XishuangBanna Wanda Theme Paradise
Overview
Xishuangbanna Wanda Theme Paradise (万达西双版纳国际度假区) is located in Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna Prefecture (西双版纳州), covering an area of 5.3 square kilometers. This comprehensive cultural tourism project, developed by Wanda Group (万达集团), features an amphibious theme park capable of accommodating 50,000 visitors, a cluster of three star-rated mountain resort hotels, a cultural stage show with a capacity of 1,183, a Wanda Plaza designed like a peacock feather (孔雀翎羽), a tertiary hospital, and educational facilities for kindergarten through high school. The total investment for this resort is approximately 16 billion yuan.
The project officially opened on September 26, 2015, marking Wanda’s first cultural tourism initiative.
Key Features
- Theme Park
- Dai Show Theatre (傣秀剧院)
- Wanda Plaza (万达广场)
- Tertiary Hospital
- Schools
- Bar Street (酒吧街)
- Star-rated Hotels
Project Classification
- Type: Cultural tourism project
- Category: Senior living and vacation resort
Tourism Information
Following its grand opening, Xishuangbanna Wanda Theme Paradise attracted attention from various government officials and media outlets. Notable visits include the Prime Minister of Laos, the Minister of Tourism from Queensland, Australia, and the Minister of Industry from India. The resort has also hosted popular television programs like “Running Man” (奔跑吧，兄弟) and “Accelerating Everyone” (全员加速中), along with high-profile events such as the “Tourism + Internet” summit and the first Southern Buddhist Ascension Ceremony.
The resort stands as a landmark for Yunnan’s tourism transformation and is poised to become a new representative for the region.
Regional Positioning
Jinghong City is the political, economic, and cultural center of Xishuangbanna Prefecture. It serves as a crucial hub for water, land, and air connections between Yunnan Province (云南省) and Southeast Asia and South Asia, holding significant potential for development as an information and logistics center.
The Pan-Asian high-speed railway is under construction, promising a swift journey from Kunming (昆明) to Xishuangbanna in just 2.5 hours, which will greatly facilitate the construction of the region as a strategic gateway.
Planning Structure
The resort comprises seven major functional areas: the theme park, high-end hotel cluster, Dai Show Theatre, commercial center, tertiary hospital, and a new tourist city. The layout is structured around a “core and two wings” model:
- Core: The tourism reception area, highlighted by luxurious hotels and a 260,000-square-meter central artificial lake, is the focal point of the resort.
- Wings: Divided into eastern and western zones, the eastern area focuses on residential life and supporting functions, while the western area emphasizes leisure and entertainment.
Functional Areas
Theme Park
The theme park spans 61 hectares, designed by FORREC, a globally recognized firm. It incorporates elements of Dai culture and features five themed areas: Butterfly Kingdom, Jungle Adventure, Ancient Tea Horse Road, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Water Park. The family-oriented design caters to diverse visitor needs and aims to enhance cultural tourism in the region.
Wanda Plaza
This commercial center covers 77,500 square meters and integrates shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure activities. The multi-level structure includes a supermarket, various retail shops, a cinema, and themed restaurants. The design incorporates local peacock motifs, promising a striking architectural presence in Xishuangbanna.
Dai Show Theatre
Occupying 3.64 hectares with a building area of 19,500 square meters, the theatre showcases the rich natural and cultural landscape of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities. Led by the renowned Frank DiGiacomo, known for the famous “O” show in Las Vegas, the theatre features cutting-edge design by Mark Fisher, enhancing its appeal as a top-tier performance venue.
High-End Hotel Cluster
Located on the eastern wing of the resort, the hotel cluster includes a six-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel and a four-star Hilton Garden Inn. The luxurious accommodations offer a variety of options, with 165 upscale villas nestled in lush tropical gardens.
Bar Street
Situated near the wetland park, Bar Street combines local architectural styles with modern elements, providing a unique nightlife experience in Xishuangbanna.
Tertiary Hospital
The planned tertiary hospital will serve as an ASEAN International Hospital, significantly enhancing the medical services available in the region with 500 beds and modern facilities.
Educational Facilities
The resort encompasses a complete education system with a kindergarten, primary school, and secondary school, offering high-quality education to local residents and visitors.
New Tourist City
The development of a new tourist city includes educational facilities and residential areas designed to create a harmonious living environment, blending architecture with the natural landscape.
Project Development Vision
Initiated in 2012, the resort aims to revolutionize tourism in Xishuangbanna, making it a new highlight for tropical tourism in China. With high-quality planning, construction, and facilities, the Xishuangbanna International Resort is set to become a premier destination in Southeast Asia.
Latest Updates
Xishuangbanna Wanda Theme Paradise is the third large-scale cultural tourism project by Wanda Group, following the Changbai Mountain Resort and Wuhan Central Cultural District, covering approximately 7,950 acres (about 40% of the urban area) with an investment of 16 billion yuan.
The project is now known as Sunac Wanda Xishuangbanna International Resort (融创万达西双版纳国际度假区).
How to Get There
The resort is about 6.5 kilometers from the airport, 5 kilometers from the old town, and approximately 4 kilometers from the Lancang River (澜沧江).
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Consider visiting during the dry season (October to April) for the most pleasant weather.
- Transportation: Utilize local taxis or ride-sharing apps for easy access around Jinghong.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local Dai dishes and snacks available at the Wanda Plaza.
- Cultural Etiquette: Be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting ethnic minority areas.
