Xishuangbanna is in the deep south of Yunnan, next to the Myanmar and Lao borders.
Xishuangbanna is the home of the Dai people, who share their land with many unique species of plant and animal life.
The region has a wet and a dry season. The rainy season is between June and August, when it rains almost every day. From September to February there is less rainfall, but thick fog descends during the late evening and early morning.
The capital of the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomus Prefecture is Jinghong. It has become a major tourist destination for Chinese holidaymakers. More like an upland southeast Asian city than a Chinese one, tourists have discover that they can spend their holidays in an exotic tropical location within their own country.
Jinhong is the ideal base for explorations further afield in Xishuangbanna. It is located on the southwest band of the Mekong River, which flows towards Laos and Thailand. Although it is growing, is still possible to walk almost anywhere within the city. Bicycles are an excellent way to get around and to explore villages along the Mekong River.
The Water-Splashing Festival, held around mid-april every year, is a very famous event. During this days, it would be wise to book a hotel well in advance as accommodation is at a premium. The first day of the festival is devoted to a giant market. The second day features dragon-boat and swimming racing. The third the Dai people splash water to each other as a token of good wishes.
