Tropical Botanical Garden

​​Overview​​

​Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), a nationally recognized AAAAA-rated tourist attraction in Menglun Town, Yunnan, is a crown jewel of tropical biodiversity. Founded in 1959 by botanist Cai Xitao, it serves as a "Noah’s Ark" for endangered plants and a global hub for tropical research.

​​Key Features​​

1. ​​Biodiversity & Conservation​​

   • ​​13,000+ plant species​​, including rare orchids, palms, and the ​​Victoria Water Lily​​ (blooms at night).
   • ​​250 sq km preserved rainforest​​ with ancient trees like strangler figs and ​​Pellacalyx yunnanensis​​.
   • ​​38 specialized zones​​, including ​​Banyan Garden​​, ​​Vine Garden​​, and ​​Aquatic Plant Garden​​.

2. ​​Research & Education​​

   • Operated by the ​​Chinese Academy of Sciences​​, hosting ​​698+ research projects​​ on tropical ecosystems.
   • ​​Field stations​​ and ​​arboretums​​ for studying climate-resilient species.

3. ​​Visitor Experience​​

   • ​​Must-see spots​​:
     • ​​Shudu Lake​​ (mirror-like waters reflecting rainforest).
     • ​​Green Stone Forest​​ (hiking trails through karst formations).
     • ​​Ethnic Culture​​: Nearby Dai and Hani villages offer traditional crafts and festivals.
   • ​​Activities​​: Guided tours, electric shuttle rides, and seasonal events like the ​​Water-Splashing Festival​​.

​​Practical Information​​

• ​​Best Time to Visit​​: ​​November–April​​ (dry season with lush foliage).
• ​​Tickets​​: ​​CNY 80​​ (adults), ​​CNY 40​​ (children).
• ​​Transport​​:
  • ​​From Kunming​​: 1-hour flight to ​​Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport​​, then 1-hour drive.
  • ​​From Jinghong​​: 1.5-hour bus ride (CNY 30–50).

​​Sustainability Efforts​​

• ​​Eco-tourism​​: Solar-powered shuttles and waste recycling programs.
• ​​Community Engagement​​: Collaborates with local tribes to promote ​​agroforestry​​.

XTBG is a ​​living laboratory​​ where science, culture, and nature converge—offering awe-inspiring landscapes and cutting-edge conservation insights.