Xishuangbanna, China's enchanting tropical borderland
With so many ethnic nationalities living in and around the city, it is enlightening to visit what today is known as Sipsongpanna Nationalities Folk Customs Park. The park brings diverse groups together, illustrating architecture, costumes and cultural activities. Some nationalities are small in number, living in remote forest villages and the park provides an insight into their lives.
The Dai are the principal ethnic group in Xishuangbanna. Just over a million live across southwestern China, principally in Yunnan province, with over a third actually residing in Xishuangbanna. In Jinghong, opportunities for fun can be had at Dai village-style restaurants, where diners relaxing in bamboo huts can be invited to take part in traditional dancing or even "marriage" ceremonies.
