Top 10 alternative ways to spend the Spring Festival

In search of Spring at Xishuangbanna

Nowhere compares to a sunny land in a freezing and dreary winter. Among the options in China, Xishuangbanna in southwest China's Yunnan province is surely one of the best destinations.

Mengjinglai Scenic Zone at Xishuangbanna, the southernmost prefecture of Yunnan province [Photo/sina.com]

Xishuangbanna is the southernmost prefecture of Yunnan province, with an average temperature of 21 degrees Celsius all year round. Known as the only oasis on the same latitude of the world, Xishuangbanna boasts mysterious rainforest, wild animals, tropical fruits, and also ancient customs.

Situated on the flank of Buddhist Thailand and Myanmar, religion has a deep influence on local residents in Xishuangbanna. Temples, pagodas with notable Southeast Asian architectural styles are spread over the prefecture.

There are more than 500 Buddhist temples and 200 Buddhist pagodas in Xishuangbanna, among which, Manfeilong Baita Pagoda is a star attraction. Located on top of the mountain in Jinghong city, it comprises 9 white pagodas in varied sizes. Every Water Splash Festival, local people gather in front of Manfeilong Baita and celebrate the Dai ethnic minority New Year.

For a glimpse of authentic Xishuangbanna you can savor delicacies while enjoying the night scenery at Lancangjiang River. Citronella, or Xiangmaocao grilled fish is strongly recommended.

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden offers tens of thousands of tropical plants. The bizarre shape and form of these species may well be a big eye opener.

Mengjinglai Scenic Zone at Xishuangbanna, the southernmost prefecture of Yunnan province [Photo/sina.com]

Ganlanba

Ganlanba, which literally refers to royal garden, is the soul of Xishuangbanna. Hundreds of Dai people settle here. Trees bearing coconut, areca, mango and jackfruit decorate the ethnic village, while typical Myanmar pagodas and traditional Dai bamboo buildings are tucked inside the jungle. Besides, the frescos also make these temples worth visiting.

Mengyuan Fairy Land

Located in Mengla county of Xishuangbanna, Mengyuan Fairy Land is a fantastic tropical rainforest cave. The cave maintains a temperature of 21 degree Celsius so it is regarded as a fairy land blessed with an eternal spring.

Peacock Hotel

Situated inside Xishuangbanna Forest Park, the hotel offers guests a unique opportunity to meet thousands of peacocks living in the Park.

Meng Le Buddhist Temple [Photo/sina.com]

Local delicacies

Grill fish, roast chicken, grilled eggplant, grilled leek, rice stuffed in bamboo, and many more.

Travel tips:

By air: fly to Kunming, and then take another plane to Jinghong airport in Xishuangbanna. The connecting trip takes 45 minutes.

Travel at Xishuangbanna: It costs 5 Yuan to take a taxi in the city, 20 Yuan for the trip to and from the airport.

Temperature: 13 to 28 degrees Celsius. Jackets are needed when the temperature drops in the morning and at night.

Wild elephants performance at Xishuangbanna [Photo/sina.com