Puwen Town of Jinghong City in XishuangBanna

Puwen Town (普文镇) is located in the northernmost part of Jinghong City (景洪市), bordering:

  • East: Mengwang Township (勐旺乡)
  • South: Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡)
  • West: Jingne Township (景讷乡)
  • North: Nanping Town (南屏镇) of Pu’er City (普洱市)

The town center (22°33′N, 101°23′E) is:

  • 97km from Jinghong City
  • 34km from Pu’er City
  • 530km from Kunming City
    Known as the “Northern Gateway to Banna (版纳北大门)”

Cultural History

Originally called “Dutong River (肚疼河)” after a Blang (布朗族) woman’s riverside childbirth, it was renamed Puwen. Historically under various administrations, it became part of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治区) in 1953 and was officially established as a town in 1988.

Ethnic Customs

Home to Dai (傣族), Hani (哈尼族), and Yi (彝族) minorities, 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: North subtropical plateau monsoon
  • Avg. temp: 20.2°C
  • Annual rainfall: 1,675.6mm
  • Sunshine: 1,990 hours/year
  • Best visit period: November to April (mild winters, cool summers)

Recommended Attractions

Attraction Chinese Name Duration Highlights
Manganan Buddhist Temple 曼干纳佛寺 1-2 hrs 200-year-old Theravada Buddhist site
Mansan Village 曼散村 2-3 hrs 800-year-old banyan tree, Dai traditions
Pojiao Village 坡脚村 2-3 hrs Huayao Dai culture, top-spinning games
Xishuangbanna Xianuona Coffee Co. 西双版纳夏诺纳咖啡有限公司 2-3 hrs Coffee plantation experience

Transportation

  • Self-drive: Kunming → Kunmo Expressway (昆磨高速) → Jinghong → Puwen (530km, ~6hrs)
  • Public transport: Buses/taxis from Jinghong

Food

Dai specialties:

  • Lemongrass grilled fish
  • Bamboo tube rice
  • Roasted suckling pig

Shopping

Local markets offer:

Pu’er tea (普洱茶)

Ethnic handicrafts

Accommodation

Basic guesthouses in Puwen; better hotels in Jinghong

Travel Tips

  • Respect ethnic customs (especially in temples/villages)
  • Bring mosquito repellent for mountain areas

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive → Manganan Temple
Day 2: Mansan Village → Pojiao Village
Day 3: Coffee plantation → Local market → Depart

Puwen Town blends natural beauty with rich ethnic heritage, from ancient temples to coffee plantations. Experience authentic borderland culture in this unique gateway to Xishuangbanna.

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