Puwen Town of Jinghong City in XishuangBanna
Puwen Town (普文镇) is located in the northernmost part of Jinghong City (景洪市), bordering:
- East: Mengwang Township (勐旺乡)
- South: Dadugang Township (大渡岗乡)
- West: Jingne Township (景讷乡)
- North: Nanping Town (南屏镇) of Pu’er City (普洱市)
The town center (22°33′N, 101°23′E) is:
- 97km from Jinghong City
- 34km from Pu’er City
- 530km from Kunming City
Known as the “Northern Gateway to Banna (版纳北大门)”
Cultural History
Originally called “Dutong River (肚疼河)” after a Blang (布朗族) woman’s riverside childbirth, it was renamed Puwen. Historically under various administrations, it became part of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治区) in 1953 and was officially established as a town in 1988.
Ethnic Customs
Home to Dai (傣族), Hani (哈尼族), and Yi (彝族) minorities, featuring:
Festivals:
- Dai Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节)
- Yi Torch Festival (火把节)
- Hani Gatangpa Festival (嘎汤帕节)
Unique Cultures:
- Coffee cultivation traditions
- Huayao Dai (花腰傣) culture
Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Climate: North subtropical plateau monsoon
- Avg. temp: 20.2°C
- Annual rainfall: 1,675.6mm
- Sunshine: 1,990 hours/year
- Best visit period: November to April (mild winters, cool summers)
Recommended Attractions
| Attraction | Chinese Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manganan Buddhist Temple | 曼干纳佛寺 | 1-2 hrs | 200-year-old Theravada Buddhist site |
| Mansan Village | 曼散村 | 2-3 hrs | 800-year-old banyan tree, Dai traditions |
| Pojiao Village | 坡脚村 | 2-3 hrs | Huayao Dai culture, top-spinning games |
| Xishuangbanna Xianuona Coffee Co. | 西双版纳夏诺纳咖啡有限公司 | 2-3 hrs | Coffee plantation experience |
Transportation
- Self-drive: Kunming → Kunmo Expressway (昆磨高速) → Jinghong → Puwen (530km, ~6hrs)
- Public transport: Buses/taxis from Jinghong
Food
Dai specialties:
- Lemongrass grilled fish
- Bamboo tube rice
- Roasted suckling pig
Shopping
Local markets offer:
Pu’er tea (普洱茶)
Ethnic handicrafts
Accommodation
Basic guesthouses in Puwen; better hotels in Jinghong
Travel Tips
- Respect ethnic customs (especially in temples/villages)
- Bring mosquito repellent for mountain areas
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive → Manganan Temple
Day 2: Mansan Village → Pojiao Village
Day 3: Coffee plantation → Local market → Depart
Puwen Town blends natural beauty with rich ethnic heritage, from ancient temples to coffee plantations. Experience authentic borderland culture in this unique gateway to Xishuangbanna.
