Manlongle Village of Mengla Town in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna

Manlongle Village (曼龙勒村) belongs to the Manlongdai Village Committee (曼龙代村委会) in Mengla Town (勐腊镇), Mengla County (勐腊县), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is located in a river valley area (坝区), 4 kilometers from the Manlongdai Village Committee and 11 kilometers from the Mengla Town government. Nestled on the banks of the Nanla River (南腊河), it neighbors the nationally designated AAAA-level tourist attraction Wangtianshu Scenic Area (望天树景区), offering a beautiful ecological environment.

Cultural and Historical Background

Founded in 1963, Manlongle (曼龙勒) is a Dai (傣族) name meaning “the village above the detour.” According to legend, when Buddha Shakyamuni visited the area, he bypassed the village due to its impurity at the time, hence the name. In 2013, it was included in the “List of Traditional Chinese Villages,” and in 2019, it was selected as one of the first batch of National Key Villages for Rural Tourism.

Folk Customs

Manlongle Village (曼龙勒村) is a historic Dai ethnic village preserving a traditional Buddhist temple, stilted wooden houses, classic Dai agricultural layouts, vibrant cultural traditions, and unique folk customs. Visitors can engage in experiences of intangible cultural heritage such as Dai paper-making, bamboo weaving, and Dai brocade weaving.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Manlongle Village enjoys a northern tropical humid monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 21°C and annual precipitation between 1200 and 1600 mm. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is cool and ideal for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions and Visit Duration

Nanla River Wild Fun Camp

Located on the edge of the village, this riverside camp offers water sports such as kayaking, tubing, and free diving.
Suggested visit duration: 2–3 hours.

Traditional Dai Residences

Stroll along the village paths to admire the well-preserved Dai stilt houses with their distinctive architectural style.
Suggested visit duration: 1–2 hours.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Experiences

Participate in hands-on experiences like Dai paper-making, bamboo weaving, and brocade weaving.
Suggested visit duration: 1–2 hours.

Transportation

From Mengla County (勐腊县), follow the road to Mengla Town (勐腊镇), then continue to Manlongle Village (曼龙勒村), approximately 11 kilometers in total. Local rural buses or taxis are available.

Local Cuisine

The food in Manlongle Village features authentic Dai flavors. Recommended dishes include:

• Lemongrass Grilled Fish (香茅草烤鱼): Fragrant grilled fish infused with lemongrass.
• Bamboo Tube Rice (竹筒饭): Rice steamed in bamboo tubes, absorbing the natural aroma of bamboo.

Shopping

Local specialties such as Pu’er tea (普洱茶) and handcrafted goods are widely available at local markets.

Accommodation

There are a few guesthouses and homestays in the village, offering basic amenities. For higher standards of accommodation, it is recommended to stay in Mengla County (勐腊县).

Travel Tips

• Respect local ethnic customs and traditions, especially when visiting village homes.
• When exploring the mountainous areas, be mindful of mosquitoes and insects. Bring necessary protective supplies.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive at Manlongle Village (曼龙勒村), check into a homestay, and visit the Nanla River Wild Fun Camp (南腊河野趣营地) to enjoy water activities.

Day 2:
Take a leisurely walk through the village to explore traditional Dai homes, and participate in hands-on cultural heritage activities.

Day 3:
Shop for local specialties at the market before concluding your journey.

Manlongle Village (曼龙勒村) is a captivating destination with both natural beauty and rich ethnic culture. Here, you can immerse yourself in borderland charm and experience the traditional lifestyle of the Dai people. May your time in Manlongle be a truly memorable adventure.