Mengla Tropical Rainforest: Discover the Natural Wonder in Xishuangbanna

Written by Veronica | Updated September 03,2025

Nestled in the heart of Xishuangbanna, Mengla Tropical Rainforest is part of the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Nature Reserve, which is China’s first tropical rainforest national park. The nature reserve is located within the counties of Jinghong, Mengla, and Menghai in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, covering a total area of 2,420.2 square kilometers.

Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Nature Reserve is home to tropical monsoon forests, South Asian subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests, rare species of flora and fauna, and a priceless forest ecosystem. As the only well-preserved and contiguous large tropical forest on the northern edge of the tropics in the world, the nature reserve and Mengla Tropical Rainforest have attracted significant attention both domestically and internationally.

Content Preview

• Fast Facts of Mengla Tropical Rainforest
• What to See and Do in Mengla Tropical Rainforest
• Best Time to Visit Mengla Tropical Rainforest
• How to Get to Mengla Tropical Rainforest
• Safety and General Tips for Visiting Mengla Tropical Rainforest
• Attractions Nearby Mengla Tropical Rainforest
• FAQs about Mengla Tropical Rainforest

Fast Facts of Mengla Tropical Rainforest

• Location: Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
• Opening time: 9:00 – 18:00
• Time needed: 2-3 days
• Best time to visit: Dry season in Xishuangbanna from October to April the next year
• Suited to: Anyone interested in the rainforest, especially adventurers and hikers

What to See and Do in Mengla Tropical Rainforest

1. Hiking the Rainforest

During your trip to Xishuangbanna in Yunnan, one of the best things to do is to hike the tropical rainforest. You can embark on an exhilarating hike through the rainforest’s trails, trek along streams, and discover rare animals. Besides, the scenery along the way is beautiful. If it’s your first time exploring Mengla Tropical Rainforest, find a guide for yourself.

2. Marvel at Magnificent Waterfalls

The tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna also greets visitors with magnificent waterfalls. When exploring the rainforest, get ready to be amazed by the charm of the waterfalls there with crystal-clear waters. For instance, the Wangtianshu Waterfall in the Sky Tree Scenic Area, also known as Wangtianshu Scenic Area, is over 100 meters tall and is one of the highest waterfalls in the region.

3. Encounter Wildlife

Mengla Tropical Rainforest of Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Nature Reserve is also a paradise for wild animals. Visiting there, you’ll find rare and endangered creatures, including gibbons, macaques, and numerous bird species. Besides, it’s also a good place for birdwatching. Bring your binoculars and embark on a delightful birdwatching adventure in the rainforest.

4. Climbing the Towering Trees

There is an exciting thing to do on your Yunnan tours to Xishuangbanna, that is to challenge yourself by climbing the towering trees in the Mengla Tropical Rainforest.  Follow the tangled vines, and climb up the trees to explore the magical tropical rainforest the way the locals do.

5. Cook and Taste Rainforest Feast

It will be memorable to cook a rainforest feast for yourself. To do so, prepare bamboo for pots, bowls, and chopsticks, with banana leaves as plates. The ingredients are sourced directly from the Mengla Tropical Rainforest: wild vegetables, bamboo worms, and fish from the river. All you need to bring into the rainforest is a Dai knife, and you can create traditional Dai-style rainforest dishes like banana flower soup and wrapped wild vegetables.

Best Time to Visit Mengla Tropical Rainforest

Mengla Tropical Rainforest welcomes visitors throughout the year, and it presents stunning views at any time. But the best time to visit the rainforest there is during the dry season from October to April when the weather is mild and the trails are in good condition.

How to Get to Mengla Tropical Rainforest

Mengla Tropical Rainforest is located in Mengla of Xishuangbanna. To get there, firstly, take a flight to Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport if you prefer to travel by air or board a train to Xishuangbanna Railway Station if you are fond of a train trip. Then, take a taxi or get on a bus to Mengla. By the way, it will be more convenient and flexible if you drive to the rainforest.

Safety and General Tips for Visiting Mengla Tropical Rainforest

1. To protect the forest and ensure the safety of tourists, all fire resources are prohibited. So do not carry or use lighter or matches within the scenic area.
2. Quick-drying long-sleeved shirts, long pants, anti-slippery shoes and hats are recommended clothing.
3. The backpack should be light and carry only necessities, such as water, emergency medicines, energy snacks, and sun protection products. There are a great many mosquitoes in the jungle. So mosquito repellent is quite important.
4. After entering the scenic area, do not enter the unopened areas and do not play in deep pools and rapids.
5. Avoid touching plants and picking wild fruits or mushrooms to prevent poisoning. And if encounter wild animals such as elephants and snakes, keep a distance of more than 10 meters, move slowly and notice your guide.
6. During rainy seasons, stay away from high peaks, iron railings and big trees. Be careful when walking on high-altitude plank roads and slippery wooden steps.
7. Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities. When passing by the ethnic villages, do not take pictures of the locals and religious sites and do not take part in the folk activities without permission.
8. To protect the environment, do not discard wastes, damage trees or disturb wild animals.

Attractions Nearby Mengla Tropical Rainforest

• Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden: This botanical garden has a rich plant diversity with over 3,000 species of tropical plants and allows you to see an array of exotic flowers and plants of all colors. Besides, there is also an original tropical rainforest for you to take a leisurely hike.
• Dai Minority Park: Located close to the Mengla Tropical Rainforest, this park is recognized as the soul of Xishuangbanna. Visiting there, you’ll see the best-preserved Dai natural villages in China.

Related reading: Top Things to Do in Xishuangbanna

FAQs about Mengla Tropical Rainforest

Are there jungles in China, and is it safe to hike in the rainforest?

Yes, there are jungles in China, and Mengla tropical rainforest is one of them. And it is safe to hike in the rainforest as long as you follow the instructions of the guide. To ensure the safety of tourists, the core scenic areas require that all tours must be led by a guide. The hiking project is operated by the park itself, which offers highly professional guides, first aider and well-developed facilities. The guide will explain how to identify dangerous animals and plants and how to avoid danger throughout the tour.

What is the famous “canopy walkway” and how can I experience it?

The canopy walkway is located in Wangtian Tree scenic area. It is the first high-altitude canopy walkway in China, which is about 36 meters above the ground and 500 meters long. The walkway is made of a glass path and steel cable bridges. From the bridge, you can overlook the valleys and forests below. The separate ticket for canopy walkway is CNY 120 per person. But It is usually recommended to purchase a package ticket, which covers the entrance fee, canopy walkway and cruise with a total cost of CNY 198.

What are the main sights within the rainforest reserve?

The main sights include Canopy Walkway and Nanla River Cruise in Wangtian Tree Scenic Area, hiking, river tracing and rainforest feast tasting in Mengyuan Fairyland, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden and various ethnic villages.

Is the rainforest suitable for families with children?

Yes, it is suitable for families with children. Except the regular sightseeing projects, there is a light adventure route for children above 3 years old in Mengyuan Fairyland and a nature school in Wangtian Tree Scenic Area, where kids can learn about vegetation, insects, and rainforest ecology, etc. As an officially operated jungle in China, the scenic area is also equipped with professional life jackets and protective helmets for children.