Manting Park (曼听公园), located in Jinghong City, the capital of the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, spans over 400 acres. It features a well-preserved forest of over 500 ancient iron knife trees and diverse vegetation. The park’s landscape includes hills and waterways, complemented by rich cultural landmarks, making it a natural village-style park. Historically, it served as the royal garden for the Dai kings and has a history spanning more than 1,300 years, making it the oldest park in Xishuangbanna. The Dai people traditionally refer to it as “Chunhuan,” meaning “Soul Garden.” According to legend, the park’s beauty once captivated the soul of a visiting Dai queen, hence the name.
Manting Park showcases three main thematic elements: Dai royal culture, Buddhist culture, and Dai folk culture. Visitors to Manting Park can also partake in lively dragon boat races and the artistic Dai sand-piling activities, adding to the park’s appeal. These cultural events provide a vivid glimpse into the traditional customs and festive spirit of the Dai people.
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Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Admission: 40 RMB Evening Bonfire Party: 280 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.00 Bonfire Party: 18.55 – 21.40 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0691-2160296 |
Location and Transportation
Manting Park is located in the southeastern part of Jinghong City, the capital of the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, near the Mengle Dafo Temple. It is situated about 2 kilometers from the city center, nestled in the triangular area where the Lancang River and the Luosha River converge. To get there, you can take bus Jinghong 6 or Jinghong 7, get off at Manting Park Stop (曼听公园站), and walk about 300 meters to the south.
Highlights of Manting Park
Xishuangbanna General Buddhist Temple
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.
Exquisite Layout of Manting Park
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.
Evening Bonfire Party
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.