Gasa Town of Jinghong City in XishuangBanna
Gasa Town (嘎洒镇) is located in southwestern Jinghong City (景洪市), 7km from the municipal government seat. It borders:
- East: Jingha Hani Ethnic Township (景哈哈尼族乡)
- South: Menglong Town (勐龙镇)
- West: Gelanghe Hani Ethnic Township (格朗和哈尼族乡) and Mengsong Township (勐宋乡) of Menghai County (勐海县)
- North: YunJinghong Subdistrict (允景洪街道办事处)
Total area: 355.1 km²
Cultural History
The name “Gasa” means “Market on the Sand (沙子上的集市)” in Dai language. Key historical developments:
- Yuan-Qing Dynasties: Site of Xuanwei Street (宣慰街) administrative centers
- 1570: Part of Meng Jinghong (勐景洪) under Banna Jinghong (版纳景洪)
- 1911: Reorganized as a bureau under “Pusiyanbian Administrative Headquarters (普思沿边行政总局)”
- 1958: Became Jinghong District (景洪区) of Jinghong County
- 1988: Established as Gasa Township (嘎洒乡)
- 1997: Upgraded to Gasa Town
- November 30, 2021: Officially designated as Gasa Subdistrict (嘎洒街道)
Ethnic Customs
Home to diverse ethnic groups including:
- Dai (傣族): Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节)
- Hani (哈尼族): Gatangpa Festival (嘎汤帕节)
- Lahu (拉祜族): Lahu Ku Festival (拉祜扩节)
- Kemu People (克木人): Makole Festival (麻科勒节)
Unique cultural features:
- Palm-leaf scripture culture (贝叶文化)
- Theravada Buddhist traditions (小乘佛教文化)
Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Climate: Subtropical monsoon
- Avg. temp: 21.7°C
- Annual rainfall: 1,209.3mm
- Sunshine hours: 1,692.7/year
- Best visit period: November to April
Recommended Attractions
| Attraction | Chinese Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandiu Ancient Village | 曼丢古寨 | 2-3 hrs | 1,000-year-old Dai village with preserved traditions |
| Gasa Hot Springs | 嘎洒温泉 | 2-3 hrs | One of Jinghong’s two developed hot spring resorts |
| Xishuangbanna Ethnic Museum | 西双版纳民族博物馆 | 2-3 hrs | Comprehensive display of regional ethnic cultures |
Transportation
- Self-drive: Kunming → Kunmo Expressway (昆磨高速) → Jinghong → Gasa (~500km, ~6hrs)
- Public transport: Buses/taxis from Jinghong (~20 mins)
Food
Dai specialties:
- Lemongrass grilled fish (香茅草烤鱼)
- Bamboo tube rice (竹筒饭)
- Roasted suckling pig (烤乳猪)
Shopping
Local markets offer:
- Pu’er tea (普洱茶)
- Ethnic handicrafts
- Palm-leaf products
Accommodation
Basic guesthouses in Gasa; better hotels in Jinghong
Travel Tips
- Respect ethnic customs (especially in villages)
- Carry mosquito repellent
- Prepare appropriate clothing for hot springs
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive → Mandiu Ancient Village
Day 2: Gasa Hot Springs → Xishuangbanna Ethnic Museum
Day 3: Local market shopping → Depart
Gasa Town blends ancient heritage with modern comforts, from millennium-old villages to rejuvenating hot springs. Experience the cultural crossroads of Xishuangbanna in this vibrant subdistrict.
