Jinghong Attractions
Jinghong lies on the Lancangjiang (Mekong) in the south of Yunnan Province, on the border with Myanmar (Burma).
Jinghong has a rich folk tradition and is the capital of the autonomous district of Xishuangbanna, whose inhabitants consist predominantly of Dai (45 per cent of the population), as well as other ethnic groups (Hani, Bulang, Jinuo,Yi, etc). The Dai's traditional dwellings are built on stilts.
Although Buddhism was very widespread here and there were many temples and pagodas, very little has been preserved.
Jinghong has a rich folk tradition and is the capital of the autonomous district of Xishuangbanna, whose inhabitants consist predominantly of Dai (45 per cent of the population), as well as other ethnic groups (Hani, Bulang, Jinuo,Yi, etc). The Dai's traditional dwellings are built on stilts.
Although Buddhism was very widespread here and there were many temples and pagodas, very little has been preserved.
Xishuangbanna Ziran Baohuqu
The nature reserve of Xishuangbanna Ziran Baohuqu surrounds Jinghong and stretches over an area of more than 200,000ha/770sq.mi as far as the borders with Laos and Myanmar (Burma). It is the largest in China and enjoys a completely balanced ecosystem. A notable feature of this nature reserve is the tropical rain forest in which rare plants, such as the podocarpus and the cyatheaceae, flourish. The reserve also offers the perfect habitat for many species of animals, e.g. elephants, tigers, gibbons.
White Pagoda of Damenglong
The 16m/52ft high White Pagoda of Damenglong (50km/31mi south of Jinghong) was built in 1204 in honor of Shakyamuni Buddha and is surrounded by eight 9m/30ft high stupas. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful Buddhist buildings in the region. The base for the building is furnished by a large rock with an indentation which resembles a giant's footprint. According to tradition it was left behind by Shakyamuni.
Octagonal Pavilion of Jingzhen
The Octagonal Pavilion of Jingzhen is at least 15m/49ft high and stands some 50km/31mi west of the city, 14km/9mi west of the village of Menghai on Jingzhenshan Mountain. The building, which was constructed in 1701, consists of three parts: the brick base, the middle section, also made of bricks, the walls of which are decorated with colorful glass patterns, and the conical wooden roof, which is supposed to have been adapted from a head-covering of Buddha. The architectural style evinces well-defined Buddhist influences.
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