Mengpeng Town of Mengla County in XishuangBanna

Mengpeng Town (勐捧镇) is located in the southwest of Mengla County (勐腊县), between 21°21′ to 21°37′ north latitude and 101°12′ to 101°29′ east longitude. It borders Mengla Town (勐腊镇) to the east, Mengman Town (勐满镇) to the south, Laos to the west, and Guanlei Town (关累镇) to the north. The town is 42 kilometers away from the county seat of Mengla.

History and Culture

The name “Mengpeng (勐捧)” originates from the Dai language and means “the place where shining demons reside.” Throughout history, Mengpeng has undergone several administrative changes: it was designated as Mengpeng District in 1949, changed to Banna Mengpeng in 1953, and became Mengpeng District again when Mengla County was established in 1958. In 1969, it was turned into a commune, reverted back to a district in 1984, and officially became Mengpeng Town in 1988.

Local Customs

Mengpeng Town is home to multiple ethnic groups, with the Dai (傣族) as the main ethnic group, along with the Hani (哈尼族), Yi (彝族), and Khmu (克木人) peoples. Each group retains its own rich cultural traditions. Celebrated festivals include the Dai’s Water Splashing Festival (泼水节) and Closing Door Festival (关门节), and the Hani’s October New Year Festival (十月年).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Mengpeng Town experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 21.5°C and average rainfall between 1600–1964 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 Time

  • Nanla River: The main river of Mengpeng with a dense water network, perfect for boat rides through the tropical rainforest. Suggested visiting time: 2–3 hours.
  • Hot Spring Village: A place to enjoy natural hot springs and relax. Suggested visiting time: 2–3 hours.
  • Mengpeng Farm: Learn about rubber planting and processing, and explore the region’s agricultural life. Suggested visiting time: 1–2 hours.

Transportation

  • By Car: From Kunming (昆明), drive along the Kunming–Mohan Expressway (昆磨高速), covering approximately 500 km, about a 6-hour drive.
  • By Public Transport: First travel to Jinghong City (景洪市), then transfer to a long-distance bus to Mengpeng Town. The journey takes about 2 hours.

Local Cuisine

Local cuisine in Mengpeng is mainly Dai-style (傣味), and recommended dishes include:

  • Dai-style BBQ: Such as lemongrass grilled fish and roasted suckling pig.
  • Sour Soup: Made with local fresh ingredients and featuring a unique sour flavor.
  • Bamboo Rice: Rice steamed in bamboo tubes, infused with a light bamboo aroma.

Shopping

Local specialties include tea, rubber products, and handicrafts, which can be found at the town’s markets.

Accommodation

There are a few simple guesthouses and homestays in Mengpeng Town. For travelers who prefer higher standards of accommodation, hotels in Jinghong City (景洪市) are recommended.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and ethnic villages.
  • When exploring the tropical rainforest, protect yourself from insects by bringing repellents and wearing appropriate clothing.
  • Stay within legal boundaries when visiting border areas and follow all border control regulations.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Mengpeng Town, check in, then visit Nanla River to experience tropical rainforest scenery.
Day 2: Head to Hot Spring Village for a relaxing bath, followed by a visit to Mengpeng Farm to learn about rubber agriculture.
Day 3: Shop for local specialties in the town market before concluding the trip.

Mengpeng Town (勐捧镇) is a place full of charm, offering both natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here, you can explore the unique lifestyle of a border town and experience the mystery of the tropical rainforest. May your journey in Mengpeng be a memorable one.