位于云南省的西双版纳，是一个集自然和神奇于一身的地方。西双版纳在古代傣语中意为“勐巴拉那西”，意思是“理想而神奇的乐土”，这里以神奇的热带雨林自然景观和少数民族风情而闻名于世，是中国的热点旅游城市之一。每年4月中旬举行的泼水节，更是吸引了众多国内外的游客参与。由于独特的地理位置，使得西双版纳终年温暖，四季常青，拥有着广阔的亚热带雨林和丰富的野生动物。走进西双版纳，就能领略到大自然的无限美好风光。
In the language of Dai ethnic group, Xishuangbanna means "a land of magic and dreams." And when it comes to tourism, this autonomous prefecture in China's Yunnan province lives very much up to its name.
The prefecture is one of China's most popular travel destinations in winter and teems with tourists seeking a warm and humid climate. With an average year-round temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius, Xishuangbanna is home to expansive subtropical rainforests and wild animals such as elephants and peacocks.
Yexianggu or wild elephant valley is among the must-see sights in Xishuangbanna. Elephants roam freely in the dense forest where tourists are transported in golf carts to observe the habitats of various wild animals.
The Xishuangbanna primeval forest park is another stop for visitors with an adventurous spirit. The park combines wildlife exhibitions, including a peacock-breeding base and monkey training center with presentations of exotic minority culture in forms of stage performances by local Dai people and ethnic food, all compacted in a natural rainforest.
In addition to its rich wild life, Xishuangbanna is also known as a destination for its religious influence. Bordering Myanmar to the southwest and Laos to the southeast, the prefecture has more than 500 Buddhist temples and pagodas scattered across its mountainous landscape. They serve as the venue where local Dai ethnic people gather for traditional celebrations like the Water Splash Festival and Dai ethnic minority New Year.
Xishuangbanna is about a nine-hour drive from Kunming, capital city of Yunnan Province. The prefecture also has an airport with routes between major Chinese cities as well as cities in Myanmar and Laos. Tourists have a diversified choice in terms of souvenirs, some of the most sought-after items being Dai ethnic accessories, handcrafts and rare medicinal herbs.
