Tropical Scenery of Sixiao(Simao-Xiaomengyang) Expressway

The Sixiao (Simao–Xiaomengyang) Expressway (思小高速公路) is located in Yunnan Province (云南省), connecting Simao (思茅) in Pu’er City (普洱市) with Xiaomengyang (小勐养) in Jinghong City (景洪市). Officially opened on April 6, 2006, this eco-friendly expressway runs through a tropical rainforest, with over 30 kilometers crossing the secondary forest belt of the Xiaomengyang Nature Reserve (小勐养自然保护区). It has greatly improved regional accessibility, replacing the previously challenging travel conditions.

A Unique Expressway through Rainforest

The Sixiao Expressway is the only highway in China to traverse a national tropical rainforest nature reserve—the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve (西双版纳国家级自然保护区). It also marks the first section of the Kunming–Bangkok Highway (昆曼公路), a key route linking China to Southeast Asia. Construction began on June 20, 2003, and was completed by April 6, 2006.

Scenic Drive Experience

Traveling along this expressway immerses visitors in a dense, mist-covered jungle, creating an almost dreamlike experience. The road winds through towering trees and lush vegetation, making travelers feel as though they are stepping into a living painting.

A Journey through a Magical Forest

The green tunnels along the route resemble the enchanted forests from Hayao Miyazaki’s animations. Around each curve may lie breathtaking scenery—or even a surprise encounter with a wild elephant.

Encountering Wildlife

One of the most extraordinary experiences on the Sixiao Expressway is spotting wild Asian elephants (亚洲象). Passing through the secondary forest belt near Wild Elephant Valley (野象谷), travelers may witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

Discovering More than Just Elephants

Beyond elephants, the Xishuangbanna rainforest shelters a wealth of biodiversity, including rare birds, small mammals, and unique plant species—making the expressway a paradise for nature lovers.

Attractions along the Sixiao Expressway

Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve (西双版纳国家级自然保护区)

A vast tropical rainforest reserve that protects endangered species, including wild Asian elephants, and plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation.

Wild Elephant Valley (野象谷)

Located in the southern Xiaomengyang Nature Reserve (小勐养自然保护区), this attraction offers aerial walkways, observation decks, an Asian Elephant Museum, and an elephant performance school.
Rating: National 4A Scenic Area
Location: About 22 km from Jinghong City (景洪市).

Pu’er Tea Expo Garden (中华普洱茶博览园)

Surrounded by vast eco-friendly tea plantations, this garden showcases tea culture and offers interactive experiences from tea-picking to tasting.
Rating: National 3A Scenic Area
Location: 29 km from Pu’er City (普洱市).

Caiyanghe National Forest Park (菜阳河国家森林公园)

Situated in a subtropical–tropical transition zone, this park preserves one of the last virgin forests along the Tropic of Cancer in China, featuring rich flora, rivers, and diverse wildlife.
Location: 37 km southeast of Pu’er City (普洱市).

Jinuo Mountain (基诺山)

One of Yunnan’s six major tea mountains, home to over 18,000 Jinuo people (基诺族). The village of Longpa (龙帕寨) offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Jinuo culture and architecture.
Location: 20 km west of Xiaomengyang (小勐养) and 42 km east of Menglun Town (勐仑镇).

Manting Park (曼听公园)

Formerly the royal garden of Dai kings, this “Soul Garden” blends natural scenery with Dai royal, Buddhist, and folk culture.
Rating: National 4A Scenic Area
Location: 2 km southeast of Jinghong City (景洪市).

Culinary Delights along the Expressway

• Roasted Fish (烤鱼) – Chargrilled to perfection.
• Bamboo Tube Rice (竹筒饭) – Sticky rice steamed inside bamboo.
• Banana Blossom Salad (芭蕉花沙拉) – A refreshing Dai-style dish.
• Fried Bee Larvae (油炸蜂蛹) – Crispy and protein-rich.
• Lemon Jelly (柠檬凉粉) – A cooling tropical dessert.

How to Get There

The expressway runs from Simao (思茅) District in Pu’er City (普洱市) to Xiaomengyang (小勐养) in Jinghong City (景洪市). Visitors can fly into Pu’er Airport (思茅机场) or Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (西双版纳嘎洒机场), then rent a car or take a bus to access the expressway.

• From Kunming: Drive via the Kunming–Mohan Highway (昆曼公路) to Simao.
• By Public Transport: Buses connect Kunming, Pu’er, and Jinghong; taxis or local buses provide access to entry points.

Travel Tips

• Wildlife Safety: Keep a safe distance from wild elephants; never feed them.
• Rest Stops: Service areas are well-equipped for breaks.
• Weather: Expect frequent rain; check forecasts, especially in May–October.
• Photography: Numerous scenic viewpoints make this route a photographer’s delight.

The Sixiao Expressway is not just a road—it’s a journey through one of China’s richest natural landscapes, offering encounters with wildlife, cultural heritage, and the lush beauty of the tropical rainforest.