Manfeilong Pagoda in Jinghong, Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna Manfeilong Pagoda in Jinghong City travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Manfeilong Pagoda in Xishuangbanna(曼飞龙白塔). Manfeilong Pagoda is located on top of the mountain in Manfeilong Village in Jinhong County of Yunnan Province. The pagoda is a famous stupa group in Xishuanbanna.

● Chinese Name: 曼飞龙白塔
● Keywords: Pagoda, Relic, Buddism,Dai ethnic minority,bamboo shoots,stupa
● Location: Manfeilong village, Jinghong City, Yunnan Province
● Scenic Area: Xishuangbanna Manfeilong Pagoda
● Admission Fee: 50 RMB for ticket and 40 RMB for shuttle bus
● Opening Hours:8:00~17:00

‣ About Manfeilong Pagoda

Crossing a river along Manfeilong Village, you´ll come across more than 200 stone steps, which have a boundless virgin forest on the left side and an exuberant hurst of rubber plants on the right side. The pagoda, on a mountaintop, actually consists of 9 stupas, with the primary stupa in the center while the other 8 smaller stupas clustering to its base. The primary pagoda measures 16.29 meters and the 8 pagodas on the sides look like a group of children nestling around the mother. In each stupa, there is a niche featuring a Buddhist statue and a Buddhist relief, and on top of the niche is a flying phoenix. At the gate of each stupa are two giant dragons engraved out of earth. Bells hung on the stupas give wonderful tinkles in the breezes.

Below one of the stupas and in a niche the Buddha´s footprint is enshrined. Legend has it that the 80 cm long and 58 cm wide footprint was left by Sakyamuni, the founder of the Buddhist religion, during his visit in the area.

Records in a sutra show that Manfeilong Pagoda was first built in 1204 (565 in the Dai calendar). It was designed by three monks from India and the design was executed under the sponsorship of the chieftain of Menglong tribe. After two renovates in modern times, the pagoda was listed as a national key cultural relic preservation site. 

‣ About History

The White Feilong Pagodas was built in 1204 with a history of 778 years. It is said the pagodas were designed by three Indian Buddhist monks. The person taking charge of the construction was Hubananpi. All these are recorded in the Pattra Scripture.In the past few years, the pagodas have been restored and become the state historic relic reservation. During the Water-Sprinkling Festival, the Dai people, men and women, old and young, will dance around the pagodas to cerebrate the New Year.

‣ About Features

Manfeilong Pagodas, also known as the Flying Dragon White Pagodas. It is also known by two other names: White Pagoda and Bamboo Shoot Pagoda. Built with stones and bricks in 556 by the Dai calendar (1204), the pagodas are octangular in shape.

On the primary rock appears a foot print, which is said to be made by Sakyamuni. The Manfeilong Tower Pagoda consists of nine stupas. They are made of bricks, with typical club-like bases topped by calabash shaped bodies.

Seen from the distance, they look very like bamboo shoots that have emerged from the soil after the spring rain. The Manfeilong Pagoda is decorated with beautiful sculpture, relief and colored paintings in the style of the Dai ethnic minority.

‣ Attraction Transportation

You can take the bus from Jinghong city to Damenglong. Buses run every 30 minutes. The ticket fee is 11 rmb.

‣ Best Time to Visit

October to April is the best time  to visit Manfeilong Pagoda.

● The Manfeilong Pagoda is open all year round. As it is an outdoor area, it is better to avoid rainy days. You are recommended to check the weather forecast before setting out. 

● The Water-Sprinkling Festival, the Dai people, men and women, old and young, will dance around the pagodas to cerebrate the New Year, is usually celebrated in the middle of April, lasting 3 to 7 days.

● Try to avoid Chinese public holidays, such as Labor Day (May 1st to 3rd) and National Day (October 1st to 7th). It is recommended that you start your day early so as to avoid crowds.