XISHUANGBANNA

One of the interesting places to visit in China especially during the winter months is Xishuangbanna which is an area in south Yunnan province just over the boarder from Burma and Laos and north of Thailand. It is semi tropcial with fresh fruits and vegetables surrounded by low growing jungle trees and plants. It has the only airport in south Yunnan province located at the city of Jinghong. Prior to the revolution in 1949, this area was used to study tropical plants and shrubs. There is also a large assortment of palm trees here that were being studied. These areas are now Botanical parks that are well kept and worth visiting. Few tourists go here so it is a great place to visit without hords of western tourists. There are many minority peoples with colorful clothes and cultural practices that you may visit in their villages. There is also the wild elephant preserve, rubber plantations, as well as countless fruit growing farms amongst the hills. Outdoor restaurants in the countryside have wonderful food and you will visit large markets and probably be the only western people there. In the parks, I get a massage for about $2 for an hour as well as having local tea or beer. The slow pace and colorful clothes of the many different tribes of people make this a great place to visit for 2 or 3 days. Check my web site at wwww.interlakechinatours.com We do customized private tours to China and Tibet only. Over 25 years experience in doing tours.  Click on the photos for full screen viewing!