Manmai Sangkang Scenic Area in Jinghong City, XishuangBanna
The Manmai Sangkang Scenic Area (曼迈桑康风景区) is a vibrant tourist destination located in Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna (西双版纳). The local villagers of Manmai Sangkang (曼迈桑康) are dedicated to providing an exciting and rich cultural experience for visitors, featuring various activities such as dragon boat racing, dragon boat religious ceremonies, the Dai King’s sedan chair procession, bamboo rafting on the lake, and unique Dai cultural experiences like “Girl Losing Bag” (少女丢包传情).
Recently, the Xishuangbanna Dai Ethnic Park Co., Ltd. (西双版纳傣族园有限公司) held a promotional event titled “Water Splashing Festival: Impression” to introduce the Manmai Sangkang Scenic Area. Following the successful launch of the “Daily Water Splashing Festival” (天天泼水节) event, they proudly unveiled this new attraction in collaboration with the Dai Ethnic Park.
Overview of the Scenic Area (景区简介)
Location: 41 kilometers along the Jinglun Highway (景仑公路41公里处)
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
- Regular Price: 120 yuan
- Reserved Price: 90 yuan
Scenic Area Introduction
In the Dai language, Manmai Sangkang (曼迈桑康) means “Festival Village.” The scenic area is composed of Golden Lake (金湖) and Silver Lake (银湖), making it a perfect setting for cultural celebrations. The Water Splashing Festival (泼水节) is the most important holiday for the Dai people and includes traditional activities like dragon boat racing, launching sky lanterns, fairs, and water splashing.
The development of Manmai Sangkang highlights activities like sky lantern launching and dragon boat racing, enhancing the cultural richness of the festival. This collaboration aims to allow tourists to genuinely experience the charm of the Water Splashing Festival.
Located over 40 kilometers from the center of Jinghong City (景洪市), Manmai Sangkang serves as a backdrop for the preservation of Dai history. The scenic area showcases a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, framed by vast green mountains and clear waters. It offers an authentic display of the ethnic atmosphere and customs, featuring a 500-member ecological performance team that recreates the cultural essence of the Water Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna (西双版纳).
Manmai Sangkang is currently the only scenic area in Xishuangbanna that showcases Dai folk customs on water, presenting a colorful tapestry of cultural content against beautiful natural landscapes.
Main Activities in the Park
The main activities at Manmai Sangkang include:
- Scenic Viewing: Enjoy the beauty of Salarbying (洒拉比英) (Sister Lake in Sister Lake) and engage in fishing games on floating bridges.
- Cultural Performances: Experience a grand historical portrayal of Dai culture against the backdrop of the clear, mirror-like lakes.
- Interactive Programs: Once onshore, engage in programs such as “Girl Losing Bag,” “Tying Blessings,” and welcoming ceremonies with Dai girls, enhancing the interactive experience for visitors.
Visitors can also participate in the ancient dragon boat races, where they board one of Xishuangbanna’s (西双版纳) oldest nine dragon boats and experience an authentic Dai dragon boat competition. If their dragon boat wins, tourists might have the opportunity to ride in the revered Dai King’s Sedan Chair (傣王轿).
Moreover, tourists can savor the famous Dai delicacies, including grilled fish (烤鱼), Malosuo (毫诺索) (a type of rice cake), glutinous rice (糯米饭), and fragrant glutinous tea (糯香茶).
Ticket Information
Ticket Prices:
- Entrance Ticket: 120 yuan; Reserved Price: 90 yuan
- Combined Ticket: Manmai Sangkang + Dai Ethnic Park: 240 yuan; Reserved Price: 110 yuan (100 yuan for reservations of five or more people)
- Package Deal: Manmai Sangkang + Dai Ethnic Park + Boat: 420 yuan; Reserved Price: 200 yuan
Notes:
- Please specify your desired ticket type on the reservation form.
- Ticket collection is at the Manmai Sangkang Scenic Area ticket office.
- Children under 1.2 meters in height and seniors over 70 years old can enter for free.
- Nearby attractions include Mengyuan Fairyland (勐远仙境) and Dai Ethnic Park (傣族园).
How to Get There
- By Air: Fly into Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (西双版纳嘎洒机场), then take a taxi or shuttle bus to Jinghong City (景洪市).
- By Bus: Several bus services connect Jinghong City (景洪市) with major cities in Yunnan Province (云南省).
- By Car: Follow highway signs directing you to Jinghong City (景洪市).
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
- Facilities: The park features resting areas with tables and chairs. Visitors should consider bringing water and snacks, especially if planning to spend several hours exploring.
- Guided Tours: Opt for a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the culture and history of the Dai people and the significance of the Water Splashing Festival.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the vibrant scenery and cultural displays. The park offers numerous picturesque spots.
- Respect the Environment: Follow park rules and regulations to preserve the natural beauty and cultural significance of the area.
