Menglong Town of Jinghong City in XishuangBanna
Menglong Town (勐龙镇) is located in southwestern Jinghong City (景洪市) at 21°30′N, 100°30′E, approximately 60km from the municipal government seat. It borders:
- North: Gasa Town (嘎洒镇)
- Northwest: Bulangshan Township (布朗山乡) of Menghai County (勐海县)
- Southeast: Myanmar (78.39km border)
- Proximity to Thailand and Laos
This strategic location makes it China’s closest land route to the Indochina Peninsula.
Cultural History
In Dai language, “Menglong” means “Excessive Place”, originally called “Meng’adigamalata (勐阿底嘎麻腊它)” meaning “Land of Free Living and Production”. Key historical developments:
- 1326: Established as “Menglong Route (勐隆路)”
- Seat of Menglong Chieftain (勐龙土司)
- Yuan Dynasty: Part of Cheli Prefecture (彻里府)
- Ming/Qing: Under Cheli Xuanweishi (车里宣慰使司)
- 2014: Designated as a National Key Town by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development
Ethnic Customs
Home to 20 ethnic minorities (97% of population), including:
- Dai (傣族): Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节)
- Hani (哈尼族): Gatangpa Festival (嘎汤帕节)
- Blang (布朗族) and Lahu (拉祜族)
Unique cultural features:
- Palm-leaf scripture culture (贝叶文化)
- Theravada Buddhist traditions (小乘佛教文化)
Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Climate: Subtropical monsoon
- Avg. temp: 21.4°C
- Annual rainfall: 1,400mm
- Best visit period: November to April
Recommended Attractions
| Attraction | Chinese Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menglong Martyrs’ Cemetery | 勐龙烈士陵园 | 1-2 hrs | Memorial for border defense heroes (11,957㎡) |
| Manjinglie Village | 曼景列村 | 1-2 hrs | Authentic Dai cultural experience |
| Manlongkou Village | 曼龙扣村 | 1-2 hrs | Scenic countryside landscapes |
Transportation
- Self-drive: Kunming → Kunmo Expressway (昆磨高速) → Jinghong → Menglong (~500km, ~6hrs)
- Public transport: Buses/taxis from Jinghong (~1.5hrs)
Food
Dai specialties:
- Lemongrass grilled fish
- Bamboo tube rice
- Roasted suckling pig
Shopping
Local markets offer:
- Pu’er tea (普洱茶)
- Ethnic handicrafts
- Border trade goods
Accommodation
Basic guesthouses in Menglong; better hotels in Jinghong
Travel Tips
- Respect ethnic customs (especially in villages)
- Carry border identification documents
- Prepare for tropical insects
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive → Menglong Martyrs’ Cemetery
Day 2: Manjinglie Village → Manlongkou Village
Day 3: Border market shopping → Depart
Menglong Town offers a unique borderland experience where diverse ethnic cultures meet Indochina influences. From solemn memorials to vibrant village life, discover this gateway to Southeast Asia’s rich heritage.
