Starlight Night Market

Starlight Night Market is one of Xishuangbanna's newer attractions, located in the southern plaza of the Dajinta Temple and along the east and west streets of the square. This market, part of the Gaozhuang Xishuangjing tourist area, typically opens around 6 or 7 PM and stays lively until midnight. The market offers a variety of local delicacies, Southeast Asian snacks, unique handicrafts, ethnic clothing, and gemstone jewelry. Besides food and shopping, the night market provides an immersive cultural experience.
 

Basic Information

• Location: Situated within the Gaozhuang Xishuangjing Scenic Area in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It lies beside the scenic Lancang (Mekong) River, just a short drive or bus ride from downtown Jinghong.
• Scale: Known as one of the largest open-air night markets in Asia, Starlight Night Market covers an impressive 530,000 square meters in total, with 90,000 square meters of effective visitor area. The market houses nearly 3,000 stalls and provides over 6,000 job opportunities, making it a vibrant hub for tourism, commerce, and culture.
• Opening Hours: The market typically opens around 6:00 PM and stays bustling until midnight (some areas operate until 12:30 AM). The best visiting time is in the evening when the lights come on and the market reaches its liveliest atmosphere. A 2–3 hour visit is recommended to fully experience its charm.

Market Layout

Starlight Night Market is nestled at the foot of the Dajinta Temple in Jinghong, adjacent to the Lancang River, and is divided into six distinct areas:

1. Golden Pagoda Area: The market centers around the Dajinta Temple, with the red-brick area in front of the pagoda known as the Red Brick Zone. The long streets on the east and west sides of this zone make up the Ganbai Shopping Area.
   
2. Starlight Night Market Zone: Standing in the Red Brick Zone, you'll see thousands of stalls illuminated like stars, which is how the Starlight Night Market got its name.

3. Food Zone: Surrounding the main market area is a curved road, known as the Food Zone. This area is situated along the Lancang River, offering a scenic backdrop for dining.

4. Dance and Music Area: To the south of the Food Zone, there's a bridge leading to the famous Six Nations Water Market, which features a lively music and dance area where traditional "Dai Disco" takes place.

Highlights and Features

1. Southeast Asian Cultural Experience

Starlight Night Market is themed around Southeast Asian culture, blending elements from China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its architecture, decorations, and performances all exude an exotic tropical charm. The Golden Pagoda Temple and the elephant sculptures are among the most iconic landmarks and popular photo spots, offering visitors a sense of stepping into a multicultural wonderland.

2. Food Paradise

The market is a culinary heaven offering a dazzling range of Southeast Asian and Dai-style delicacies. Popular dishes include Dai-style pickled chicken feet, lemongrass-grilled fish, pineapple rice, Laotian iced coffee, and Thai mango sticky rice. You can also find tropical fruits, fresh juices, and all kinds of street snacks from both China and neighboring countries — perfect for adventurous foodies seeking bold flavors and aromatic spices.

3. Shopping and Handicrafts

With nearly 3,000 stalls and 300 specialty shops, the night market is a shopper’s paradise. It sells a wide variety of ethnic clothing, handmade crafts, and souvenirs such as paper lanterns, Bodhi leaf carvings, and Dai brocade (Daijin). Many items are handcrafted by local artisans, reflecting the unique traditions and artistry of the region. Visitors are welcome to bargain with the vendors, making shopping here both interactive and fun.

4. Cultural Performances and Entertainment

The market features over ten performance areas, hosting a rich array of folk dances, musical shows, and interactive cultural activities. Visitors can enjoy Dai-style dance performances, live Southeast Asian music, and even participate in “Dai Disco” — a joyful open-air dance that brings together locals and tourists alike. On special evenings, there are bonfire parties and firework shows, creating a festive and lively atmosphere.

5. Six Nations Water Market

One of the most distinctive highlights of the Starlight Night Market is the Six Nations Water Market, where visitors can ride small boats along the illuminated river channels. From the boat, you can admire the glowing lights, listen to traditional music echoing over the water, and enjoy the novelty of shopping from boat vendors. The water market perfectly combines sightseeing, shopping, and cultural immersion, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in Xishuangbanna.
 

Things to Do at Starlight Night Market

1. Taste Local Delicacies: The night market is filled with a variety of snacks, such as Dai-style sour vermicelli, Dai-style preserved chicken feet, lemongrass grilled fish, pineapple rice, and roasted beef. These treats offer a taste of the local culinary culture.

2. Shop for Handicrafts: The market features handicrafts and ethnic clothing from Yunnan, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, making it a perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs.

3. Photography Spots: The night market is beautifully lit, making it an ideal spot for photography. The Golden Pagoda area, in particular, offers stunning views both day and night.

4. Experience Ethnic Costumes: Visitors can rent traditional Dai or Hani costumes at the market and take photos in these vibrant outfits.

5. Enjoy Performances: The nearby Six Nations Water Market often hosts traditional music and dance performances, offering a glimpse into Xishuangbanna’s rich minority cultures.

Suggested Itinerary

1. Start at the East Ganbai Area: Begin your visit by strolling west from the East Ganbai Area to the Red Brick Zone. Here, take the opportunity to snap photos and then head up the steps to visit the Golden Pagoda. Admission is 30 CNY per person.

2. Explore the West Ganbai Area: After touring the pagoda, return to the Red Brick Zone and continue westward to explore the West Ganbai Area.

3. Riverside Stroll: Walk to the end of the market and through the alleys, heading east along the riverside path. Enjoy the scenic views while taking photos before returning to the Starlight Night Market to browse the stalls.

4. Food and Night Views: After exploring the market, follow the outer ring of the Food Zone from west to east. Here, you’ll find popular street foods from across China and Southeast Asia. After enjoying the food, cross the bridge for a different perspective of the market and to admire the night views of the Lancang River.

5. Six Nations Water Market: End your night at the Six Nations Water Market and the Funsix Music Stage, where you can experience the local "Dai Disco." Entry is 58 CNY per person. After enjoying the performances, head back to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

How to Get There:

- From City Center: Take the Jinghong K1 bus to the Gaozhuang Xishuangjing (Starlight Night Market) stop and walk 77 meters to the market. Alternatively, take the Jinghong 4 bus to the Gaozhuang Xishuangjing stop and walk 529 meters, or take the Jinghong Z21 bus to the same stop and walk 625 meters.

- From Local Airport/Train Station: From Gasa International Airport or Xishuangbanna Railway Station, take the Jinghong 4 bus to the Gaozhuang Xishuangjing stop and walk 529 meters to the market.

Travel Tips

· Best Visiting Time: Between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, when the market is at its most vibrant, with dazzling lights, bustling crowds, and lively performances.

· What to Wear: Choose light, comfortable clothing, as the weather in Jinghong remains warm throughout the year. You can also rent or wear traditional ethnic costumes, such as Dai skirts or handmade straw hats, for photos — an excellent way to blend into the local vibe.

· Safety and Etiquette: The market can be quite crowded at night, so keep an eye on your personal belongings. When tasting local food, note that some dishes are spicy or sour, so sample moderately. When shopping, it’s acceptable to negotiate prices, but always do so politely.