Olive Dam (橄榄坝), located downstream of the Lancang River (澜沧江) in Jinghong City (景洪市), is a well-known tourist spot situated just 40 kilometers from downtown Jinghong. Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, this small basin spans about 40-50 square kilometers, with the Lancang River flowing through its center. At an elevation of only 530 meters, Olive Dam is the lowest point in Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), and also the hottest. This warm climate has endowed Olive Dam with an abundance of tropical fruits, including coconuts, betel nuts, bananas, mangoes, lychees, starfruit, jackfruit, and passion fruit. In addition to fresh fruit, the area is famous for producing a variety of dried fruit products.
The Olive Dam market (橄榄坝集市) is a highlight of any trip to Xishuangbanna. Many visitors, including myself, come specifically for the market. It’s vibrant, lively, and brimming with charm—once you’re there, you won’t want to leave! Instead of just taking pictures or visiting gardens, stop by Olive Dam for a real taste of local life—you won’t regret it!
I took a bus from the Xishuangbanna Passenger Station to Menghan Town (勐罕镇), a 40-minute journey. After arriving, I walked for about 10 minutes to Olive Dam Bridge (橄榄坝大桥). It was a Saturday, and I heard that the market lasts the entire day, so I followed the local tradition and spent two hours exploring it. The market itself isn’t very large, but with so much to see and taste, time flies by.
The fruits at Olive Dam are cheaper than in the city, and their variety and freshness are unmatched. From large lychees to golden jackfruit, green mangoes, roasted bananas, pink wax apples, tamarind (one of my personal favorites), and san’ya fruit (三丫果)—a delicious sweet-and-sour fruit that I highly recommend. I bought over 10 kilograms of it!
Olive Dam is also a paradise for food lovers, especially those keen on Dai-style (傣族) cuisine. The market offers a wide array of fermented fish, cured meats, mixed vegetable salads, and an abundance of fried and grilled snacks. Some of the standout dishes include:
After shopping and eating, you can stroll along the Lancang River and enjoy the tropical ambiance. The market is just a 3-5 minute walk from the local farmers’ market, known as the Manmohan Specialty Market (橄榄坝曼么罕特色集市). It’s a small but well-stocked market offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to daily necessities.
If you’re short on time in Xishuangbanna, the Dai Village Park (傣族园景区) is an excellent one-day trip. It offers a rich cultural experience, combining visits to Buddhist temples, golden and silver pagodas, traditional Dai villages, and the excitement of a water-splashing festival. You can even visit a border pier that overlooks three countries at once! The Dai Village Park is conveniently located next to the Olive Dam market, so you can start your day with some shopping and breakfast before heading to the park for sightseeing.
These stops cover the highlights of the park. Aside from the Border Pier, the other sites are surrounded by villages you can explore, and there’s a Peacock Garden near the Water-Splashing Square.
The Water-Splashing Square offers the iconic Dai water-splashing festival, with two sessions daily: 1:30 PM to 2:10 PM, and 3:30 PM to 4:10 PM. Join the fun and get soaked, or simply enjoy the spectacle from a dry spot.
Pro Tips:
Manzhang Dai Ethnic Village, located in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna, is a historic village with a rich Dai ethnic heritage. With a history of over 500 years, the village is a great destination for those interested in experiencing traditional Dai culture while exploring a less commercialized, authentic environment.
Tour Itinerary
Morning: Arrival and Village Exploration
Midday: Cultural Immersion and Lunch
Afternoon: Scenic Views and Cultural Activities
Evening: Departure
Travel Tips:
Maps & Resources:
Enjoy your cultural exploration of Manzhang Dai Ethnic Village and immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle of the Dai people!
Located on the second floor of the driving range at Kunming Qianglin (formerly Wanda) Golf Club, Bridge Cafe offers guests a unique dining experience with a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape. This charming cafe combines great food, elegant ambiance, and top-tier service, creating the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
The cafe’s location on the second floor provides guests with a broad perspective of the lush golf course and the fresh air that envelops the area. With its clean and inviting environment, Bridge Cafe offers an atmosphere of relaxation, making it an ideal place for any occasion, whether it’s a family meal, a casual gathering, or a quiet moment alone.
The spacious setting, complemented by the elegance of the surroundings, adds to the overall experience, where guests can feel the harmony between nature and luxury.
Bridge Cafe’s menu features exquisite dishes that highlight the flavors of the region, blending local specialties with family-style dining. The restaurant is known for its high-quality cuisine, prepared by skilled chefs who are dedicated to bringing out the best in every dish.
