Xishuangbanna Tropical Plants Garden

Xishuangbanna Tropical Plants Garden (Chinese name: 西双版纳热带植物园) was built in 1959, is the biggest and richest botanical garden in China nowadays. Since 1996, this garden combined with former Kunming Ecological Research Institute, formed an independent research institution attached to Chinese Academy of Science. With the time goes by, it becomes a comprehensive garden that combined research, preservation and education of tropical plants together. 

Xishuangbanna Tropical Plants Garden has established relationship with over 50 counties worldwide, and its international influence moves up gradually. Now, it is the National Education Base of Science and the National Tourism Spot.

Visiting the Entire Garden

The botanical garden covers over 1,100 hectares and is divided into two main visiting sections: the West Garden and the East Garden (Green Stone Forest).

• West Garden is the main tourist area, covering around 300 hectares and offering well-designed themed zones.
• East Garden includes the 225-hectare Green Stone Forest and 90 hectares of tropical ravine rainforest. Only part of this area is open to the public.

Because the garden is extremely large, walking only may take up to two full days. Taking the sightseeing shuttle bus is highly recommended.
 

Suggested Visiting Time

• West Garden: 5 shuttle stops, about 2.5 hours to visit.
• East Garden: 2 shuttle stops (Rainforest and Green Stone Forest), requires walking inside; about 2.5 hours.
• Entire Garden: visiting both zones usually takes 4–5 hours.

Main Attractions and Activities

West Garden (Best for families, photography lovers & educational trips)

Rare Flowers and Exotic Plants Garden: Discover fascinating species such as jade vine, balloon vine, dancing grass, and carnivorous plants.

Palm Garden: A tropical landscape featuring a wide variety of palm species—great for photos.

Banyan Garden: Witness the spectacular “forest formed by one tree” phenomenon and learn about aerial roots and strangler figs.

Aquatic Plants Garden: Experience the fun of sitting on a giant Victoria water lily (seasonal, best from July to August).

Hundred Flowers Garden: Enjoy blooming flowers year-round and visit popular photo spots like the hot-air balloon decorations and the “Lonely Tree”.

Celebrities’ Trees Garden: See trees planted by famous figures such as Prince Philip and Professor Cai Xitao, and learn the stories behind them.

East Garden (Best for hiking & exploring primitive rainforest)

Green Stone Forest Scenic Area: Walk through a landscape where stone formations meet rainforest. Highlights include the “Tree Waterfall” and the Wangjiang Pavilion overlook.

Tropical Rainforest Scenic Area: Observe typical rainforest features such as buttress roots, strangler figs, and the towering Wangtianshu trees—an immersive primitive jungle experience.

Special Experiences

Hot-Air Balloon Ride: Available near the West Gate entrance, offering panoramic views of the garden.

Night Tour (reservation required): Join a guided night walk to see fireflies, giant geckos, stick insects, and other nocturnal creatures.

Educational Programs: Participate in plant-identification activities, rainforest ecosystem learning, and hands-on workshops—great for families and plant lovers.

Entrance Information

There are three entrances:

West Gate
(On the Kunming–Thailand Highway, about 1.8 km before entering Menglun Town)
Hours: 8:00–18:00

Suspension Bridge Gate
(Near the riverside of Menglun Town)
Hours: 7:30–18:30

East Gate
(About 5 km past Menglun Town toward Mengla) – Mainly for hotel guests and official access.

Tickets & Shuttle Bus Fees

Entrance Ticket: 80 RMB per adult

Shuttle Bus:

West Garden Only: 50 RMB/person

East Garden Only: 50 RMB/person

Entire Garden (West + East): 100 RMB/person

Shuttle Service Hours: 8:00–18:00

Shuttle Bus Routes

1. West Garden Route

West Gate → Shade Plants Garden (walk to Aquatic Plants Garden, Palm Garden, Banyan Garden) → Rare Flowers & Exotic Plants Garden (snacks/rest) → Maze Garden → Bougainvillea Station → Arboretum (walk to Celebrities’ Trees & National Flowers Garden) → Hundred Fruits Garden (restaurant available) → Vine Garden → Vine House (snacks/rest) → Transfer Station → Return to West Gate

2. East Garden Route

Hundred Fruits Garden or Transfer Station → Green Stone Forest Visitor Center (walk inside Green Stone Forest) → Green Stone Forest Station → Rainforest Station (walk inside Rainforest) → Rainforest Station → Return to West Gate

Note: Routes may change during peak seasons.

Travel Tips

The East Garden is more primitive—wear long sleeves and pants, bring water and snacks, and follow boardwalk signs carefully.

Some plants are poisonous—avoid touching or picking unfamiliar species.

If you get tired, head to Menglun Restaurant in the West Garden (around 40 RMB per person).
Recommended dishes:

Pineapple rice – sweet and fragrant

Lemongrass grilled fish – crispy on the outside, tender and aromatic inside

What to Wear

Light, breathable clothing + a thin jacket for morning/evening temperature changes

Long sleeves & pants recommended (mosquito protection)

Comfortable walking shoes

What to Bring

Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, mosquito repellent, umbrella or raincoat, portable charger, camera.

How to Get There

From Xishuangbanna Bus Station (North Station), you can take a bus to Menglun, departing every 20 minutes. The bus stops at the West Gate of the botanical garden.

However, as attractions in Xishuangbanna are quite scattered, the most convenient way to explore them is by booking a private car or joining a guided tour, especially if you plan to visit multiple scenic spots in a single day.