Xishuangbanna in February 2025: A Must-Visit! A Song Brings You to a City

“Beautiful Xishuangbanna, my father can’t stay, Shanghai is so big, is there a home for me…” Every time I hear the familiar old song “Where is My Home”, the mysterious and charming tropical rainforest scenery and unique Dai culture of Xishuangbanna unfold before my eyes like a beautiful painting, making me want to explore this magical land. February is the warm winter season in Xishuangbanna. I set off on this dream journey with longing for this paradise. 😃 🔵 Best Time to Visit In February, the temperature in Xishuangbanna is between 15°C and 30°C. It is warm, humid, and sunny. At this time, elephants in Wild Elephant Valley are very active, the botanical garden is full of flowers, and the Water-Splashing Square is full of festive atmosphere. It is a great time to enjoy the charm of Xishuangbanna away from the hustle and bustle of the peak tourist season. ✨ 🔵 Itinerary Day 1: Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture - Manting Park → Zongfo Temple → Gaozhuang Xishuangjing → InterContinental Xishuangbanna Resort (stay overnight) Arrive in Jinghong City in the morning and head to Manting Park. This former royal garden of the Dai King is like a beautiful tropical garden with lush trees, flowers, and magnificent Dai-style buildings. Walking in the park is like traveling back to the ancient Dai Dynasty, feeling the nobility and elegance. In the afternoon, head to Zongfo Temple, which is adjacent to Manting Park. The temple is solemn and majestic, with exquisite carvings of Buddha statues and pagodas shining in the sun, immersing people in a strong Buddhist atmosphere. In the evening, head to Gaozhuang Xishuangjing, which is full of Southeast Asian style, with bright lights and bustling night markets. The dazzling array of specialty products and delicious food are overwhelming. Try some Dai-style barbecue 🍗, lemongrass grilled fish, and grilled chicken. The unique spices will make your taste buds cheer. Stay overnight at InterContinental Xishuangbanna Resort. The hotel is quiet and blends in with the Dai-style architecture. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Fall asleep to the sound of insects and birds, and enjoy a pleasant night. Day 2: Wild Elephant Valley → Jinuo Village → All Seasons Hotel, Jinghong City (stay overnight) Head to Wild Elephant Valley in the early morning. Take a sightseeing bus through the rainforest to look for wild elephants. If you are lucky, you can see groups of wild elephants playing and foraging by the river. Even if you don’t see wild elephants, you can still enjoy the wonderful elephant show and interact closely with these gentle and lovely giants. In the afternoon, head to Jinuo Village to learn about the unique culture and customs of the Jinuo people, watch traditional song and dance performances, taste Jinuo food, and feel the enthusiasm and simplicity of this ancient ethnic group. Stay overnight at All Seasons Hotel in Jinghong City. The hotel is convenient for travel and is a great place to recharge for the next day’s activities. Day 3: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences → Return After breakfast, head to Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences. This is a kingdom of plants, gathering countless rare tropical plants. Stroll through the garden, where the tall king coconut trees reach the sky, the dancing grass sways to the music, and the colorful flowers amaze people with the magic of nature. Then return with beautiful memories. 🔵 Transportation Guide • Direct flights: There are more and more flights to Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport. There are airport buses to various places in the city, which are convenient and fast. ✈️ • By car: Some cities in the province have long-distance buses directly to Jinghong. You can enjoy the scenery along the way, but the journey is long, suitable for tourists with plenty of time. 🚍 🔵 Accommodation Recommendations • Near scenic spots: Accommodation near Manting Park and Gaozhuang Xishuangjing, such as InterContinental Xishuangbanna Resort, is convenient for travel and allows you to quickly immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy leisure time. • City center: Hotels in Jinghong City, such as All Seasons Hotel, are close to the commercial center, making travel, shopping, and dining convenient. 🔵 Must-Visit Places 📍 Manting Park (in front of the Dai King’s Palace): Wear Dai costumes and take photos in front of the magnificent Dai King’s Palace to capture the royal style of the Dai people. 📸 📍 Wild Elephant Valley (Elephant Viewing Platform): Stand on the Elephant Viewing Platform with the lush rainforest in the background, wait for the wild elephants to appear, and capture precious moments. 📍 Gaozhuang Xishuangjing (under the Golden Pagoda): Take photos with the shining Golden Pagoda in the background and the bright lights of the night market as a backdrop to capture the Southeast Asian style. 🈲 Tips: • The sun is strong in February, so bring sunscreen, a sun hat 👒, and other sun protection items. • Respect local religious customs. Dress appropriately and keep quiet when entering temples. • When tasting Dai food, some dishes are spicy. People with sensitive stomachs should prepare stomach medicine in advance. During my days in Xishuangbanna, I danced with the rainforest, got close to the local customs, and spent time with animal friends to the melody of “Where is My Home”. Every wonderful moment of this land is imprinted in my heart. I am full of nostalgia when I leave and look forward to returning to continue the story of Xishuangbanna. 💕