Bridge Cafe prides itself on its professional service, where every guest is treated with care and attention. The staff’s friendly demeanor and dedication to providing a pleasant dining experience create a welcoming environment that fits the club’s reputation for catering to a high social status clientele.
Whether you’re enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee or indulging in a full meal, the service here ensures that you feel right at home.
Start your day at Bridge Cafe with a morning swing in the gentle breeze, accompanied by the cheerful sounds of birds chirping and the fresh fragrance of flowers in the air. After your round of golf, unwind with a cup of aromatic, full-bodied Scotch coffee, setting the tone for a relaxing day ahead.
In the afternoon, bask in the bright sunlight while sipping on a refreshing cup of tea. Enjoy delicious snacks and the serene atmosphere, letting the peaceful surroundings elevate your experience. It’s the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and take in the beauty of the golf course.
As night falls, the ambiance of Bridge Cafe transforms into something even more magical. Gather with friends and family for a royal feast, sharing stories and laughter under the soft glow of the moonlight and starlight. The cafe offers a place where natural affection and friendship flourish, making every meal a memorable experience.
Bridge Cafe is not just about good food; it’s about creating lasting memories. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely drink at the bar, listening to crisp music, or simply basking in the harmonious natural environment, this cafe offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The soothing atmosphere, excellent service, and beautiful surroundings make it a cozy retreat where you can relax, socialize, and enjoy life to its fullest.
Bridge Cafe at Kunming Qianglin Golf Club offers a one-of-a-kind experience where guests can enjoy delicious cuisine, excellent service, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re starting your day with coffee, enjoying tea in the afternoon, or sharing a feast with friends in the evening, the cafe provides the ideal setting to experience the pleasures of life in a tranquil, elegant atmosphere.
Book the New Era Hotel in Kunming and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions around the Guesthouse. Check the Rooms Types, Prices, guest Reviews, Breakfast, Dining, Facilities of New Era Hotel in Kunming. Discover genuine guest reviews of the comfy rooms along with the latest prices and availability – book now.
Chinese Name:昆明新纪元大酒店
English Name: New Era Hotel in Kunming
The Location Map of New Era Hotel in Kunming
Chinese Name: 普洱菜阳河国家森林公园
English Name: Laiyanghe National Forest Park in Pu’er
Overview: Laiyanghe National Forest Park, previously known as Caiyanghe National Forest Park, signifies a place where the sun never sets in the hearts of Pu’er residents, and where Mother Earth continuously nurtures and sustains them. The park spans a variety of ecosystems, from torrential rivers to serene waters, and from grasslands to dense forests. It is home to a wide range of animals, including protected species such as black bears, bison, green peacocks, and macaques.
Geographical Environment: Located in the southeast of Simao City in Yunnan Province, Laiyanghe National Forest Park is situated in Nanping Town and Yixiang Town, approximately 37 km from the main urban area of Simao. The park stretches about 23 kilometers from east to west and 9 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of 216 square kilometers. It sits at the junction of subtropical and south subtropical zones, characterized by dense forests, numerous rivers and gullies, a cool climate, fresh air, and diverse flora and fauna.
The park was invested in and constructed by Mekong River Tourism Co., Ltd. in August 2011 and commenced operations in August 2013.
Natural Resources: Laiyanghe National Forest Park is in a transition area between tropical and subtropical climates, with a forest coverage rate of 94.5%. It preserves the largest and most complete subtropical monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest in China. The park experiences distinct dry and wet seasons with an annual rainfall of 1600 mm. The air is rich in negative oxygen ions (more than 30,000 per cubic centimeter throughout the year), contributing to a pleasant climate without extreme heat in summer or severe cold in winter.
The park is home to nearly 1,000 plant species, including precious and state-protected species such as “living fossil” tree ferns, Rhododendron grandis, velvety longan, Toona sinensis, and Michelia pseudoacacia. It also hosts 153 species of orchids, known as the “natural garden.”
The abundant heat, humid climate, dense forests, and rich food sources support diverse wildlife, including about 200 mammal and bird species, as well as numerous amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects. Key protected species include bison, bee monkeys, grey leaf monkeys, golden cats, clouded leopards, otters, water deer, pangolins, giant lizards, great civets, green peacocks, Sumen antelopes, black bears, and white-bellied pheasants.
The park is also the only “Javanese bison habitat” in China, earning it the title of the “hometown of bison.”
Main Attractions: The park has developed various tourism facilities, including water, electricity, and communication infrastructure, to support tourism. The first phase of tourism development by Jinzhou Group includes approximately 6 km of tourism pathways, 2 km of wooden plank roads, 12,000 m² of parking lot construction, 4,000 m² for the tourism customer service center foundation, and 400 m² for the ticketing center and ancillary facilities.
