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Dai Nationality Garden

Introducing Dai Nationality Garden
Dai Nationality Garden is a scenic area located 28 kilometers from Xishuangbanna. Dai Nationality Garden is considered the soul of Xishuangbanna. 

Spanning 3.36 square kilometers (1.3 square miles), the garden encompasses five well-preserved Dai villages: Manjiang, Manchunman, Manzha, Manga, and Manting. Its comprehensive representation of Dai culture makes it a premier destination for experiencing the history, religion, architecture, customs, clothing, food, and daily life of this fascinating ethnic group.  

Dai Nationality Garden Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Dai Zu Yuan 傣族园
• Best Time to Visit: October to next June
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Ethnic Customs, Performances
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY 45
• Address: Ganlanba, Jinghong, Xishuangbana Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

What to expect at Dai Nationality Garden
Step into a world of vibrant green, where charming bamboo houses and ancient temple peek out from beneath a canopy of lush foliage. Here, in this haven of tranquility, you can truly immerse yourself in the rich customs and vibrant ecology of the Dai people. Experience the simplicity and beauty of their way of life, and let the peace of the garden wash over you. 

Manchunman Temple
Manchunman Buddhist Temple, the first temple built in Xishuangbanna in 583 AD, features a grand main hall called “Vihan,” a scripture hall known as “Hongtan,” and monks’ quarters named “Hongnuan,” all interconnected by elegant corridors. A gleaming golden pagoda rises prominently within the complex.

At the heart of the temple is a remarkable four-faced Buddha statue, known as the “Wish-Granting” Buddha. Each face symbolizes an essential aspect of human life: love, career, health, and wealth, and they face the four cardinal directions. Revered as one of the most sacred icons of Theravada Buddhism, this statue attracts pilgrims from near and far who come to offer prayers and seek blessings.

The Square of Water Splashing Festival
The Water Splashing Festival, also known as Songkran, is a vibrant and significant celebration for the Dai ethnic group in Xishuangbanna. Typically held in mid-April, this lively festival marks the Lunar New Year and the arrival of spring, symbolizing the cleansing of the past year’s misfortunes and welcoming new beginnings.

At the Dai Nationality Garden, the festival has become a daily event for tourists, taking place about 2-3 times a day at 13:30, 15:30, and/or 16:50 in the park’s central area. The spacious square can accommodate thousands of people and features a large, shallow circular pool with an elephant sculpture at its center. The celebration begins with a ceremonial opening, transforming into a fun splash party, and concludes with a lively dance that everyone is invited to join.

The Dai Performance
Experience the heart of Dai culture in a vibrant 40-minute performance featuring over 100 artists. Through graceful movements and intricate choreography, they’ll unveil the daily life, sacred traditions, and captivating spirit of the Dai people. Each gesture tells a story passed down through generations, accompanied by the mesmerizing melodies of traditional instruments like the hulusi and elephant-foot drum. The stage explodes with color as the performers showcase the intricate designs and vibrant hues of Dai attire.

The Peacock Garden
Step into the vibrant Peacock Garden, home to hundreds of these iconic birds. Wander the paths and discover elegant peacocks roaming freely, their extravagant tails flashing open in a mesmerizing spectacle of shimmering colors. Daily performances set to traditional music showcase their signature feather displays, revealing not only their beauty but also their cultural significance in local folklore. For a more immersive experience, join a feeding session and get up close to these regal creatures, or capture stunning photographs of them in their natural habitat.

 

How to Get to Dai Nationality Garden
• The Dai Nationality Garden is located approx. 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) southeast of Xishuangbanna.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Dai Nationality Garden.

Additional Travel Advice on Dai Nationality Garden
• Please wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to prevent UV.
• The weather is changeable. It is suggested to take an umbrella or raincoat with you.
• Please take off your shoes before entering temples.
• Don't enter the villages during the religious holidays.

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