Xishuangbanna

The "Peacock's Feather" of Xishuangbanna

1.Located in the Olive: Dam (Ganlanba) of Menghan Town, approximately 27 kilometers southeast of Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Park is a living museum of the Dai people's history and culture. Known locally as "Menglunaxi," meaning a beautiful and happy paradise, this scenic area covers 336 hectares and is composed of five naturally preserved Dai villages: Manjiang, Manchunman, Manzha, Manga, and Manting. Unlike a contrived theme park, these are functioning communities where villagers live, farm, and maintain their ancient traditions, earning the area the reputation of being the "First Village of Dai Folklore in China". With an altitude of just 530 meters, the park is nestled among lush coconut groves and tropical fruit trees, embodying the idyllic lifestyle of the Dai people.

Five Villages and the Ancient Buddhist Temple

The heart of the park lies in its authentic architecture and spiritual heritage. The five villages are connected like pearls, featuring rows of traditional Dai bamboo stilt houses (Zhulou) surrounded by flowers and fruit trees,. Among these, the Manchunman Buddhist Temple stands out as a spiritual anchor. With a history spanning over 1,400 years, it is one of the oldest and most significant Theravada Buddhist temples in Xishuangbanna. The temple's golden spires, exquisite murals, and the melodious chanting of monks create a serene atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the lively village life outside.

Every Day is the Water Splashing Festival

One of the park's most unique and popular features is its promise that "Every day is the Water Splashing Festival." While the traditional festival occurs only once a year in April, Dai Park hosts a massive water-splashing celebration daily in its Water Splashing Square, the largest of its kind in Asia,. Visitors are encouraged to change into traditional Dai clothing and join hundreds of professional dancers and locals in the square. As water flies through the air, it carries blessings of luck, health, and happiness, allowing tourists to experience the sheer joy and "carnival" atmosphere of the Dai New Year regardless of when they visit.

A Feast of Culture and Flavor

Beyond the visual spectacles, Dai Park offers a deep dive into intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can observe artisans practicing slow-wheel pottery making, traditional weaving, and silver crafting. The "Imperial Garden" atmosphere is complemented by the rich scents of local cuisine. Travelers can feast on authentic Dai dishes such as lemongrass grilled fish, colorful sticky rice, and tropical fruits like jackfruit and mangoes, often served in the courtyards of local families. The experience is frequently rounded off with traditional performances, including the rhythmic Elephant Foot Drum Dance and the grace of the Peacock Dance, showcasing the "fire and smoke" (vibrant life) of the Dai hospitality.

Ecological Harmony

The park operates on a philosophy of "protection is development," ensuring that the modernization of tourism does not erase the traditional way of life. The villages are set against a backdrop of the Lancang River (Mekong), and the harmonious blend of human settlement and tropical nature—forests, waterways, and farmland—demonstrates the Dai people's ancient wisdom of living in balance with their environment.