Key attractions include:
Rhinoceros Ping Scenic Area is a comprehensive mountain attraction that integrates themes of “mountain, forest, water, and human” and showcases the rich animal resources of Yunnan along with the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest landscape. Visitors can explore ten scenic spots including Rhinoceros Seclusion, Macaque Paradise, Fish Shadow Tracing Stream, Alsophila Path, Hippie Ape Peninsula, Osprey Playing in the Water, Butterfly Valley, Traveling Panda, Hippie Bird Paradise, and Orchid Garden. Additionally, cultural performances featuring the 14 ethnic minorities of Pu’er enhance the visitor experience.
The Taiyang River basin in Pu’er, Yunnan Province, was historically home to a large population of rhinoceros. After the last two rhinos were killed in 1933, no rhinos were found in Pu’er for 80 years. In 2010, seven rhinos from South Africa were brought to Yunnan Wildlife Park to adapt, and by March 2013, rhinos were reintroduced to their original habitat in Taiyanghe National Forest Park, where they now contribute to the establishment of a rhino population.
Tourism Information:
Honors: On October 18, 2019, the park was selected as a “China Forest Oxygen Bar.”
Coordinates:
Ecological Resources: Laiyanghe National Forest Park features a rich variety of plant species, including 1,722 species across 196 families and 806 genera, with 22 protected species and a forest coverage rate of 91.8%. Vegetation types include tropical seasonal rainforests, deciduous seasonal rainforests, monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forests, deciduous broad-leaved forests, warm temperate evergreen coniferous forests, and secondary shrub forests. Notable species include the ancient “living fossil” tree ferns, red chinkapin, red osmanthus, and precious tree species like the false michelia. The park’s diverse plant resources create unique and picturesque forest landscapes.
The park also supports over 200 species of mammals and birds, including key protected species like Javanese bison, bee monkeys, golden cats, clouded leopards, and many others. Amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects are abundant as well. It is the only known habitat for Javanese bison in China, earning it the nickname “hometown of bison.” The park officially opened in 1993.
Tourism Spots: The park has developed several premium tourist attractions including:
Additionally, three resort areas provide a retreat into a pristine, idyllic environment:
Shangrila Bus Station introduces bus schedule, bus tickets booking, how, when and where to buy bus tickets, buses timetable to popular attractions and the location, profile, maps, travel tips, layout, facilities and servive, travel guide of Shangrila Bus Station.
Station Name (EN): Shangrila Bus Station
Station Name(CN): 迪庆州香格里拉客运站/Xianggelila Qiche Keyunzhan
Address(EN): NO.195, Gongren Xincun, Shangri-La City, Diqing, Yunnan
Address(CN): 迪庆藏族自治州香格里拉市工人新村195号
Located in the intersection of Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan, Shangri-La is the “Eden in dream”. Since railway hasn’t been extended to this famous tourist destination in Southwest China, most people would head to visit Shangri La by bus. By taking bus, tourists can get the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the road.
Located near major tourist attractions, Shangri La Bus Station is a small while very busy station. Buses from Lijiang, Dali, Kunming and etc are all terminates here. Meanwhile, people would have to gather here to catch buses to leave Shangri La.
The bus station is well maintained, clean and comfortable. It has a left luggage office near the waiting room and a traveler service center near the station’s exit. Staffs at the service center are warm hearted and helpful. They can help you to optimize the travel itineraries while offering competitive rate for the travel package which includes scenic spot entrance ticket, car rental and etc. They also provide bus ticket and hotel reservation serivce. On the other hand, Shangri La Bus Station is criticized for illegal drivers seeking to transport passengers using unlicensed cars. While you are alighting the bus at the bus station, these illegal drivers may surround you to peddle their business. Please don’t take any notice of them.
Even though Shangri La Bus Station is small, it has quite many routes which ensures passengers can go to almost all destinations they want to go:
▪ Bus No. 1 which is available from 07:30 to 19:00 runs directly between Dukezong Ancient Town and Shangri La Bus Station. Passenger can take bus No. 1 from Shangri La Bus Station and then change bus No. 3 at Tancheng Square Station to get to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery or Songzanlin Temple.
▪ Shangri La has high altitude, people aged over 65 or those with high blood pressure, lung or heart disease are not advised to visit there.
▪ Carpooling is not a best option, especially you are traveling between Shangri La and Lijiang, Shangri La and Tiger Leaping Gorge. The scheduled legal buses leaving from or terminating at Shangri La Bus Station has high level of safety and low rate.
