3 Premium Travel Routes to Unlock the Cool and Refreshing Summer Fun in Menghai

Xishuangbanna Launches Three Cool and Refreshing Routes to Escape the Heat

Xishuangbanna (西双版纳) has launched three special summer travel routes designed to offer a cool and refreshing experience in Menghai County (勐海县). These routes focus on wellness retreats, tea plantations, local culture, village exploration, and more. Each route provides a unique blend of outdoor activities, ethnic culture, and tranquil nature experiences, perfect for escaping the summer heat. Whether you prefer a relaxed vacation, an active adventure, or cultural immersion, these routes cater to various interests and provide the ultimate summer getaway.

Route 1: Wellness and Leisure Tour Centered Around Mengbala Resort

Starting Point: Mengbala Resort (勐巴拉旅游度假区)

Recommended Highlights:

  • Mengbala Resort (勐巴拉旅游度假区) is a premier vacation destination that combines family-friendly activities, team-building exercises, and leisure in a natural, forested environment. The resort is surrounded by over 400 acres of lush grassland, offering a serene atmosphere and a high concentration of negative oxygen ions, making it an ideal location for health and wellness retreats.
  • The resort offers various types of accommodations, including the Regal Resort Hotel (悦椿酒店), vacation villas, and leisure inns, all equipped with amenities such as swimming pools and Dai (傣族) and Thai-style restaurants serving local delicacies. These facilities create a comfortable and relaxing vacation experience for all visitors.

Suggested Activities:

  • Leisure and Wellness Activities:
    In the resort, guests can engage in a wide range of outdoor and recreational activities, such as cycling, horseback riding, off-road mountain biking, lawn games, hiking, archery, fishing, and children’s fish-catching competitions. Other activities include travel photography, outdoor BBQ, bonfire parties, tea tasting, and various wellness programs like yoga and meditation. Visitors can enjoy a truly rejuvenating experience here.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    The resort is conveniently located near several popular scenic spots, including the Liushahe Starlight Night Market (流沙河星光夜市), Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), and Crocodile Valley (鳄鱼谷景区). These spots are perfect for tourists looking to explore the local culture and history.
    Visitors can also explore Manhe Water Well (曼贺水井), Water White Tower (水白塔), and savor local delicacies like Menghai Roasted Chicken (勐海烤鸡), a non-material cultural heritage food. These activities allow visitors to get an in-depth understanding of the local lifestyle, traditions, and the beautiful scenery of Menghai (勐海).

Route 2: Tea and Wellness Journey – The Seven Famous Tea Mountains Tour

Starting Point: Nan Nuo Mountain (南糯山)

Recommended Highlights:

This route takes you through the renowned Tea Mountains of Menghai, visiting Nan Nuo Mountain (南糯山), Mengsong Ancient Tea Mountain (勐宋古茶山), He Kai Ancient Tea Mountain (贺开古茶山), and Old Banzhang Village (老班章村) in Bulong Mountain (布朗山). Along the way, you will have the opportunity to explore Hani (哈尼族) villages, sample local tea, and immerse yourself in the deep cultural and natural beauty of the area.

  • Nan Nuo Mountain (南糯山) is famous for its Hani ethnic villages (哈尼族村落), where visitors can stay at the Craft Lodge Hotel (匠庐·南糯山酒店), offering a blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, perfectly capturing the spirit of “half poetry, half smoke”.
  • Mengsong Sliding Bamboo Mountain (勐宋滑竹梁子山), known as the “Roof of the Rainforest”, is ideal for rainforest trekking. The area offers unique opportunities for Ancient Tea Workshop (雨林古茶坊) tours and hands-on tea-making experiences. The region is also known for its La Hu (拉祜族) cultural experiences, where you can learn about the traditions of this indigenous group.
  • He Kai Ancient Tea Mountain (贺开古茶山) is home to the Menghun Weekend Market (勐混周末集市), where visitors can explore Man Zhao Dai Paper Village (曼召傣纸村), Man Duan Jade Buddha Temple (曼短玉佛寺), and Palong Mei Fairy Footprints (帕龙美仙人脚). These spots are steeped in local folklore and rich history.
  • Finally, at Old Banzhang Village (老班章村) in Bulong Mountain (布朗山), the legendary Tea King can be witnessed in the local tea plantations. This area is one of the best places to learn about the Dai (傣族), Bulong (布朗族), La Hu (拉祜族), and Hani (哈尼族) cultures and their profound connection to the region’s tea production.

Suggested Activities:

  • Tea Forest Studies: Participate in tea forest research and experience the ancient methods of tea picking and processing.
  • Rainforest Hiking: Explore the depths of the rainforest, visit ancient tea plantations, and engage in eco-tourism.
  • Cultural Immersion: Engage in Hani ethnic cultural experiences, visiting villages to learn about local rituals, food, and daily life.

Route 3: Deep Country Exploration – Hidden Villages and Scenic Spots

Starting Point: Daluo (打洛)

Recommended Highlights:

This route provides a deep dive into the rural heart of Menghai, where you can explore national cultural heritage sites, historical landmarks, folklore, and rural hospitality. The journey takes you to Daluo (打洛), Mengzhe Town (勐遮镇), Menghun Town (勐混镇), Mengwang Township (勐往乡), Jiangbian (江边), and Qian Nian Zhang Lang (千年章朗).

  • Daluo (打洛) is a border town rich in cultural exchanges between China and Myanmar (缅甸). Visitors can immerse themselves in the borderland culture and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this region.
  • In Mengzhe Town (勐遮镇), Menghun Town (勐混镇), and Mengwang Township (勐往乡), visitors can take part in activities like fruit picking, local history exploration, and folk culture studies, all while experiencing the laid-back lifestyle of the rural villages.
  • Qian Nian Zhang Lang (千年章朗) is a historic site known for its ancient cultural relics, traditional folk arts, and picturesque landscapes, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life.

Suggested Activities:

  • Cultural and Ethnic Festival Participation: Take part in ethnic celebrations, visit traditional markets, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of local events.
  • Local Cuisine Tasting: Experience the unique ethnic food by visiting local food markets and trying regional specialties that reflect the area’s diverse cultures.
  • Craftsmanship Learning: Discover traditional handicrafts such as weaving, pottery, and wood carving, and learn the skills passed down through generations.

Conclusion: A Summer of Exploration in Menghai

These three routes—whether centered on wellness, tea culture, or rural exploration—offer a diverse range of experiences that will refresh and rejuvenate visitors. By immersing yourself in the local culture, exploring the stunning landscapes, and enjoying the coolness of Menghai County (勐海县), you’ll find the perfect summer getaway that blends nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you seek peaceful retreats, cultural experiences, or exciting outdoor activities, these routes provide everything needed for an unforgettable summer experience.