Ganlanba (Olive Plain, 橄榄坝) is an oval-shaped oasis rich in dense forests, home to dozens of Dai villages. For generations, hundreds of Dai families have lived here, where the unique combination of traditional bamboo houses and beautiful waterways gives the area its charming nickname, “Feathers of the Peacock.” The scenery is breathtaking, and the local culture is warm and authentic, creating a poetic atmosphere. Bamboo houses blend harmoniously with lush trees and green bamboo, while the gentle fragrance of tropical flowers wafts through the air, providing a peaceful retreat.
At the heart of Ganlanba lies the Dai Garden, which showcases five of the best-preserved natural Dai villages in China: Manjiang, Manchunman, Manting, Manza, and Manga. Among these, Manchunman and Manting are the larger villages. The Dai Garden features a variety of attractions, including the ancient Manchunman Buddha Temple, traditional Dai villages, riverfront activity areas, a Water-Splashing Square, and an open-air theater, all of which offer visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes of the Dai people.
Travel Information about Ganlanba
Tickets and Opening Hours
Entrance Fee: ¥100 (includes electric shuttle within the Dai Garden).
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Ganlanba enjoys a long summer with no winter, characterized by lush forests and pleasant weather throughout the year. The rainy season spans from May to October, making the best time to visit from January to April, when the climate is particularly enjoyable.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Ganlanba is located in Menghan Town, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, approximately 28 kilometers southeast of the city center.
Minibus: Multiple minibuses depart daily from the passenger station next to Shuyuan Hotel in Jinghong City to Ganlanba, with tickets costing around ¥10.
Small Passenger Cars: Regular small passenger cars run every 20 minutes from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM on Minzu North Road in Jinghong, with a journey time of about one hour.
Boat: Visitors can take a boat from the riverside pier in Jinghong, traveling downstream for a scenic journey lasting 2 to 3 hours.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Experience: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★★
- Natural Beauty: ★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★★
- Adventure and Excitement: ★★★
Highlights of Ganlanba
Manjiang Village
Manjiang Village, also known as Mietaozhai, is the first village you encounter upon entering the Dai Garden. This village is a picturesque representation of Dai culture, featuring charming bamboo houses and ancient Buddhist pagodas nestled among lush greenery, exuding a sense of natural simplicity and tranquility.
The bamboo houses are surrounded by tropical fruit trees, including bananas, mangoes, lychees, sapodillas, and papayas. Tall coconut palms, betel nut trees, and graceful areca palms add to the enchanting landscape, making the village particularly beautiful.
The bamboo houses in the Dai region are known for their distinctive stilt architecture. They typically feature a gable roof, giving them an attractive and elegant appearance while also providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer. This design helps to prevent dampness and withstand earthquakes.
Typically, a Dai bamboo house consists of two levels: the upper floor serves as the living space, while the lower floor is used for storage, parking vehicles, and keeping livestock. This architectural style not only reflects the practicality of the Dai people but also showcases their harmonious relationship with nature.
Manchunman Village
Manchunman Village is one of the larger villages within the Dai Garden and is often referred to as Huayuan Village, meaning “Flower Garden Village.” It boasts a rich cultural atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, making it a delightful destination.
Located to the east of Manchunman Village is the well-preserved Manchunman Grand Temple, a significant Buddhist site. The temple’s main hall is oriented west to east and features a distinctive double-eaved, single-pitched roof design. The spacious interior connects the main hall with the drum house, creating an expansive area that is beautifully adorned in gold and bright colors. Surrounded by lush trees, the temple offers a serene and picturesque environment.
Inside the temple, visitors can find many paintings inspired by stories from the Pali Canon, primarily in the form of murals and fabric paintings. The murals are painted directly on walls or wooden panels, while the fabric paintings are often gifts from worshippers. Although the quality of the fabric art may vary, they are rich in local character and charm.
Tips: In Xishuangbanna, the Dai people predominantly practice Buddhism, and virtually every village is home to its own temple. When visiting these temples, it’s essential to observe three significant taboos: respect what should not be said, maintain a sincere heart in worship, and avoid inappropriate gestures or actions. Specifically, visitors should refrain from speaking carelessly, ensure their prayers are heartfelt, and avoid pointing at Buddha statues or making loud noises, such as striking the temple drums or other musical instruments. This respect enhances the spiritual experience for all.
Manzha Village
Manzha Village, also known as Chef Village, earned its name due to its historical role as a training ground for cooks who prepared meals for local chieftains. At the entrance of the village stand four sacred Bodhi trees, revered by the Dai people. Beneath these trees lies a lush green lawn that serves as a popular stage for cultural performances. During the off-seasons, villagers from the five surrounding settlements gather here to enjoy and showcase their ethnic arts, serving as both performers and audience members.
