Xishuangbanna, China's enchanting tropical borderland
While Jinghong presents a modern, contemporary image of Xishuangbanna, visiting villages transports the traveler to a much more rustic scene. I was lucky to visit several villages, not just Dai but also Lahu. The principal town I visited in Ganlanba was Damenglong. It was a great place to enjoy a range of Dai foods, including rice cooked in bamboo tubes along with a host of barbecued snacks. The main attraction, rising three kilometers beyond the town, is the Manfeilong Pagoda dating back to the 13th century. It is accessed by a path climbing through forest and rubber plantations. On Damenglong's streets and particularly around nearby gilded temples, Buddhist monks walk around wearing lightweight saffron robes. This attire, commonly found throughout much of SE Asia, contrasts with the heavier maroon robes worn in northern Yunnan.
Xishuangbanna was so relaxing and so much fun. It was difficult to leave, but I was taken aback by so many memories for the photo album — including that "wedding" in Jinghong.
