You probably don’t think of tropical rainforests and wild elephants when someone says “China”, but Xishuangbanna has a landscape and climate that’s unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere in the Land of the Red Dragon. Bordering Myanmar and Laos, Xishuangbanna is a unique region that offers nature lovers loads to see and do. We have put together a list of our favourite parks, walks and outdoor activities to give you some ideas for your next trip!

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden

Learn about edible plants. Wander through a fern garden. Admire giant waterlilies. If you love plants, you will be in heaven at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. This plant research station was set up 60 years ago and now has more than 13,000 species of plants including a 250-hectare patch of pristine primary tropical rain forest – not found anywhere else in China. The garden is divided into 38 different Living Collections that allow you to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most exotic tropical plants. Be sure to check out the medicinal plant collection where you can discover how ethnic minorities like the Dai have been using nature’s power to heal their bodies for centuries. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden is less than 10 minutes away from Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa.