Dadugang Town of Jinghong City in XishuangBanna

Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡) is located in the northern part of Jinghong City (景洪市), approximately 65 kilometers from the municipal government seat. It borders Mengwang Township (勐旺乡) to the east, Mengyang Town (勐养镇) to the south, Jingne Township (景讷乡) to the west, and Puwen Town (普文镇) to the north. Covering a total area of 787.7 square kilometers, it is a typical mountainous township.

Cultural History

With a long history, Dadugang was known as “Tatukan” during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1953, it was renamed Dadugang (大渡岗). It became a district in 1984 and was designated as a township in 1988. The area once served as a crucial node on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road (茶马古道), boasting profound caravan culture heritage.

Ethnic Customs

Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡) is home to multiple ethnic groups including the Dai (傣族), Yi (彝族), Blang (布朗族), Jinuo (基诺族), and Hani (哈尼族), each with vibrant cultural traditions. Visitors can experience the Blang people’s tea culture and the Dai’s Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节).

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Dadugang features a subtropical monsoon humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 17.5°C and annual rainfall of 1,600-1,900 mm. Characterized by “long summers without winters and instant autumns after rains,” the ideal visiting period runs from November to April.

Recommended Attractions & Suggested Visit Duration

Dadugang Ten-Thousand-Mu Tea Plantation: The world’s largest contiguous tea garden where visitors can experience tea picking and processing while enjoying the scenic landscape. Suggested duration: 2-3 hours.
Wild Elephant Rainforest Resort: Features the Northern Hemisphere’s only tropical rainforest golf course, surrounded by tea plantations, coffee farms, and pristine forests. Suggested duration: 3-4 hours.
Guanping Village: Offers immersive experiences in ethnic minority cultures and traditional lifestyles. Suggested duration: 1-2 hours.

Transportation

Self-drive: From Kunming (昆明), take Kunmo Expressway (昆磨高速) to Jinghong City (景洪市), then proceed to Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡). Total distance: ~500 km (~6 hours).
Public transport: Reach Jinghong City (景洪市) first, then transfer via local rural buses or taxis.

Food

The local cuisine features Dai-style specialties including:

• Dai barbecue: Lemongrass grilled fish, roasted suckling pig
• Bamboo tube rice: Steamed rice infused with bamboo fragrance

Shopping

Local specialties include Pu’er tea (普洱茶) and handicrafts available at township markets.

Accommodation

Limited guesthouses with basic amenities are available in Dadugang. For higher-standard lodging, consider hotels in Jinghong City (景洪市).

Travel Tips

• Respect local ethnic customs, especially when visiting religious sites and villages.
• Carry insect repellent when exploring mountainous areas.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Dadugang, check into accommodation, then visit the Ten-Thousand-Mu Tea Plantation (大渡岗万亩茶园) for tea culture experiences.
Day 2: Explore Wild Elephant Rainforest Resort (野象雨林度假区) and Guanping Village (关坪村) for cultural immersion.
Day 3: Purchase local specialties at markets before departure.

Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡) blends breathtaking natural landscapes with unique ethnic cultures. This borderland destination offers authentic experiences of minority traditions. May your journey here become an unforgettable memory.