. Be sure to ask your guide about sights to see and the best dining options in and around the hotel.

Meals included: None

Following breakfast, your guide will collect you from the hotel to commence today’s itinerary with a visit to Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. A large park of some 1,125 hectares, the gardens form part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ research base, which is home to an abundant collection of tropical plants that includes 13,000 species. The Academy has gained an international reputation, and forged many links, with other research bodies around the world, making it an important contributor to research. Wander through the grounds and appreciate the waterlily covered ponds, as well as the unique and rare plants that are cultivated here, while also gaining an appreciation of the ecological and sustainability research conducted here.

Return to the city centre to visit Manting Park, which was the Dai Kingdom royal garden for 1,300 years. Covering 24,000 square meters, this natural village style park also showcases a rich diversity of plant species, including more than 500 beautifully preserved ancient Senna siamea (cassia) trees. Depending on time, there may be an opportunity to observe and enjoy displays of local folk culture, traditional entertainment, and animal shows, a variety of which are held in the park each day. You will be returned to the hotel in the afternoon after your day exploring the beautiful natural wonders of this unusual corner of China.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your adventure in nature today commences with a visit to beautiful Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park, where you’ll have the chance to wander through and admire the various attractions that showcase Dai culture, a diversity of animals, and much more. Enjoy the rainforest – a natural ‘oxygen bar’ – which offers over 98 percent tree coverage. From here, move onto Wild Elephant Valley, which is home to between 70 and 100 elephants living in the protected habitat provided by the Mengyang Nature Reserve. Learn about the efforts to support, breed, and protect the wild Asian elephants that live here. As you move through the jungle, you may be lucky enough to encounter the elephants in close proximity, along with other species, such as monkeys and peacocks. Appreciate how the park allows the animals to enjoy their natural habitat while also giving visitors the chance to observe them up close. Following your day in nature, you will be returned to the hotel. Adventurers can step out and enjoy the Gaozhuang night market, which is popular with locals and travelers alike. Set against the stunning backdrop of the brightly lit Golden Pagoda, the market is the perfect way to wrap up the day, with its offering of street food, restaurants, and stalls selling mementos. Be sure to ask your guide for tips on the best places to eat and buy!

Meals included: Breakfast

Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will be escorted by your guide and driver to the airport for travel to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast

Travel note: We love helping our customers make the most of their available travel time. Need assistance planning your next destination? We can help. With a network that spans across China, we can take care of every detail and arrange your departure train or flight from Xishuangbanna – or anywhere else while you’re in China. (A surcharge will apply).