Playing with kids in Jinghong! Rainforest Elephant Herding + Fireflies, a 3-day Dai-style family trip without any pitfalls

Just spent 3 crazy fun days in Jinghong with the kids, blending tropical vibes and family joy into the itinerary! Follow this tested guide and you’re good to go~ Day 1: Head straight to Wild Elephant Valley, and be sure to book the “Rainforest Elephant Herding” experience 3 days in advance! At 198 RMB/person, kids pay half price and can walk a baby elephant while feeding it bananas by hand. In the afternoon, visit Manzhang Village—20 RMB lets kids catch fish in the rice paddies, getting covered in mud but laughing wildly. Spend another 30 RMB to try traditional papermaking; the handmade leaf bookmarks make great souvenirs. Stay overnight at a cave-style guesthouse in Gozhuang, where the slide in the room is the kids’ favorite, and the free Dai costumes are perfect for standing out at the night market. Day 2: Soak in the Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden and play “Plant Treasure Hunt” with the kids: find dancing grass and insect-eating flowers, and complete tasks to earn small gifts. In the afternoon, go to Wanglianchi—20 RMB for a bamboo raft ride and photos; the kids say it feels like stepping on giant lotus leaves. The highlight is the night firefly tour, 198 RMB/person, where you see swarms of fireflies in the shade-loving plant area; the kids exclaimed, “Stars have fallen into the rainforest!” Day 3: In the morning, play the “Meet the Dai Princess” scripted tour at Manting Park, wearing Dai costumes and interacting with NPCs; the kids eagerly ask about the Dai king’s story. In the afternoon, visit the Grand Buddha Temple to hang wish plaques, then stroll the Starlight Night Market in the evening. Rent children’s Dai costumes for 30 RMB to take photos, then dine at Xishuangbanna Twelve Villages Ethnic Restaurant for Dai-style honey roast chicken; the kids rubbed their bellies, signaling they want to come back tomorrow. 📌Tips: • Transportation: It’s recommended to charter a car for Wild Elephant Valley and the Botanical Garden, saving 1.5 hours compared to public transport. • Accommodation: Sunac Crowne Plaza offers Dai pottery experiences, and the Pullman Hotel’s plant specimen making is perfect for kids. • Food: Jianpu Village Dai Restaurant offers free kids’ meals, and pineapple rice is a kid favorite.