Top 5 Things to Do in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan’s Hidden Gems

Xishuangbanna is among the standing testaments to the cultural diversity of China. Also known as ‘the Little Thailand,’ Tourists can experience Dai ethnic culture, the influence of Theravada Buddhism in China, and lush tropical rainforest.

Though not as well known as other tourist attractions in China, Xishuangbanna is drawing attention from Southeast Asian tourists due to the recent visa-free policy. In this Pacific Prime article, explore what to do in Xishuangbanna and your insurance options to keep you safe throughout your stay.

Where Is Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna is an autonomous prefecture located in the south of Yunnan province, bordering Laos to the southeast and Myanmar to the southwest.

Tourists can access Xishuangbanna by air, train, and bus. Xishuang Gasa International Airport is the second largest airport in Yunnan province, only behind Kunming Changshui International Airport.

Several flights connect Gasa International Airport to local hubs and tourist attractions, including Kunming, Shanghai, Dali, Lijiang, and more. There are also international flights connecting Xishuangbanna to Thailand and Laos.

Apart from flights, a high-speed rail service connects Xishuangbanna to Kunming and Laos. Visitors can access Xishuangbanna from Kunming in around three hours and from Luang Prabang in around six hours.

For tourists who prefer to take their time, long-distance bus services to Xishuangbanna are also available from Kunming, Nanning, Hengyang, as well as Laos and Myanmar.

What Makes Xishuangbanna Unique

Xishuangbanna is where tourists can experience the diversity of China. Also known as ‘Little Thailand,’ Xishuangbanna shares many ethnic and cultural similarities with Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

Around 30% of the prefecture’s population is Dai ethnicity, lending the prefecture the cultural ties to Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Han Chinese makes up another 29-30%, and other ethnicities (Hani, Yi, Lahu, and more) make up the other 30%, giving Xishuangbanna a unique cultural and ethnic diversity.

Unlike other places in China, visitors can see the influence of Theravada Buddhism in Xishuangbanna, with its historic temples and pagodas.

Though Buddhism is widely practiced in China, the presence of Theravada Buddhism is largely limited to the southwestern part of Yunnan, like Xishuangbanna, with its Dai population only.

Located right under the Tropic of Cancer, Xishuangbanna is also home to China’s most intact tropical system, yielding a lush rainforest landscape and boasting an abundant diversity of flora and fauna.

In 2025, China announced a new visa-free policy for tour groups from the 10 ASEAN countries to visit for the maximum period of six days, drawing more attention to this region where visitors can experience Dai ethnic culture and the rainforest landscape.

Top 5 Things to Do in Xishuangbanna

From a lush botanical garden to night shopping against the backdrop of Jinghong Golden Pagoda and sipping the renowned pu’er tea, Xishuangbanna offers visitors a unique experience steeped in history, nature, and culture.

Visit Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden

Founded in 1959, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden is one of the best botanical gardens in China. The garden is ranked among the highest level national scenic attractions.

Visitors can explore up to 13,000 species of plants in the garden’s various landscapes, from a 250-hectare primary tropical rainforest to palm garden, bamboo garden, waterlily pond, and more.

Shop Local Souvenirs at Gaozhuang Xishuangjing Night Market

As night falls, Gaozhuang Xishuangjing Night Market lights up. The market is set against the backdrop of the Jinghong Golden Pagoda. Tourists can shop for local products, souvenirs, and savor affordable street food.

Try the World Famous Fermented Pu’er Tea

Xishuangbanna is the home to the Six Great Tea Mountains where renowned fermented Pu’er Tea is produced. Depending on where your tea is from and its fermentation process, pu’er tea can taste anywhere from delicate and smooth to dark earthy flavour, allowing for an enriching experience.

Explore Dai Ethnic Culture at Manting Park

Manting Park is a former residence of a Dai king, dating back to around 1,300 years. Visitors can enjoy the sight of traditional Dai architecture, temples, and gardens. With its convenient location in the heart of Jinghong City, the park is a must for those who want to learn more about Dai culture.

Enjoy the Dai Water Festival

Tracing the same roots with Thailand’s Songkran Festival, the Dai Water Festival takes place over three days in April to celebrate the Dai New Year, where locals and visitors splash water at one another to cleanse impurities and bad luck from last year.

Visitors will want to make sure they store their electronic gadgets in a waterproof pocket and have applied enough sunscreen for a day outside. Water bottle is a must to ensure you are always hydrated, and most importantly – a water gun or a bucket to enjoy the splash!

Stay Covered in Xishuangbanna

As you venture through Xishuangbanna’s lush botanical garden or find your way through the bustling night market, you want to make sure there is no gap in your medical coverage to rain on your parade.

As an insurance intermediary, Pacific Prime commits to assisting its clients in finding insurance plans that suit their budgets and needs, from travel insurance for your next trip to international health insurance for global expats.

Reach out to our insurance advisors today for free quotes and plan comparison!

Disclaimer: Pacific Prime solely represents, operates and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products or otherwise stated written or verbally, is for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.