Written by Veronica |
Established in 1959 under the leadership of Chinese botanist Cai Xitao, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenĀ in Yunnan, ChinaĀ houses over 13,000 species of living plants, organized into 38 specialized plant zones. Covering an area of approximately 1,125 hectares, it also preserves around 250 square kilometers of virgin tropical rainforest, making it the largest botanical garden in China.
Besides, it is also the botanical garden with the largest number of plant species preserved outdoors and exhibited to the public in the world.
Facts of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
- Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
- Time needed: 4-6 hours
- Best time to visit: November to April
- Ticket: CNY 80 per person
- Suited to: Anyone, especially botany and plant enthusiasts as well as families with children
- Address: Menglun Town, Mengla County, XishuangbannaĀ Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Main Attractions in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
Also referred to by locals as Menglun Botanical Garden, it is divided into two sections: the East Zone and the West Zone. The main attractions are in the West Zone, which is composed of several smaller gardens. The East Zone consists of a long stretch of tropical rainforest, ideal for hiking. Below are the main attractions inĀ theĀ Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenĀ of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
1. Banyan Garden
It houses over 100 species of banyan trees that have grown into dense forests, creating natural formations like strangler figs, tree-wrapped towers, and tree-wrapped rocks.
2. Vine Garden
There are a variety of vine plantsĀ in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, such as pothos and spider plants, and it is an ideal place to learn about vine plants.
3. Aquatic Plant Garden
It is designed to accommodate different types of aquatic plants. Besides, don’t miss the Victoria Water LilyĀ during your trip to Xishuangbanna in Yunnan, which bloomsĀ in the evening and closesĀ by morning.
4. Garden of Exotic Plants
Visitors can see a variety of unusual flowers, plants, and trees hereĀ inĀ theĀ Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenĀ of Chinese Academy of Sciences, including color-changing blooms and the clock flower that blooms at specific times.
5. Flower Garden
Featuring many kinds of beautiful flowers and plants, such as peonies, roses, and azaleas, this garden is a good place for photography.
Popular Activities in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
1. Take the Sightseeing Bus to Explore the Botanical Garden
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenĀ occupies a large area and it would be better to explore it by takingĀ a sightseeing bus, which can take you shuttle between gardens. Although it may be difficult to discover everything in one day, you can still spend a fulfilling day here. If possible, find a tour guide who will guide you to learn about these fascinating plants.
2. Hike the Green Stone Forest
Green Stone Forest in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenĀ is a paradise for hikers, with a forest coverage rate of over 90%. Featuring typical limestone mountain forest vegetation, it is home to over 1,000 species of higher plants and hundreds of wild animals. Hiking there, you’ll find the rainforest above and the stone forest below, hence its name “Green Stone Forest.”
3. Visit the Tropical Rainforest Ethnic Culture Museum
The Tropical Rainforest Ethnic Culture Museum is a specialized museum that integrates functions of science education, research, and artifact preservation. It houses over 1,000 exhibitsĀ of plants and herbariumĀ of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenĀ and more than 1,000 images depicting various ethnic customs. Visiting there, you’ll learn more about the tropical rainforests and ethnic forest cultures of Xishuangbanna.
4. Watch Firefly Swarms
During your Yunnan toursĀ to Xishuangbanna, it must be an unforgettable experience to explore the beautiful fireflies in the evening. In Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, the area with the most fireflies is the “Bauhinia Forest Area,” as this spot is close to both water sources and wooded regions. Besides, when watching the fireflies, remember to stay quiet and avoid using flashlights or camera flashes.
Related reading: Top Things to Do in Xishuangbanna
Best Time to Visit Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenĀ is suitable for touring all year round, but the best time to visit there is from November to April of the following year, which is the dry season in Xishuangbanna. During these months, the climate is pleasant with less rainfall, which is good for outdoor activities.
Getting to Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
Direct flights can take you to Xihuangbanna Gasa International Airport from major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. From the airport, take a taxi to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden.
Besides, there are frequent trains to Xishuangbanna from nearby cities like Kunming. Hence, you can also take a train from KunmingĀ to Xishuangbanna. Then, make your way to Jinghong Bus Station and take a bus to Menglun, where the botanical garden is located.
Attractions Nearby Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
- Mengla Tropical Rainforest: As a part of the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Nature Reserve, this attraction offers good opportunities for visitors to hike the rainforest, encounter wildlife, and climb the towering trees.
- Wangtianshu Scenic Area: Located close toĀ theĀ Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, this tourist attraction mainly features tropical rainforest and is the only oasis at 21 degrees north latitude and the only tropical rainforest universally recognized in China.
