A Gateway to the Exotic: Exploring the Border Charms of Daluo Port and the Ancient Tea Horse Road

A Window into the Southwest Frontier

1.Located in Menghai: County, Xishuangbanna, Daluo Port (Daluo Kou'an) serves as a vital gateway on the southwestern border of China, directly facing the town of Mong La in Myanmar. Historically, this bustling border town was a crucial passage for the Ancient Tea Horse Road and the Southwest Silk Road, facilitating the trade of Pu'er tea and salt into Southeast Asia. Today, Daluo has evolved from a historical trading post into a national-level port that blends the vibrant cultures of the Dai, Hani, and Blang ethnic groups with the exotic atmosphere of a border crossing. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to stand at the edge of the country, witnessing the flow of commerce and culture between China and Myanmar in a setting lush with tropical vegetation and rich in history,,.

2.The Solemn: National Gate and China-Myanmar Street

The centerpiece of Daluo is the majestic National Gate, standing proudly in front of Boundary Marker No. 218. This solemn structure symbolizes the dignity of the nation and serves as a popular photo spot for tourists marking their arrival at the edge of China. Just beyond the gate lies the bustling China-Myanmar Street. This vibrant market is a sensory delight, lined with shops selling an array of exotic goods, from Burmese jade and mahogany to colorful ethnic handicrafts. The air is filled with the aroma of Southeast Asian snacks and tropical fruits, offering a taste of the cross-border lifestyle where traders from both sides mingle. It is a place to hunt for souvenirs like jade bracelets, wood carvings, and local teas while soaking in the lively market atmosphere,,.

The Wonder of "One Tree Forest"

Just a short distance from the port lies a botanical marvel known as the One Tree Forest (Dushu Chenglin). This ancient banyan tree, standing 28 meters tall and estimated to be over 200 years old, has developed a massive network of aerial roots that have rooted into the ground, creating the illusion of a dense forest from a single trunk. Covering an area of roughly 1,200 square meters, this "forest" is not only a visual spectacle but also holds spiritual significance for the locals. The interplay of light and shadow through the thick canopy and the unique root formations make it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers seeking tranquility amidst the border bustle,.

3.Mengjinglai: The First Village of the China-Myanmar Border

Near the port is the renowned Mengjinglai Scenic Area, often hailed as the "First Village of the China-Myanmar Border." This traditional Dai village is unique because the border line cuts directly through it, creating a "One Village, Two Countries" phenomenon. On one side, Chinese Dai villagers live their lives; on the other, their Myanmar neighbors reside, often sharing the same wells and fields in harmony. Visitors can wander through the village to admire the exquisite stilt houses (Diaojiaolou), visit the golden-spired Buddhist temples, and witness living traditions such as slow-wheel pottery, weaving, and paper-making. The village retains a primitive and simple charm, where time seems to slow down, allowing one to experience the authentic rural life of the Dai people along the boundary line,,.