Jingne Town of Jinghong City in XishuangBanna
Jingne Township (景讷乡) is located in the northwest of Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders:
- East: Puwen Town (普文镇) & Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡)
- South: Mengyang Town (勐养镇)
- West: Lancang County (澜沧县) & Menghai County (勐海县), separated by the Lancang River (澜沧江)
- North: Simao District (思茅区), Pu’er City (普洱市)
The terrain slopes from northeast (highest point: 1,800m) to northwest (lowest point: 560m), with an average elevation of 890–940m.
Cultural History
Originally called Jingnuo Dam (景糯坝) (“uppermost dam” in Dai language), it was historically governed by Pu’er Xuanwei Prefecture (普洱宣慰府) under the Lushun Chieftain (六顺土司). Key historical developments:
- Pre-1953: Part of Lushun County (六顺县)
- 1953–1958: Administered by Banna Mengyang (版纳勐养)
- 1958: Established as Jingnuo District (景糯区)
- 1984: Renamed Jingne Township (景讷乡)
Ethnic Customs
Major Ethnic Groups: Dai (傣族), Yi (彝族), Blang (布朗族), Jinuo (基诺族), Hani (哈尼族)
Dai Culture:
- Dazhai Buddhist Temple (大寨佛寺) – The only temple in Jingne and one of the largest in northern Jinghong.
- Festivals:
Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节, April 15–17) – Dai New Year
Gate-Closing Festival (关门节, 6th lunar month)
Gate-Opening Festival (开门节, 9th lunar month)
Yi Culture:
- Torch Festival (火把节, June 24, lunar calendar) – Celebrates fire worship.
Top-Spinning Tradition (陀螺之乡): Jingne is officially recognized as Xishuangbanna’s “Hometown of Tops,” with top-spinning as a key folk activity.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Climate: Transitional (south to north subtropical)
- Avg. Temp: 20.4°C | Rainfall: 1,300–1,500mm (rainy season: June–October)
- Best Time: November–April (cool, dry, ideal for outdoor activities)
Recommended Attractions & Visit Duration
Category | Attraction | Chinese Name | Suggested Time | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cultural Sites | Dazhai Buddhist Temple | 大寨佛寺 | 1–2 hrs | Dai Buddhist architecture |
Villages | Mansan Village Committee | 曼散村委会 | 1–2 hrs | Dai & Yi traditions |
Dazhai Village Committee | 大寨村委会 | 1–2 hrs | Local handicrafts | |
Wanjiaoshan Village | 弯角山村委会 | 1–2 hrs | Historic chieftain relics | |
Natural Scenery | Nanken River | 南肯河 | 1–2 hrs | Riverside hikes |
Nankun River | 南昆河 | 1–2 hrs | Forest trails |
Transportation
From Kunming (昆明):
- Self-drive: ~500km via Kunmo Expressway (昆磨高速) → Jinghong → Jingne (~6 hrs).
- Public Bus: To Jinghong Bus Station, then transfer to local minibuses/taxis (~1.5 hrs).
Food
Dai Cuisine:
- Lemongrass Grilled Fish
- Bamboo Tube Rice
- Roasted Suckling Pig
Shopping
Local Markets: Pu’er tea (普洱茶), handmade textiles, bamboo crafts.
Accommodation
- Jingne: Basic guesthouses (e.g., Dazhai Homestays).
- Jinghong: Higher-end hotels (recommended for comfort).
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs (e.g., remove shoes in temples).
- Carry mosquito repellent (rainforest areas).
- Dress modestly in villages.
Sample Itinerary (3 Days)
- Day 1: Arrive → Dazhai Temple → Dai village exploration.
- Day 2: Hike along Nanken River → Visit Wanjiaoshan Village.
- Day 3: Market shopping → Return to Jinghong.
Jingne offers a rare blend of untouched nature and living ethnic traditions. Whether exploring ancient temples, joining festive celebrations, or trekking through rainforest rivers, this hidden gem promises an authentic Xishuangbanna experience. Wishing you a memorable journey.