Menghun Town of Menghai County in XishuangBanna

Menghun Town (勐混镇) is located in the southeastern part of Menghai County (勐海县). It borders Gelanghe Hani Ethnic Township (格朗和哈尼族乡) to the east, connects with Jinghong City (景洪市) to the southeast, neighbors Bulangshan Bulang Ethnic Township (布朗山布朗族乡) to the south, adjoins Daluo Town (打洛镇) to the southwest, and is connected to Mengzhe Town (勐遮镇) on the west and north sides. The total area of the town is 352.55 square kilometers, making it the second-largest basin in Menghai County.

History and Culture

Menghun (勐混) was originally a tusi territory (a traditional local chieftaincy). In 1570 (the 4th year of the Longqing reign of the Ming Dynasty), it became one of the twelve “banna” regions, with Menghun and Mengban (勐板) grouped as one, named Banna Menghun (版纳勐混). In June 1950, it was designated as Menghun District, renamed Banna Menghun in 1953, reorganized as Menghun District Office in March 1958, reverted to Menghun Township in 1987, and became Menghun Town in 2003.

Local Customs

Menghun Town (勐混镇) is home to several ethnic groups including the Dai (傣族), Hani (哈尼族), Lahu (拉祜族), and Bulang (布朗族). These communities maintain their traditional customs, cultural practices, and daily life. Visitors can experience traditional Dai crafts such as handmade paper, bamboo weaving, and pottery, as well as unique festivals like the Dai Water Splashing Festival (泼水节).

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Menghun Town (勐混镇) enjoys a subtropical humid monsoon climate with hot, rainy summers and mild, moist winters. The weather is clearly divided into wet and dry seasons, with abundant sunshine and rainfall. The average annual temperature is 19.6°C, and the average annual precipitation is 1250.8 mm. The best time to visit is from November to April when the weather is cool and ideal for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Duration

Hekai Ancient Tea Plantation

Located in Hekai Village (贺开村), this plantation spans 16,000 mu (approx. 1,067 hectares) and contains tea trees aged from 200 to over 1,400 years. It is one of the largest, densest, and best-preserved ancient tea gardens in the world.
Suggested visit duration: 2–3 hours

Menghun White Pagoda Buddhist Temple

First built by Monk Jida (基达和尚) during the Dali reign of the Tang Dynasty (777 AD), it was reconstructed in 1949 and again in 1985.
Suggested visit duration: 1–2 hours

Manzhao Village

A place to experience traditional Dai lifestyles and observe the craft of handmade paper production.
Suggested visit duration: 1–2 hours

Transportation

Self-Drive

From Kunming (昆明), take the Kunming–Mohan Expressway to Jinghong City (景洪市), then drive to Menghai County (勐海县). The total journey is about 500 kilometers and takes approximately 6 hours.

Public Transport

First travel to Jinghong City (景洪市), then transfer to a long-distance bus to Menghai County (勐海县), and finally take a local village bus or taxi to Menghun Town (勐混镇).

Local Cuisine

The cuisine of Menghun Town (勐混镇) is primarily Dai (傣族) style. Recommended dishes include:

  • Dai-style Barbecue: Grilled lemongrass fish, roasted suckling pig, etc.
  • Bamboo Tube Rice: Rice steamed in bamboo tubes, infused with a fragrant bamboo aroma.

Shopping

Local specialties include Pu’er tea (普洱茶), handicrafts, and more, which can be purchased at the local markets.

Accommodation

Menghun Town (勐混镇) has a limited number of guesthouses and inns with relatively basic conditions. For higher accommodation standards, it is recommended to stay in Jinghong City (景洪市) or Menghai County (勐海县).

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and villages.
  • When traveling in mountainous areas, protect yourself against mosquito bites and bring necessary insect repellent.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Menghun Town (勐混镇), check into a guesthouse, and visit Hekai Ancient Tea Plantation (贺开古茶园) to experience its natural beauty and tea culture.
Day 2
Visit Menghun White Pagoda Buddhist Temple (勐混大白塔佛寺) to explore its deep Buddhist heritage, then head to Manzhao Village (曼召村) to experience traditional Dai culture and crafts.
Day 3
Shop for local specialties at the town market, then conclude your trip.

Menghun Town (勐混镇) is a charming destination rich in both natural landscapes and ethnic culture. Here, you can enjoy the atmosphere of a border region and experience the traditional lifestyles of minority communities. May your journey to Menghun be memorable and fulfilling.