Mengyang Town of Jinghong City in XishuangBanna
Mengyang Town (勐养镇) is located in the central-northern part of Jinghong City (景洪市), 15km from the municipal government seat. It borders:
- East: Jinuo Ethnic Township (基诺族乡) and Xiangming Township (象明乡) of Mengla County (勐腊县)
- South: YunJinghong Subdistrict (允景洪街道办事处)
- North: Jingne Township (景讷乡) and Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡)
- West: Mengsong Township (勐宋乡) of Menghai County (勐海县) across the river
Total area: 688.5 km²
Cultural History
In Dai language, “Mengyang” means “Land of Mandarin Ducks (鸳鸯坝地方)”. Historical records show it was named Mengyang in 1570 during the Ming Dynasty, belonging to Banna Jinghong (版纳景洪). Incorporated into Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州) in 1953, it officially became a town in 1988.
Ethnic Customs
Home to Dai (傣族), Hani (哈尼族), and Yi (彝族) ethnic groups, featuring:
Festivals:
- Dai Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节)
- Yi Torch Festival (火把节)
- Hani Gatangpa Festival (嘎汤帕节)
Unique Cultures:
- Coffee cultivation traditions
- Huayao Dai (花腰傣) culture
Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Climate: Subtropical
- Avg. temp: 20.5°C (max 38.9°C, min 1.4°C)
- Annual rainfall: 1,600mm
- Best visit period: November to April
Recommended Attractions
| Attraction | Chinese Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manzhang Village | 曼掌村 | 1-2 hrs | 500-year-old Dai village with preserved traditions |
| Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley | 西双版纳野象谷 | 3-4 hrs | 4A scenic area, China’s largest Asian elephant habitat |
| Mannazhuang Village Committee | 曼纳庄村委会 | 1-2 hrs | Authentic Dai lifestyle experience |
Transportation
- Self-drive: Kunming → Kunmo Expressway (昆磨高速) → Jinghong → Mengyang (~500km, ~6hrs)
- Public transport: Buses/taxis from Jinghong (30 mins)
Food
Dai specialties:
- Lemongrass grilled fish (香茅草烤鱼)
- Bamboo tube rice (竹筒饭)
- Roasted suckling pig (烤乳猪)
Shopping
Local markets offer:
- Pu’er tea (普洱茶)
- Ethnic handicrafts
Accommodation
Basic guesthouses in Mengyang; better hotels in Jinghong
Travel Tips
- Respect ethnic customs (especially in temples/villages)
- Bring mosquito repellent for forest areas
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive → Manzhang Village (Dai culture)
Day 2: Wild Elephant Valley (rainforest & elephants)
Day 3: Local market shopping → Depart
Mengyang Town combines natural wonders with vibrant ethnic traditions, from elephant encounters to ancient Dai villages. Experience authentic Xishuangbanna culture in this charming border town.
