Mengman Village of Dadugang Town in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna
Mengman Villager Group (勐满村民小组) is located in Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡), Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is situated in a basin area in the southern part of Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡), approximately 300 meters from the township government and about 53 kilometers from the county seat of Mengla (勐腊县). The area boasts convenient transportation, with paved roads running through the entire village.
History and Culture
Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡) has a long history. During the Qing Dynasty, it was known as “Tatu Kan (塔土坎)”, later phonetically refined to “Dadugang (大渡岗).” Historically, Mengman (勐满) was under the jurisdiction of Zhaoha Mengman (召哈勐满) within the Mengpeng Tusi (勐捧土司) system. In 1953, the name was changed to Mengman Township (勐满乡) and placed under the administrative oversight of the Banna Mengyang Zhengnuo Office (版纳勐养整糯办事处). In 1984, due to the relocation of the village office to Dahuangba (大荒坝), it was renamed Dahuangba Township (大荒坝乡), and in 1988 it became Dahuangba Village Office (大荒坝村公所), under Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡). In 2000, it was officially renamed Dahuangba Villagers’ Committee (大荒坝村民委员会).
Folk Customs
Mengman Villager Group (勐满村民小组) is home to multiple ethnic minorities, including the Dai (傣族), Hani (哈尼族), and Blang (布朗族) peoples, creating a rich tapestry of ethnic culture. Traditional Dai festivals such as the Water Splashing Festival (泼水节) are still widely celebrated. Visitors can enjoy traditional Dai dances, music, and handicrafts.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡) experiences a subtropical monsoon humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 17.5°C and annual precipitation of 1,600–1,900 mm. The area receives 1,382.5 hours of sunshine per year. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor activities.
Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time
Dadugang Ten-Thousand-Mu Tea Plantation: One of the world’s largest contiguous tea plantations, where visitors can experience tea picking and tea making while enjoying the scenic tea fields. Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours.
Traditional Dai Dwellings in Mengman Village: Walk through village trails and admire the stilted wooden houses unique to the Dai people. Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours.
Transportation
From Jinghong City (景洪市), take the highway to Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡), then continue to Mengman Villager Group (勐满村民小组). The total distance is approximately 65 kilometers. Local village buses or taxis are available.
Local Cuisine
The cuisine of Mengman Villager Group (勐满村民小组) is characterized by Dai-style dishes. Recommended specialties include:
Lemongrass Grilled Fish (香茅草烤鱼): Aromatic grilled fish infused with lemongrass flavor.
Bamboo Tube Rice (竹筒饭): Rice steamed in bamboo tubes, carrying the natural fragrance of bamboo.
Shopping
Local specialties such as Pu’er tea (普洱茶) and handcrafted items can be found at nearby markets.
Accommodation
Mengman Villager Group (勐满村民小组) offers a limited number of guesthouses and homestays with basic amenities. For travelers with higher accommodation standards, hotels in Jinghong City (景洪市) are recommended.
Travel Tips
- Respect local ethnic customs, especially when visiting villages.
- When touring mountainous areas, be mindful of insect bites and bring necessary protective gear.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Mengman Villager Group (勐满村民小组), check in to a homestay, then head to Dadugang Tea Plantation (大渡岗万亩茶园) to experience tea harvesting and processing.
Day 2: Stroll through the village to appreciate traditional Dai houses.
Day 3: Shop for local specialties at the market, then conclude your trip.
Mengman Villager Group (勐满村民小组) is a captivating destination featuring both rich natural landscapes and distinctive ethnic cultures. Here, you can immerse yourself in the borderland atmosphere and experience the traditional lifestyle of minority communities. May your time in Mengman be a memorable and enriching journey.