Kanan Village of Bulangshan Town in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna

Bakanan Natural Village (坝卡囡自然村) belongs to Banchang Village Committee (班章村委会) of Bulangshan Township (布朗山乡) in Menghai County (勐海县), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). This mountainous village is located:

• Northeast of Bulangshan Township (布朗山乡), 41 km from township government
• Borders Xinbanzhang Village (新班章寨)
• <10 km linear distance from Laobanzhang Village (老班章寨)
• Elevation: 1,650 meters

History and Culture

Name Origin

“Bakanan” (坝卡囡) in Dai language means “desolate small flatland”:

• “Ba” (坝) = flatland
• “Ka” (卡) = desolate
• “Nan” (囡) = small

Ethnic Composition

Primarily inhabited by Lahu people (拉祜族) who:

• Have profound tea culture (“living by tea”)
• Prefer roasted tea (“lazhaduo” 腊扎夺 in Lahu) and fermented tea
• Maintain traditional lifestyles

Ethnic Customs

The Lahu people (拉祜族) preserve rich traditions including:

• Unique tea drinking customs
• Traditional dances like “Dongbacha” (咚吧嚓)
• Folk songs and oral literature

Climate & Best Visit Time

• Climate: Subtropical monsoon
• Temperature: 18-21°C annually
• Precipitation: 1,374 mm/year
• Best visiting period: November to April

Recommended Attractions

Transportation

• 41 km from Menghai County town
• Accessible by local buses/taxis from Menghai

Local Cuisine

• Roasted tea (烤茶): Traditional Lahu beverage
• Bamboo rice (竹筒饭): Steamed in fresh bamboo

Shopping

Local specialties:

• Pu’er tea (普洱茶)
• Ethnic handicrafts

Accommodation

Basic homestays available; better hotels in Menghai town

Travel Tips

• Respect ethnic customs
• Prepare for mountain terrain and insects

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive → Ancient tea plantation visit
Day 2: Lahu village cultural experience
Day 3: Local market → Depart

Bakanan Village (坝卡囡村) offers an authentic frontier experience where pristine nature meets vibrant Lahu culture – a hidden gem in Xishuangbanna’s tea mountains.