"ecological-forest museum" (kmtrip.net)Xishuangbanna―with its unique climate, location and three areas under its jurisdiction, Jinghong, Mengla and Menghai―is inhabited by more than 10 minority groups, including the Dai, Hani, Lahu, Bulang and Wa. The area, famous for its fantastic landscape and varied, colorful ethnic customs, is so beautiful that it might well be from the pages of a fairy tale.
A Site to Behold!
Xishuangbanna is located in Yunnan Province, in the border area of southwestern China. The area, often referred to as the only "bright-green pearl" in the desert area, is characterized by its unique natural landscape. It has also been called the "kingdom of animals and plants," "species' gene-center" and the "ecological-forest museum."
Situated in the sub-tropical monsoon area of China, Xishuangbanna is picturesque, and filled with ancient trees and beautiful flowers, where live more than 5,000 plants and 600-plus vertebrates living on land.
Due to the pleasant weather and favorable ecological environment, Xishuangbanna has become a paradise for animals and plants. Looking around when strolling through the vast "kingdom," one no doubt will be amazed by the wonders of nature: The 70- to 80-meter Towering Tree is the "giant in the forest;" the 1,000-year-old-trees are valuable "living fossils;" and interlaced old vines block the sunlight.
peacocks (jsdj.com)
The area's fine collection of exotic flowers and rare herbs and animals has attracted numerous tourists. While enjoying the wonderful view, one may feel as if he/she is entering a wonderland surrounded by lofty, ancient trees, colorful flowers and murmuring streams. Tourists occasionally meet some "non-natives," such as South Asian tigers, leopards, golden monkeys, Asian elephants, and blue and green peacocks. Among the numerous attractions, a wild elephant is particularly eye-catching.
In "wild-elephant valley," one may appreciate the clever animals' joyful dances, which are accompanied by melodious Dai tunes; the incredible show of an elephant massaging its trainer; and the breathtaking performance of one of the huge animals stepping on a local man. If a spectator is lucky, he/she will feast his/her eyes on a fantastic view at dusk―a group of wild elephants enjoying themselves as they drink, spray and play with water, all the while they swing their long noses.
Bamboo-stilt House with Distinct Features
bamboo-stilt houses (jsdj.com)Xishuangbanna is also highly regarded for its culture―such as the gorgeous dresses and adornments; the peculiar civilian residential housing; and the renowned historical Buddhist sites, which reveal the unique historical and cultural features, and traditional customs, of local minorities. The culture adds special charm to the region's picturesque scenery.
For generations, the Dai have lived in two-storey, bamboo-stilt houses. The upper floor contains the bedrooms, kitchen and balconies; the ground floor, houses poultry and domestic animals. Barely discernible in the shadows of trees, the beautifully structured homes are a perfect delight to the eyes, with their various lively patterns―such as elephants, peacocks and flowers―engraved on its pillars and railings.
Now, the traditional bamboo-stilt houses are rare, as modern building materials have replaced the previously used materials. Although buildings of posts and concrete structures can be found everywhere, the Dais still call them "bamboo-stilt houses." The bamboo-stilt houses of the Hani, Bulang and some other minorities are similar, while the Jinuos' ancient long house has the highest reputation, as it may contain more than 100 people in a patriarchal family.
(Source: Women of China English Monthly December 2005)
