Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park (西双版纳原始森林公园), located to the east of Jinghong and north of the Lancang River, is the closest primeval forest to Jinghong city. Covering an area of 26,310 acres, the park boasts a forest coverage rate of 98.6%, making it the best-preserved primeval forest south of the Tropic of Cancer. This park uniquely combines the mystical natural beauty of a primeval forest with rich ethnic customs, highlighting three main themes: the tropical ravine rainforest, wildlife showcasing with a focus on peacock culture, and demonstrations of ethnic customs primarily of the Hani-Aini people.
At Peacock Manor, visitors can witness a breathtaking spectacle where hundreds of peacocks fly across the shimmering lake in response to a trainer’s whistle. Other notable attractions include the Aini Village and the Ethnic Folklore Performance Arena, where visitors can enjoy traditional ethnic song and dance performances and participate in a small-scale water-splashing festival, offering a deep immersion into the local ethnic culture.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of the Primeval Forest Park
- Vlog about the Primeval Park
- Other Attractions in Jinghong Suburbs
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 45 RMB |
| Battery Car within the Park | 40 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0691-2759999 0086-0691-2759888 |
Location and Transportation
Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park is located 8 kilometers east of Jinghong, to the north of the Lancang River in Yunnan Province. To reach the park, visitors can take a public bus from the bus stop in front of the Agricultural Bank across from the Jingyong Hotel in Jinghong City. The bus route is Flower Garden-Forest Park. Buses run every hour from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with additional services at 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:30 PM in the afternoon. The fare is 5 yuan per person, and the bus will drop passengers directly at the park’s entrance.
Highlights of the Primeval Forest Park
Diverse Wildlife
Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park’s tropical rainforest area provides an abundant food source and excellent habitat for various wild animals. Amidst the vast forest, the canopy is home to beautiful tropical birds such as bee-eaters, spiderhunters, parrots, hornbills, and munias, which coexist with monkeys, bonnet macaques, and gibbons. These primates, when unable to find food in the forest, often visit the park’s monkey sanctuary for a hearty meal before returning to the forest.
The underbrush and water channels host reptiles like monitor lizards, pythons, and cobras. In streams and creeks, one can find black-webbed tree frogs, flat-shelled turtles, softshell turtles, flying lizards, and crabs. Although these animals might seem unattractive to some, they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the tropical forest ecosystem.
Varied Activities
The park offers a range of activities that allow visitors to engage with the local environment and culture. At the Xishuangbanna primitive hunting site, visitors can use traditional hunting tools like bows and crossbows to hunt small game. After hunting, they can prepare their catch at the park’s cooking site and enjoy a unique culinary experience.
The “Love Token Throwing” activity site features traditional Xishuangbanna Dai love tokens, allowing visitors to participate in or watch the Dai youth’s courtship ritual. Another exciting activity is river drifting, where visitors can float down the carefully maintained Xishuangbanna Caiyang River using provided drifting tools, enjoying the serene waterway amidst lush surroundings.
Various Plants
The forest park is home to a diverse range of plant species, including ancient trees that form a dense canopy. Notable among these are living fossil plants such as Metasequoia, tree ferns, and chicken-feather pines, which have been around for over a million years. The park also features giant trees like the towering Parashorea chinensis and the buttress-rooted Tetrameles nudiflora.
Visitors can witness fascinating natural phenomena such as “old stems flowering” and plant strangulation. The park’s Rare Plant Garden houses several mysterious fruit trees, known for their extraordinary effects and suitability for bonsai cultivation. These fruits are not only deliciously sweet and sour but also provide a unique, refreshing sensation when eaten.
