Wangtianshu

The Only Oasis at 21° North Latitude

1.Located in Bubeng: Village, Mengla County, approximately 134 kilometers from Jinghong City and 14 kilometers from the Mengla County seat, the Wangtianshu Scenic Area is the core zone of the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest National Park. Recognized as the "Only Oasis at 21° North Latitude," it challenges the global desert belt that typically circles the Earth at this latitude. This area is celebrated as the most complete and pristine tropical rainforest in China, often referred to as the "Amazon of the East." It gained international fame after the renowned botanist Cai Xitao discovered the Parashorea chinensis (Wangtianshu) here in 1975, a discovery that scientifically disproved the long-held belief that China had no true tropical rainforests. Today, it stands as a National 4A-level tourist attraction, offering a unique "Land, Water, and Air" immersive experience into the heart of the jungle.

The Giants of the Forest

2.The park is named after the: Parashorea chinensis trees, the "Giants of the Rainforest." These colossal trees can grow up to 80 meters tall, piercing the sky and standing head and shoulders above the rest of the canopy,. In the dense competition for sunlight, these trees have evolved to grow straight and tall, creating a distinct "Forest above the Forest" landscape. Their imposing presence has made them a symbol of the rainforest, often described as the guardians of this green sanctuary.

The Tree Crown Corridor: Walking on Air

3.The most thrilling way to experience the: Wangtianshu forest is via the "Tree Crown Corridor" (Air Corridor). Built in the 1990s, this suspension bridge system is the highest of its kind in the world. It stretches 500 meters in length and hangs up to 36 meters above the ground, connecting the towering trunks of the Wangtianshu trees,. Walking along this swaying canopy path allows visitors to view the rainforest from the perspective of a bird or a monkey. Looking down offers a breathtaking, heart-pounding view of the layered vegetation below, where one can observe epiphytic plants and the complex vertical structure of the jungle ecosystem.

The Nanla River: The Oriental Amazon

The adventure often begins or ends on the water. Visitors can take a boat cruise along the Nanla River, a tributary of the Mekong (Lancang) River. Known as the "Oriental Amazon," the river winds through the dense jungle, reflecting the lush greenery and blue sky in its calm waters,. The riverbanks are lined with diverse aquatic plants and ancient trees, creating a serene atmosphere where the only sounds are bird calls and the gentle splashing of water. It provides a stark, peaceful contrast to the adrenaline of the canopy walk.

Five Wonders of the Rainforest

Exploring the terrestrial trails, such as the "Cai Xitao Trail" or the "Philip Trail" (named after Prince Philip's 1986 visit), reveals the classic biological phenomena of a tropical rainforest. Visitors can witness the "Five Wonders":

• 4.Buttress Roots (Plank Roots): Massive, wall-like roots that support the giant trees.
• 5.Strangulation: The dramatic battle where fig trees wrap around and eventually kill host trees.
• 6.Cauliflory: Flowers and fruits growing directly on the trunks of old trees.
• 7.Dripping Leaf Tips: Leaves designed to shed heavy rain quickly.
• 8.Epiphytic Gardens: "Sky Gardens" where ferns and orchids grow high up on the branches of other trees.

Cultural Harmony

The area surrounding the park is home to the Dai, Hani (Aini), and Yao ethnic groups. The forest is not only a biological treasure but also a cultural cradle. The local people coexist with the forest, incorporating it into their beliefs and daily lives. Visitors can experience local hospitality through events like the "A-Lian-Ya" water splashing activities and traditional dances, tasting local flavors like rainforest wild fruits and Dai-style barbecue,.