Jinghong Manting Park – The Former Royal Garden

The Xishuangbanna General Buddhist Temple, located in the Buddhist cultural area of Manting Park, is renowned throughout Southeast Asia. Also known as Wat Phrathat, the temple complex includes the White Pagoda, the Octagonal Pavilion, and the Release Pond. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Theravada Buddhism through activities such as incense burning, worshipping, thread-tying ceremonies, and the release of animals. Additionally, they can explore the ancient scriptures written on palm leaves, known as the Pali Canon.

Surrounding the temple, a 6,000-square-meter forest of black-hearted trees, entwined with vines and adorned with exotic flowers, offers a vibrant and cool retreat, especially during the summer. The area around the Release Pond features lush green grass and a profusion of blooming flowers, providing a picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation.

Upon entering Manting Park, visitors are greeted by a bronze statue commemorating Premier Zhou Enlai, who is depicted wearing traditional Dai attire, holding a water bowl in his left hand and an olive branch in his right, symbolizing participation in the Water Splashing Festival. To the left of the statue stand two Bodhi trees planted by a princess of the Dai kingdom, symbolizing Sino-Thai friendship.

Within the park, several significant structures and attractions can be found. These include the sacred Manxi Long Stupa, the renowned Xishuangbanna General Buddhist Temple (Wat Phrathat), and the intricately designed Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion. Additionally, there are smaller pavilions such as the four-cornered, six-cornered, and Dai Sala pavilions.

Adjacent to the park is Manting Dai Village, creating a unique combination of park, village, and temple, forming a triad of attractions that offer a comprehensive cultural experience. As visitors stroll through the park, they feel a profound sense of returning to nature, appreciating the seamless blend of natural beauty and man-made artistry that delights the senses and soothes the mind.

Within Manting Park, visitors can explore Manting and Manlong Kuang villages. The park offers various activities such as boating on Peacock Lake and viewing wildlife, including wild bears, boars, pythons, peacocks, and numerous bird species. Open to tourists during the day, the park retains the charm of a royal garden, providing an engaging and serene environment.

One of the main highlights of Manting Park is the evening bonfire party and ethnic cultural performances. The event, titled “Lancang-Mekong Night,” showcases the cultural heritage of six countries along the Lancang-Mekong River: China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It also features the traditional customs and performances of six indigenous ethnic groups from Xishuangbanna: the Dai, Jino, Blang, Lahu, Yao, and Hani.

The evening is a vibrant blend of ethnic charm, international flair, and interactive humor, presenting a multicultural tapestry of Xishuangbanna. The performances captivate the audience with their colorful costumes, traditional music, and dynamic dances, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.

After the show, visitors participate in a serene and meaningful ritual. Each person holds a water lantern and walks through the dark Black-Heart Tree Forest, silently making a wish before gently placing their lantern in the Release Pond. As the lanterns float away on the water, they carry the wishes of the participants, creating a picturesque and hopeful scene.