Bameng Village of Mengsong Town in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna
Bameng Village (坝檬村) belongs to Benglong Village Committee (蚌龙村委会) of Mengsong Township (勐宋乡) in Menghai County (勐海县), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). This mountainous village is located:
- 5 km north of Benglong Village Committee (蚌龙村委会)
- 10 km from Mengsong Township (勐宋乡) government seat
- Covers 7.67 km² at 1,600m altitude
- Average annual temperature: 17°C
- Annual precipitation: 1,500mm
History and Culture
The village’s history dates back to 1984 during rural reforms:
- 1984: Established as Bameng Township (坝檬乡) under Mengsong District (勐宋区)
- 1987: Renamed Bameng Village Office (坝檬村公所)
- 2000: Became Bameng Village Committee (坝檬村委会)
- 2003: Merged with Bannan Village Committee (蚌囡村委会) to form current Benglong Village Committee (蚌龙村委会)
Ethnic Customs
Inhabited mainly by Hani (哈尼族) and Lahu (拉祜族) ethnic groups who maintain traditional lifestyles:
- Hani villages typically built on sunny mountain ridges (50-200 households)
- Staple diet: Rice, supplemented with corn and tubers
- Three daily meals
Climate & Best Visit Time
- Climate: Subtropical monsoon
- Best visiting period: November to April (cool and dry)
Recommended Attractions
| Attraction | Chinese Name | Features | Suggested Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huazhu Liangzi | 滑竹梁子 | Xishuangbanna’s highest peak (2,429m) with ethnic villages | 3-4 hours |
| Bameng Ancient Tea Plantation | 坝檬古茶园 | 200-300 hectares of wild tea trees in state forest | 2-3 hours |
Transportation
- 10 km from Mengsong Township (勐宋乡) government
- 28 km from Menghai County (勐海县) town
- Accessible by local buses/taxis from Menghai
Local Cuisine
- Bamboo-steamed rice (香竹烤饭)
- Dai-style barbecue (傣味烧烤): Lemongrass grilled fish, roasted pork
Shopping
Local products: Pu’er tea (普洱茶), ethnic handicrafts
Accommodation
Basic homestays available in village; better hotels in Menghai County town
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs
- Prepare insect repellent for mountain areas
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive → Hike Huazhu Liangzi (滑竹梁子)
Day 2: Visit ancient tea plantations
Day 3: Local market shopping → Depart
Bameng Village (坝檬村) offers authentic ethnic culture amidst stunning natural scenery – a perfect destination to experience Xishuangbanna’s highland charm.