The Dai culture is deeply intertwined with vibrant folk activities that can be seen during major festivals and everyday life. These festivities reflect the Dai people’s close relationship with nature and include various engaging activities. In Dai Garden, visitors can participate in traditional water-splashing events, weddings, the tossing of rice balls, elopements, Dai boxing, and rooster fights. These lively events offer an interactive and enjoyable way for tourists to deepen their understanding of Dai culture while immersing themselves in the local community.
Mangga Village
Mangga Village, also known as Market Village, is a small yet enchanting community surrounded by lush greenery and pristine natural beauty. Nestled among various tropical trees, the village features traditional Dai bamboo houses and Buddhist temples hidden in the shade of towering banyan and big-leaf trees. The area is adorned with vibrant flowers and lush grass, creating a picturesque landscape.
Visitors can explore a designated shopping area offering a variety of ethnic products, including Dai barbecue, intricate textiles, folk handicrafts, traditional Dai bags, and exquisite wood carvings.
Related Details: Jewelry made of gold and silver is an integral part of Dai culture. During the agricultural off-season, Dai people can often be seen in the golden sands, listening to the gentle flow of the river, and working diligently to craft gold jewelry for their daughters’ dowries. The art of making silver jewelry has been passed down through generations, and many skilled artisans in Dai Garden specialize in crafting beautiful silver pieces, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Dai people.
Man Ting Village
Man Ting Village, which translates to “Palace Garden Village” in Chinese, is the largest village within the Dai Garden. At the heart of this village stands the magnificent Man Ting White Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty. The pagoda houses the largest statue of Shakyamuni in the Ganlanba area, and its impressive Sutra Hall was funded by a Thai expatriate, showcasing the strong cultural ties in the region.
Nearby, you’ll find the famous Princess Well, associated with the legend of a Lao princess who financially supported the construction of the White Pagoda. It is said that she visited Man Ting to oversee the project, but sadly, she passed away shortly after its completion. Adjacent to the well is the remarkable Ta Bao tree, a Bodhi tree that the Dai people consider sacred, with a history of over 200 years.
The Water-Splashing Square in Man Ting is the most vibrant place in the village. It hosts daily water-splashing activities attended by hundreds of participants, making it a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience traditional Dai customs.
In recent years, the Dai Garden has launched a “Daily Water-Splashing Festival,” featuring large-scale water-splashing events. Every afternoon around 4:00 PM, more than 100 Dai girls and boys join tourists in joyful water-splashing celebrations, creating an electrifying atmosphere that is unique in Xishuangbanna. Buckets of pure Dai water are used to wash away travelers’ fatigue and worries, bringing endless joy to everyone involved.
Visitor Guide for Ganlanba
Food Options
Dai cuisine holds a prestigious reputation within Yunnan’s culinary scene, celebrated for its unique flavors and ingredients. Some of the most representative dishes include: Fragrant Bamboo Rice (香竹饭), Grilled Bamboo Rat Meat (烤竹鼠肉), Fried Green Algae (油炸青苔), Sour Bamboo Shoots with Fish (酸笋煮鱼), and Pineapple Rice (菠萝饭). Additionally, grilled fish (烤鱼) and Yunnan rice noodles (云南米线) are staple foods frequently enjoyed by locals.
In the evening, visitors can head to the street outside the Dai Garden, known as Ganlanba Street, to savor a variety of local delicacies. The area is bustling with vendors offering a wide array of flavorful snacks, including Dai-style barbecues and tropical fruits and vegetables, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
Shopping
Ganlanba is a renowned destination for purchasing local specialties. Within the Dai Garden, visitors can find beautifully crafted Dai flower bags in vibrant colors, which make excellent souvenirs and are very affordable.
Dai wooden carvings also serve as great keepsakes. Generally, heavier pieces indicate better quality, with most designs featuring elephants. Larger sculptures can cost around 100 yuan, while smaller ones are typically available for a few dozen yuan.
Additionally, the area is known for its jewelry and jade. When shopping for these items, it’s essential to carefully evaluate their authenticity. It’s advisable to purchase from reputable shops, as prices may be higher, but you will ensure the quality and genuineness of your purchase.
Useful Tips
Accommodation: Almost every household in the Ganlanba Dai Garden offers lodging, especially during peak seasons when it’s advisable to book in advance. Many local guesthouses use solar water heaters for bathing, so if you wash too late, you may find that hot water is unavailable.
Festivals: Every year during the Dai New Year, known as the Water Splashing Festival, crowds flock to Ganlanba Town to celebrate. This period is marked by vibrant festivities, including sightseeing and religious worship, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.