Gaozhuang Night Market and Food Street in Jinghong City, XishuangBanna

Gaozhuang Night Market, also known as Xingguang Night Market (星光夜市), is located in the Gaozhuang Xishuang Scenic Area (告庄西双景区) in Jinghong City (景洪市), XishuangBanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province. As one of the emerging night markets in the area, it has become a must-visit attraction for both tourists and locals alike.

Location and Opening Hours

Location: Gaozhuang Xishuang Scenic Area, Jinghong City, XishuangBanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州景洪市告庄西双景区)

Opening Hours: The streets are open all day, while the night market operates from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Overview of Gaozhuang Xishuang Scenic Area

The name "Gaozhuang Xishuang" (告庄西双景) comes from the Dai language and means "Nine Pagodas and Twelve Villages." The area aims to recreate the historical glory of Jinghong City and establish a vibrant "city within a city." Rooted in Dai culture, it merges elements from the Golden Triangle region and the Mekong River basin's Thai-Dai culture, while incorporating modern concepts. This combination makes the area a hub for cultural experiences, leisure, international tourism, business, and fashion.

Located on the northern bank of the Lancang River (澜沧江), this area serves as a gateway for millions of visitors arriving in XishuangBanna. Covering an area of 1200 acres and with an investment of approximately 4 billion yuan, the project is being developed in three phases. With the "One River, Two Gates, Nine Pagodas, Twelve Villages" master plan, it aims to create six international centers, five scenic zones, and three major complexes, catering to the global tourism market.

Features of the Gaozhuang Night Market

The Gaozhuang Night Market is one of the key attractions in the tourist resort area of Gaozhuang Xishuang. It mainly consists of food stalls offering a variety of snacks and unique handmade crafts. Unlike the busier Riverside Night Market, the environment here is cleaner, making it a popular choice for tourists. The stalls are run by both local residents and people from across the country, selling crafts, ethnic clothing, jewelry, and other items.

A Unique Cultural and Commercial Hub

Located under the Hongjing Golden Pagoda (洪景大金塔), the night market blends religious architecture with local cultural elements, making it one of the largest and most distinctive night markets in the Golden Triangle region. As a franchise night market brand, it offers a rich experience, including food from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and local specialties. From time to time, there are ethnic song and dance performances, and many photography shops that cater to visitors' desire to dress up in ethnic Dai attire.

In the market, you may encounter "sparkling Hani princesses" or "noble Sawasdee princesses," all of whom enhance the colorful ambiance of the market. Photography stores here offer competitive prices, and you can choose a shop based on factors like the clothing options, cleanliness of the makeup products, and the number of photos you want edited.

Accommodations in Gaozhuang Xishuang Scenic Area

Gaozhuang offers a variety of inns and hotels, making it a top choice for visitors to XishuangBanna. The convenience of dining and entertainment in this area, combined with the fact that most sightseeing buses depart from here, makes it the most practical place to stay. One downside is that it can get noisy at night, but for those who enjoy staying up late, this won't be an issue.

Transportation

Jinghong City has very few public buses, so taxis are the most convenient mode of transportation. A taxi ride from the airport to Gaozhuang costs about 30 yuan, taking around 20 minutes. Gaozhuang also serves as the gathering point for tourist shuttle buses to various scenic spots. You can follow the "XishuangBanna Tourist Shuttle" on WeChat for more information.

Must-Visit Spots in Gaozhuang Xishuang Scenic Area

1. The Golden Pagoda (大金塔)

Located within the night market, the Golden Pagoda is one of the most iconic landmarks in XishuangBanna. At night, the pagoda is beautifully illuminated, creating a stunning spectacle for visitors.

2. Xingguang Night Market (星光夜市)

Xingguang Night Market is a quintessential part of Gaozhuang's nighttime attractions, offering a mix of Southeast Asian flavors and local specialties. Here, you can enjoy a diverse selection of street food and purchase local ethnic goods.

3. The Six-Nation Water Market (六国水上夜市)

One of the market's unique features is the water market, where visitors can take a Dai-style boat to cruise along the Mekong River and enjoy the tropical rainforest scenery.

Recommended Foods

1. Coconut Ice Cream

This is a popular local dessert made with fresh coconut meat and ice, offering a refreshing and sweet taste.

2. Pineapple Rice (菠萝饭)

A traditional local dish made from sticky rice and pineapple, known for its sweet and sour flavor.

3. Grilled Fish (烤鱼)

A must-try at the night market, grilled fish is made from fresh local fish, seasoned and grilled to perfection.

Photo Spots

For photography enthusiasts, there are several iconic spots in the Gaozhuang Xishuang area:

The white bridge over the Mekong River, adorned with enormous dragon tails.

The Golden Pagoda's white walls and intricate carvings.

Xingguang Night Market’s brick buildings, decorated with red lanterns that create a charming night scene.

Best Time to Visit

It's best to explore farther away during the day, then return to your accommodation in the afternoon. The night market starts bustling around 5:00 or 6:00 PM, and since XishuangBanna is situated at a low latitude in the western part of China, the sun sets later in the summer—around 7:30 PM.

Evening Activities in Gaozhuang

As night falls, the lights of the market illuminate the streets before darkness fully sets in, waking the city from its daytime slumber. People begin to fill the market, creating a lively atmosphere. From local snacks like grilled pork trotters and Thai ice cream to ethnic performances, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

If you're in the mood for a quieter evening, you can simply relax at one of the bars, enjoy a beer, and listen to live music. Alternatively, you can enjoy street performances near the Golden Pagoda. Many livestreamers frequent this area, making it a hotspot for encountering internet celebrities.

For a peaceful escape from the bustling market, you can walk along the river toward the Jinglan Hotel (景兰大酒店). At night, the hotel’s unique peacock feather-shaped neon lights offer a beautiful contrast to its daytime appearance.

Notable Quotes and Engravings

"金塔夜景，热闹非凡" (The night view of the Golden Pagoda, bustling and magnificent).

Gaozhuang Xishuang Scenic Area ensures your nights are never dull. Whether you're seeking excitement or tranquility, this vibrant destination offers multiple ways to spend your evening.