Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden is temporarily closed now because of COVID-19 [June 2021].
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden was founded in 1959 and is considered to be the best botanical garden in China. It's ranked as a 5A (highest national level) scenic attraction.
Covering an area of 11.25 square km (4.34 square miles), it's a comprehensive tropical plants institution engaged in scientific research, species preservation, and science communication.
Chinese: 中国科学院西双版纳热带植物园 Zhongguo Kexueyuan Xishuangbanna Redai Zhiwuyuan 'China Academy of Sciences Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden'
Address: XTBG, Menglun, Mengla, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, 666303, China
Popular activities: rainforest exploring, educational day tour and night tour, watching firefly swarms
Suited to: all kinds of visitors especially botany and plant enthusiasts, entomology and insect lovers, and families with children
Time needed: 3–5 hours
Want to save the fuss and get the best version of your Xishuangbanna tour ironed out quickly? Contact us and enjoy our one-stop service.
Flowers in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenWhat to Expect When Visiting Tropical Botanical Garden
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden owns a collection of more than 13,000 species of plants along with abundant species of interesting insects that would be a feast for your eyes. For example, it's the only place in China so far where Sapria Himalayana (a virtually extinct flowering root parasite) has been found.
There are different landscapes in the garden: a 250-hectare primary tropical rainforest, a southern subtropical evergreen broad-leaf forest, etc.
Map of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenSo far about 20 plots have been set up for collecting and cultivating species over a period of almost 40 years: Palm Garden, Bamboo Garden, Shade Plants and Orchid Garden, the Arboretum, the Ex Situ Conservation Collection, etc.
Tropical Botanical GardenThe Palm Garden: About 150 species of palms both local and exotic are exhibited there. It covers about 5 hectares (10 football pitches).
The Bamboo Garden is the area for collecting, conserving and studying bamboo resources. It covers about 6 hectares and now about 136 species are assembled.
The Shade Plants and Orchid Garden: More than 400 species of tropical orchids and shade plants, like ferns, aroids, and gingers, are gathered in its 1 hectare (2 football pitches).
The Arboretum: This 10-hectare area includes about 1,200 species of both Chinese and imported woody plants. Furthermore, 23 species of rattans are also clinging there, supported by trees like teaks.
The Ex Situ Conservation Collection for Rare and Endangered Plants: Inside of the tropical rainforest area, this 90-hectare area (45 city blocks) holds about 2,000 species of tropical plants including 60 nationally-protected species.
A stroll inside would be filled full with fun and knowledge. Furthermore, a night tour would also allow you to enjoy wonderful scenes, such as "constellations" beyond the waterlily pond: firefly swarms light the darkness from late April to June.
A one-night-stay inside of the garden could be a wise choice, as the quietness and harmony of the insects' chirps always brings nice dreams. It would also be convenient if you are keen to take a night tour of the garden.
Start your brilliant tour of Xishuangbanna by consulting us. Contact us and enjoy our one-stop service.
Recommended: 6-Day Xishuangbanna and Pu'er Tour
The Best Time to Go
As the weather in Xishuangbanna is good enough for touring all year round, the Tropical Botanical Garden is great for visiting any day of the year. For more information about the weather of Xishuangbanna, check out our article Best Times to Visit Banna.
If you are interested in watching firefly swarms, May is the best month.
How to Get There
The Tropical Botanical Garden is in Menglun Rural District in Mengla County, and it's about 1 hour's drive east from Jinghong. Buses that cost about 2 USD are available from Jinghong that take you to the botanical garden, but taking private transport and touring with our professional guide will save all the bus fuss.
Xishuangbanna airport is 5 km southwest of Jinghong city, so it's also about 1 hour's drive from the botanical garden. Click Xishuangbanna Travel Guide for more information about how to travel to Xishuangbanna.
Cannot wait to take off for Xishuangbanna? Contact us and enjoy our one-stop service for the best possible experience!
Tropical Botanical GardenAdmission Information for the Garden
Full-price admission: CN¥80 per person
Half-price admission: CN¥40 per person, applies to:
- Children under 1.2 meters high or aged less than 6;
- Senior citizens aged over 60;
- Disabled persons holding valid certification (ticket-free entry may be possible for those accompanying the severely disabled);
- Chinese military personnel in active service or veterans with valid certification;
- High-level talent of Yunnan Province with work permit certification may get 6 tickets free for parents, spouses, or children.
Accommodation
Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort is the only hotel inside of the garden, and the room rate is about CN¥250–1,400 per room per night. The price may be higher during the holidays.
Restaurant in the Garden
There is a Chinese restaurant beside the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort.
Touring Tropical Botanical Garden with China Highlights
As there are more than 13,000 species of plants and a diversity of interesting species of insects in the botanical garden, it may be a problem to choose what to see within a relatively brief time.
No need to rack your brains if you travel with us. We will pick the best for you to see (depending on your interests and time of visit), and your visit will always be filled with highlights. Contact us and start the planning!