Ganlan (Olive) Basin
This area of rain forest and tall bamboo acquired its name from its shape and verdant greenery. 37km from Jinghong, 64 Tai villages are scattered throughout this peaceful part of Manghan.
Jinghong
Surrounded by tropical vegetation, the district capital of Xishuangbanna is home to the Peacock Lake, Manting Park, Tai Nationality Cultures and Customs Garden, and the Tropical Botany Institute. Ethnic tribes inhabit the outlying areas of the prefecture, and several wildlife reserves have been established around the prefecture's border, offering the possibility of organised trekking in the future.
Menglun Botanical Garden
Menglun Botanical Garden was established in 1959 by the famous botanist Cai Xitao. This 860 hectare garden, on Hulu Island, 96km from Jinghong, is filled with thousands of native and imported tropical and subtropical plants, including many rare and unusual specimens.
Yexianggu
Known as Wild Elephants Valley, the 369 hectares of rolling hills and rain forests, 47km north of Jinghong, are inhabited by large numbers of wild elephants, wild oxen, green peacocks, monkeys and many other species. The reserve has animal-watching facilities, an elephant training school, butterfly breeding centre, and an aviary of exotic birds.
