If Yunnan is known as the “Kingdom of Plants and Animals,” then the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (西双版纳热带植物园) is the most dazzling emerald on the crown of this botanical kingdom. Established in 1959, this botanical garden spans 900 hectares and is primarily focused on tropical rainforests. It integrates research, species conservation, science education, and ecological tourism, featuring over 20 specialized plant areas and more than 1,500 species of tropical plants.
Visitors are captivated by the diverse landscapes of tropical rainforests. The towering “buttress roots,” the aggressive “strangling plants,” the majestic “monocot forests,” and the vibrant “aerial gardens” create a breathtaking spectacle, enhanced by the dancing vines that sway throughout the woods. Unique and mysterious flora, such as color-changing flowers, rhythmically swaying dancing grass, the punctual blooming “clock flower,” and the venomous “blood-sealing tree,” add an element of wonder and astonishment to the experience.
The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden is divided into several distinct areas, including the Flower Garden, Palm Garden, Famous Trees Garden, Banyan Tree Garden, and a section dedicated to tropical rainforests. Entering the botanical garden feels like stepping into a world of flowers and an ocean of trees, filled with the fragrance of ripe fruits and a plethora of unique and exotic plants. Majestic ancient trees and thousand-year-old vines can be found throughout the garden.
Travel Information about Xishuangbanna Botanical Garden
Ticket and Opening Hours
Admission Fee: 80 RMB. Visitors can also take a sightseeing bus: 50 RMB for the west or east area, and 100 RMB for the entire park.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit is from November to April of the following year, as the weather during this period is cool and pleasant. Summer tends to be rainy, making travel inconvenient.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Located on Hulu Island, Menglun Town, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna.
From Jinghong: Take a bus from Jinghong Passenger Station to Menglun or Mengla. The fare is between 16-20 RMB, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
From Kunming: You can take a long-distance bus directly from Kunming to Mengla County, getting off at Menglun. The ticket price ranges from 240-280 RMB.
Scenic Rating
- Cultural Experience: ★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Recreation: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★
Highlights of Xishuangbanna Botanical Garden
Bamboo Garden
As you enter from the western area, the first destination is the Bamboo Garden. This section features a wide variety of bamboo species, each labeled with a small tag indicating its name, variety, and characteristics. Moving to the right from the Bamboo Garden, visitors will pass through the Southern Medicinal Herb Garden, Passion Fruit Garden, Tree Garden, and Cycad Garden, where the crowds are relatively sparse. Continuing forward leads to the Banyan Tree Garden, home to many enormous banyan trees that flourish, creating a unique landscape of towering trunks and lush foliage that forms a stunning sight.
Palm Garden
The Palm Garden covers approximately 93,000 square meters and is one of the largest specialized gardens for palm plants in the world. Since its establishment, a vast array of palm species has been introduced from countries such as the United States, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Thailand, and various provinces in China, including Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian. Currently, the garden cultivates nearly 400 different varieties of palm trees, creating a beautiful landscape with high ornamental value.
Giant Water Lily
In front of the palm forest lies a clear blue lake where the rare Victoria amazonica (giant water lily) peacefully floats at its center. It is said that the leaves of this aquatic plant can reach over 3 meters in diameter, making them the largest in the world. Their ribbed structure resembles an umbrella, providing exceptional buoyancy that can support objects weighing 60 to 70 kilograms without sinking.
Famous Trees Garden
The Famous Trees Garden is situated at the heart of the botanical garden and serves as the main tourist area. Here, visitors can find trees planted by internationally renowned figures, including the “Rainforest Giant” tree (Shorea robusta) planted by Prince Philip of the United Kingdom, as well as the dragon blood tree planted by the garden’s founder, Mr. Cai Xitao. The dragon blood tree is a tropical evergreen that exudes a deep red sap when its bark is cut, resembling blood, hence its name. Though it grows slowly – only about 1 centimeter in trunk diameter per year – it can live for up to 8,000 years, earning it the title of “Plant Longevity Star.” This tree is also the source of a valuable traditional medicine known as “dragon’s blood.”
Strangling Plants
The garden also features a unique phenomenon of strangling plants, where species like high banyan and crooked-leaf banyan grow aerial roots from seeds deposited by birds, which sprout and entwine around other trees in the humid rainforest climate. As these roots reach the ground, they establish themselves and compete for sunlight and nutrients, eventually leading to the death of the host tree – a dramatic illustration of nature’s survival of the fittest.
Ethnic Plant Cultural Garden
The Ethnic Plant Cultural Garden covers approximately 33,000 square meters and is divided into areas for edible plants, medicinal plants, literary plants, and religious ceremonial plants. This garden cultivates over 360 species, serving as an informative and enjoyable destination for visitors.
Tropical Rainforest Scenic Area
The Tropical Rainforest Scenic Area is located in the eastern part of the botanical garden and spans 900,000 square meters. This exquisite tourism zone features the harmonious beauty of nature and is regarded as the most “primitive” area within the entire botanical garden, offering visitors a unique experience that highlights the relationship between humans and nature.
Visitor Guide for Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
Accommodation Options
The botanical garden hotel is a direct enterprise of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. It features a tranquil environment, complete facilities, and comfortable, hygienic accommodations. This hotel is an excellent venue for meetings, tourism, vacations, leisure, and rehabilitation. It can accommodate around 100 guests, although the room rates are relatively high.
Alternatively, you can stay in Menglun Town, which offers various hotels. The Xishuangbanna Royal Lotus Hotel (西双版纳王莲酒店) and Yunmeiting Boutique Inn (云美庭精品客栈) are relatively new options, featuring restaurants where guests can enjoy local specialties.
Useful Tips
Sun Protection: The UV rays in Xishuangbanna are quite strong. It’s advisable to bring cooling oil or wind oil (a menthol-based topical ointment) and apply it to exposed skin before entering the forest. While in the botanical garden, make sure to secure your pants to prevent mosquito bites from the forest insects.
Wildlife Encounters: If you encounter animals such as pythons in the rainforest, remember to remain calm. These creatures typically do not attack humans unless provoked. Overreacting may frighten them and lead to defensive behavior.
Photography Tips: The unique shapes and rare varieties of plants in the garden make for excellent photographic subjects. The best time to capture these plants is on sunny afternoons when the light is abundant, enhancing their vibrant colors and rich textures. Shooting against the light can add an artistic flair to your images.
Dancing Grass: One remarkable feature of the garden is the seemingly unremarkable “dancing grass.” If you sing near it, the grass will sway in response, showcasing the wonders of nature. This interaction makes for a delightful experience!