Because Xishuangbanna is influenced by the Indian
Ocean monsoon in the south and protected by high mountains in the
east and west against the cold current, its climate is hot, rainy
and humid. The annual rainfall is between 1,200mm. and 2,000 mm.
The year is divided into dry and wet seasons and this
characteristic is very favorable for the growth of various species
of plants which accouts for one sixth of China's total. For this
reason, Xishuangbanna is called "Kingdom of Plants". In this vast
evergreen kingdom, there are huge Banyan trees, numerous exotic
plants, some with leaves in the forms of boats or umbrellas,
others with flowers like wash basins.
Mengla county is situated at the most south point
of southwest China, bordering Laos at its east, south and
southwest sides, and bordering Myanmar at its west side.
The special tropical climate here has created the
wonderful tropical rain forest scenery. Both the convenient land
and water transport produces the most convenience for developing
tourism and border trade. It has been a very popular cross border
tour route from Mengla to Lonang Namtha, Phong Sali and
Louangphrabang in Laos, as well Thailand.
Guanlei pier, which is constructed on the Lancing
River, only about 21 km from the connecting point of china,
Myanmar and Laos is known as "First Village of China", and Mohan
National Port, which is nicknamed for " Mao Zedong Road " are the
two very important land accesses to the southeast Asian Countries
from China.
It will be another unforgettable experience to
enjoy the natural scenery at the Sanchahe Forest Part in Mengla.
There is a air-pass about one kilometer long on the " looking up
to the sky tree ". Any visitor can climb obtain a good view of the
golden monkey, peacock, elephants. There is also a tourist villa
in the shape of bird nest to provide more convenience for the
passing by passengers. The elephant performance at the sanchahe
will add more memories to your Banna trip.
It is about 832 kilometers from Mengla to Kunming.
Both sleeper coach and plane are available to go there.
Xishuangbanna has 500 kinds of animals and birds,
accounting for one quarter of China's total. It is a natural zoo
where live many very rare and precious species, such as wild
elephants, wild oxen (bison), tigers, leopards, peacocks,
hornbills, gibbons, golden- haired monkey, slow lories, and
big-spotted civet cats.
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