Exploring Yunnan – The Xishuangbanna Chapter

Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, situated at the southernmost tip of Yunnan Province and on the northern edge of the tropics, […]

Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, situated at the southernmost tip of Yunnan Province and on the northern edge of the tropics, is one of the eight autonomous prefectures in the region. Historically referred to as ‘Mengbalanasi’, which signifies a magical and ideal paradise, Xishuangbanna is a place of rich cultural and natural wonders.

Historically known as Mengle, Xishuangbanna was part of Yongchang Prefecture during the Three Kingdoms and the Jin dynasties. From the 8th to the 10th century, it fell under the jurisdiction of the ‘Nanzhao’ local government of the Tang Dynasty. In 1570 AD, the envoy Zhao Yingmeng divided the jurisdiction into 12 ‘Banna’ for the distribution of tributes, leading to the name ‘Xishuangbanna’, which translates to ‘Twelve Thousand Fields’ in Chinese. On February 17, 1950, the entire area was liberated, and on December 22, 1993, Jinghong County was abolished to establish Jinghong City, with the municipal government established on February 12, 1994. Today, Xishuangbanna Prefecture governs one city and two counties, with its capital in Jinghong City.

**Beautiful Oasis**

Xishuangbanna, dubbed the ‘City of Eternal Summer’, boasts a warm regional climate that has given rise to vast tropical rainforests covering 15,600 square kilometers. These rainforests are home to over 5,000 species of higher plants, including 153 endemic species and 134 endangered species. The region is also the last habitat for the wild population of Asian elephants in China and hosts the globally endangered native Chinese animal Green Peafowl, among other rare and exotic creatures.

**The Homeland of the Dai People**

Xishuangbanna is primarily inhabited by the Dai ethnic group, but also by 13 other indigenous ethnic groups such as the Hani, Lahu, Blang, Yao, and Yi. The city of Banna fully displays the customs of all ethnic groups, particularly during the Dai New Year, when people splash water to bless each other and gather by the Lancang River to enjoy fireworks, flower boat parades, and release Kongming lanterns that scatter like stars in the night sky.

**One River Connects Six Countries**

The Lancang River, which flows through Xishuangbanna and becomes the Mekong River, is a vital waterway connecting the destinies of six countries. It is part of the ‘One River Connects Six Countries’ phenomenon, highlighting Xishuangbanna’s role as a bridge between China and Southeast Asia. The Kunming-Muang International Corridor and the China-Laos Railway further underscore the region’s importance in connecting China with its Southeast Asian neighbors.

**The City of Spicy Food and Charming Customs**

Surrounded by tropical rainforests, Xishuangbanna offers a warm and comfortable climate, especially during the winter months. The region’s cuisine, with its emphasis on cold dishes and salads served with sour and spicy sauces, reflects the need to cool off and stimulate the appetite in the humid and sultry climate. The ‘Green Leaf Banquet’ is a staple in every household, embodying the rich and inclusive charm of Xishuangbanna.’Packaged Baking’ stands out as a significant aspect of Xishuangbanna cuisine. Tender banana leaves are utilized to wrap food seasoned with spices, then baked until ready to eat. Pineapple rice, lemongrass grilled fish, minced fish, fried green moss — every dish you’ve heard of and those you haven’t can become a delicacy on the table of Banna’s people.

Xishuangbanna’s Green Leaf Banquet is a testament to this culinary tradition. The diverse customs of the Dai, Hani, Lahu, and other ethnic groups meld together in a vibrant tapestry. The Dai Water-Splashing Festival, with its exuberance, the Hani New Year ‘Gatongpa’, filled with liveliness, and the grand Lahu Kouta Festival all express a deep love for life. The array of ethnic delicacies is boundless, the mysteries of tropical rare flora and fauna are endless, and the people of Banna recite pastoral poems about beauty and harmony, singing songs of happiness.

This is a magical paradise, a place that connects with the world, a place that is Xishuangbanna.