Tropical Scenery of Sixiao(Simao-Xiaomengyang) Expressway
Overview
The Sixiao (Simao-Xiaomengyang) Expressway (思小高速公路) is a highway in Yunnan Province, connecting Simao (思茅) in Pu’er City to Xiaomengyang (小勐养) in Jinghong City. It was officially opened to traffic on April 6, 2006. This eco-friendly expressway stretches through a tropical rainforest, with over 30 kilometers of the route passing through the secondary forest belt of the Xiaomengyang Nature Reserve (小勐养自然保护区). The completion of this road dramatically improved the accessibility of the region, which previously suffered from difficult travel conditions.
A Unique Expressway through Rainforest
The Sixiao Expressway is the only highway in China that traverses a national tropical rainforest nature reserve, specifically the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve (西双版纳国家级自然保护区). It also serves as the first stop of the Kunming-Bangkok Highway (昆曼公路) connecting China to Southeast Asia. Construction began on June 20, 2003, and was completed by April 6, 2006.
Scenic Drive Experience
Driving along the Sixiao Expressway is a unique experience. The dense jungle, shrouded in mist and rain, creates an atmosphere akin to wandering through a painting. As travelers drive through, they are immersed in a sea of green, with the road winding through towering trees and lush vegetation.
A Journey through a Magical Forest
The scenery along this road evokes memories of the enchanting forests depicted in Hayao Miyazaki’s animations. Passing through the tunnels of greenery, one might wonder if they are about to enter another world. And what awaits around the next beautiful curve? Perhaps an encounter with a wild elephant!
Encountering Wildlife
One of the most remarkable aspects of traveling this expressway is the possibility of encountering wild Asian elephants (亚洲象). Since the road crosses through a secondary forest belt near the famous Wild Elephant Valley (野象谷), it’s not uncommon to spot elephants along the way. What could be more magical than driving through a rainforest and seeing these majestic creatures?
Discovering More than Just Elephants
While wild elephants are a highlight, the rich biodiversity of the surrounding rainforest offers opportunities to encounter various other wildlife species. The rainforests of Xishuangbanna are home to a plethora of flora and fauna, including rare birds and small mammals, making this expressway a nature lover’s dream.
Attractions Along the Sixiao Expressway
1. Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve (西双版纳国家级自然保护区)
This vast tropical rainforest reserve is home to numerous endangered species, including wild Asian elephants. The reserve is a crucial habitat for preserving biodiversity and plays a significant role in maintaining ecological balance.
2. Wild Elephant Valley (野象谷)
Located in the southern part of Xiaomengyang Nature Reserve, Wild Elephant Valley offers a chance to observe wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Visitors can use aerial walkways and observation decks to safely view the elephants. The valley also features the Asian Elephant Museum and a school for elephant performances.
- Rating: National 4A Scenic Area
- Location: About 22 km from Jinghong City.
3. Pu’er Tea Expo Garden (中华普洱茶博览园)
Set against the backdrop of thousands of acres of eco-friendly tea plantations, this garden is a gem in the world of tea culture. Visitors can experience the tea-making process, from picking and processing to tasting various types of tea.
- Rating: National 3A Scenic Area
- Location: 29 km from Pu’er City.
4. Caiyanghe National Forest Park (菜阳河国家森林公园)
This park, located in the subtropical and tropical transitional zone, is one of the last remnants of virgin forest along the Tropic of Cancer in China. With its dense forest, interwoven rivers, cool climate, and diverse wildlife, it’s a natural wonder.
- Location: 37 km southeast of Pu’er City.
5. Jinuo Mountain (基诺山)
Jinuo Mountain is one of the six major tea mountains in Yunnan, inhabited by over 18,000 Jinuo people. In the village of Longpa (龙帕寨), you can experience the traditional lifestyle of the Jinuo ethnic group, who have lived in large thatched houses for generations.
- Location: 20 km west of Xiaomengyang and 42 km east of Menglun Town.
6. Manting Park (曼听公园)
Once the royal garden of the Dai kings, this park, also known as “Chunhuan” or “Soul Garden,” blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. It showcases the cultures of the Dai royal family, Buddhism, and Dai folk customs.
- Rating: National 4A Scenic Area
- Location: 2 km southeast of Jinghong City.
Culinary Delights Along the Expressway
While enjoying the stunning scenery, don’t forget to indulge in the local delicacies along the route:
- Roasted Fish (烤鱼): A favorite among locals, this dish is grilled to perfection.
- Bamboo Tube Rice (竹筒饭): Sticky rice steamed inside a bamboo tube, a unique Dai cuisine.
- Banana Blossom Salad (芭蕉花沙拉): A refreshing and flavorful dish made from banana flowers.
- Fried Bee Larvae (油炸蜂蛹): A crispy and nutritious snack, popular in this region.
- Lemon Jelly (柠檬凉粉): A cooling dessert made from lemon and jelly, perfect for the tropical heat.
How to Get There
The Sixiao Expressway begins in Simao (思茅) District of Pu’er City and ends at Xiaomengyang (小勐养) in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna. If you are flying into the region, you can take a flight to either Pu’er Airport (思茅机场) or Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (西双版纳嘎洒机场). From there, you can easily rent a car or take a bus to access the expressway.
- From Kunming: Drive via the Kunming-Mohan Highway (昆曼公路) to reach Simao.
- By Public Transport: Regular buses operate between major cities like Kunming, Pu’er, and Jinghong. Once you arrive in either Pu’er or Jinghong, taxis or buses can take you to the expressway entry points.
Travel Tips
- Wildlife Encounters: Keep a safe distance if you encounter wild elephants. Do not approach or feed them.
- Rest Stops: The expressway has well-maintained service areas where you can rest, refuel, and enjoy the view.
- Weather: The tropical rainforest climate means rain is frequent. Make sure to check weather conditions before setting out, especially during the rainy season (May to October).
- Photography: There are many scenic viewpoints along the road, so don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking rainforest landscapes.
The Sixiao Expressway is more than just a road—it’s an immersive journey through one of China’s most stunning and biodiverse regions, offering encounters with wildlife, cultural heritage, and the untouched beauty of the tropical rainforest.
