Mengzhe Town of Menghai County in XishuangBanna

Mengzhe Town (勐遮镇) is located in the central-western part of Menghai County (勐海县). It borders Menghai Town (勐海镇) to the east, Menghun Town (勐混镇) to the southeast, Daluo Town (打洛镇) to the south, Xiding Township (西定乡) to the southwest and west, and Mengman Town (勐满镇) to the north. The town covers a total area of 488.45 square kilometers and is considered one of the larger valleys (坝子) in Yunnan Province (云南省).

History and Culture

Mengzhe was originally a territory governed by a local chieftain. In 1570 (the fourth year of the Longqing reign in the Ming Dynasty), it was grouped together with Jinglu (景鲁) and Mengweng (勐翁) as one of the twelve Banna (版纳). In 1953, the area was officially named Banna Mengzhe (版纳勐遮). In May 1958, it was renamed Mengzhe County (勐遮县), and in November of the same year, it was merged with Menghai County to form Mengzhe District (勐遮区). In 1987, it became Mengzhe Township (勐遮乡), and in 2003, it was upgraded to Mengzhe Town (勐遮镇).

Local Customs

Mengzhe Town is a large agricultural town with a multi-ethnic population, primarily consisting of Dai (傣族), as well as Hani (哈尼族), Blang (布朗族), and Lahu (拉祜族) peoples. Each ethnic group preserves its traditional customs and way of life. Visitors can experience vibrant ethnic festivals, such as the Water Splashing Festival (泼水节) of the Dai people.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Mengzhe Town enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, with spring-like conditions year-round, warm summers and cool winters, minimal frost, distinct dry and wet seasons, abundant sunshine, and heavy rainfall. The average annual temperature is 18.4°C, with an average annual rainfall of 1301.9 mm. 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

Manyan Buddhist Temple

A significant center for Theravāda Buddhism (上座部南传佛教) in the region. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich Buddhist culture.
Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Mengzhe Valley

As one of the largest valleys in Yunnan, it offers breathtaking pastoral scenery.
Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Manhong Village

Experience traditional Dai lifestyle and culture in a serene rural setting.
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours

Transportation

Self-Driving

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

Public Transportation

First, reach Jinghong City (景洪市), then take a long-distance bus to Menghai County (勐海县), followed by a local village bus or taxi to Mengzhe Town (勐遮镇).

Food

Mengzhe Town’s cuisine is mainly Dai-style, and recommended dishes include:

  • Dai-Style Barbecue: such as lemongrass grilled fish and roasted suckling pig
  • Bamboo Tube Rice: rice steamed in bamboo, infused with a natural bamboo aroma

Shopping

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

Accommodation

There are a few guesthouses and homestays in Mengzhe Town with basic facilities. For better accommodations, it is recommended to stay in Jinghong City (景洪市) or Menghai County (勐海县).

Travel Tips

  • Respect local ethnic customs, especially when visiting temples and traditional villages.
  • When exploring mountainous areas, protect yourself against mosquito bites by carrying appropriate repellents.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Mengzhe Town (勐遮镇), check in at a homestay, and visit Manyan Buddhist Temple (曼燕佛寺) to experience the depth of local Buddhist culture.
Day 2
Explore Mengzhe Valley (勐遮坝子) to enjoy the idyllic countryside. Then, visit Manhong Village (曼洪村) to experience traditional Dai ethnic life.
Day 3
Shop for local specialties at the market before concluding your journey.

Mengzhe Town (勐遮镇) is a charming destination that boasts both stunning natural scenery and a rich tapestry of ethnic cultures. Here, you can embrace the unique atmosphere of the borderlands and immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyles of Yunnan’s minority groups. We hope you enjoy a memorable journey in Mengzhe.