The tropical region of Xishuangbanna, in the far south of Yunnan, resembles its neighbors, Myanmar and Laos, more than dynamic modern China. Jinghong, its sleepy capital, was founded in the 12th century by the Dai warlord Dazhen. It is today an incongruous mix of concrete architecture and palm-lined streets. With an attractively torpid pace of life, it is an ideal introduction to the region and its indigenous Dai culture.

Manting Wat, situated southeast of the city center, is Xishuangbanna’s largest Buddhist temple. Built entirely of wood and raised off the ground on stilts, it has a simple interior, with vivid frescoes illustrating Buddhist themes. Next door is a school where Dai boys learn Buddhist lore. Behind the temple, Chunhuan Park, once the quarters for royal slaves, is a lush place with numerous resident peacocks. There are several paths leading across the tiny river to replicas of temples and pagodas. A shop here sells live fish for people to release into the river and thus gain merit.

Located in the west of city, off Jinghong Xi Lu, is the lovely Tropical Flower & Plant Garden, a must-see for anyone interested in the incredibly diverse flora of the region. It is bursting with a wealth of tropical plants — over 1,000 species - quite a few with labels in English. In the early afternoon, tour groups are entertained by vibrant displays of traditional Dai dancing. A prominent statue of Zhou Enlai commemorates a summit he held here with the Burmese leader U Nu in 1961 to defuse border tensions.

Tropical Flower & Plant Garden, located 30 km southeast of Jinghong, Ganlanba makes a good base for exploring the surrounding area. In the southeast of city, the Dai Minority Park is a collection of refurbished Dai villages, with traditional bamboo and wood houses raised on stilts. Near the park’s center stands the 700-year old, gilded Wat Ben Pagoda. The city’s main attraction, however, is its picturesque setting in lush jungle beside the Mekong River. Several cafes here offer advice on walks and bike rental.

The popular Sanchahe Elephant Reserve, 50 km north of Jinghong, is home to a herd of 50-or-so wild elephants. Visitors are not allowed to wander off the paths without a guide. Raised treetop walkways allow for observing the wild elephants, while a chairlift provides a real bird’s-eye view. Near the southern entrance is a bird and butterfly zoo. The reserve’s frequent elephant displays are best avoided, since the animals are coaxed into performing with spears.

A visit to Banla Village, 38 km west of Jinghong, is the most accessible way to experience Hani culture (one of the four subgroups of Xishuangbanna Dai). The village is attractive with typical Dai houses overlooking rice terraces and tea plantations. Besides dance recitals held at the village hall, visitors can also see the distinctive Hani dress, with embroidered tunics, silver breastplates, and ornate headdresses.