▪ Passenger can take a taxi to travel between Shangri La Bus Station and Diqing Shangri La Airport. Riding distance is 8 km, riding time is about 15 minutes and rough cost is CNY 30.
How to Get to Dongchuan Red Land from Zhaotong
Tourist Map of Dongchuan Red Land in Kunming
Chinese Name: 久居元阳客栈
English Name: Timeless Yuanyang Hostel
Add: located in Duoyishu Rice Terrace tourism area
Chinese Address:
Tele: +86-871-63511469
Hotel Standard: Economy Hotel
Timeless Yuanyang Hostel is located in Duoyishu Rice Terraces tourism area. You can get a good impression from the life of the people there. The owner speaks perfect English and he gave us a lot of good advice for this place and also for our further travel in Yunnan. Its very close to a perfect spot to see the sunrise and you can avoid the crowds since its not one of the official viewing platforms. You can walk to the square and Duoyishu viewing deck from the hostel. Free Wi-fi and 24-hour hot water is available. Wherever you come from, the hostel offer customers Chinese & western meals. The food was very good and there are some specials from the region. The hostel cant be reached by car, but it’s only 5-min walking from the parking place in town.
Attractions Map of Dongchuan Red Land in Kunming
Chinese Name: 楚雄山茶花文化旅游节
The Camellia Cultural Tourism Festival of Zixi Mountain, Chuxiong
Location: Zixi Mountain, Chuxiong
Chuxiong is one of the main native habitats of Camellia and the family of Camellia plants in Yunnan. It is the place with the most and the most concentrated ancient cultivated Camellia trees in existence today. With rich resources of Camellia flowers, there are over a thousand ancient Camellia trees that are more than a hundred years old. Chuxiong is one of the primary native areas for Yunnan Camellia, and the artificial cultivation of Camellia has a history of over 800 years. The Camellia is a famous flower in the world and is also the municipal flower of Chuxiong City. The people of all ethnic groups in Chuxiong love Camellia flowers, beautifying the environment and their lives with them, and consider the Camellia to be a sacred flower for worshiping heaven, honoring gods, and honoring ancestors. Buddhism regards the Camellia as the sacred mandala flower. Scholars and literati admire the Camellia’s resilience against frost and snow, and its outstanding qualities that lead among flowers, resulting in countless poems and literary praises. Over the years, Chuxiong City has closely integrated the Camellia flower with the local Yi culture, embedding it into all aspects of the lives, culture, material, and spiritual essence of the people of Chuxiong, forming a Camellia culture steeped in a strong local ethnic cultural sentiment.
Since 2007, Chuxiong City has consistently hosted a series of activities for the Camellia Culture Festival every year, and this year marks the eighth Camellia Culture Festival in Chuxiong City. Riding the momentum from the successful International Camellia Conference held in 2012, efforts have been made to further leverage advantages, vigorously cultivate and develop the Camellia industry, and explore and promote Camellia culture. Several publications have been edited and published, including “China: Yunnan Chuxiong Camellia,” “Ancient Camellias of Chuxiong,” and the “Proceedings of the 2012 International Camellia Conference.” Films such as “Hometown of Camellia – China Chuxiong,” a television essay “Beautiful Chuxiong Camellia,” and the promotional video “Love Camellia, Love Chuxiong” have been produced. Long-form novels like “Chudie Fei” and “Zixi” and essay collections like “Spring in Lucheng” and “Love for Camellia” have been published, along with a digital movie “Camellia Yi Girl” showcasing the blend of Camellia and Yi culture. Active advocacy is made for citizens to cherish and protect Camellias, advancing the construction of a Camellia city. Efforts are also being made to further open up and invigorate commerce, using Camellias as a medium to strengthen economic and technological exchanges and cooperation with surrounding areas. The “Chuxiong City Management Measures for the Protection and Development of Camellia Resources (Trial)” has been formulated and implemented, with some ancient Camellia trees receiving designated protection and responsible oversight. Meanwhile, radio and television media have been utilized to promote Chuxiong Camellias, creating a favorable atmosphere for the protection and rational development of Chuxiong’s Camellia resources. Further exploration of the cultural aspects of Chuxiong Camellias in poetry, cuisine, crafts, and literature is encouraged, as the scale of the festival is expanded and the level of organization is enhanced, thus promoting the steady and healthy development of the Camellia industry in Chuxiong City.
Overview of Olive Dam Olive Dam (橄榄坝), located downstream of the Lancang River (澜沧江) in Jinghong City (景洪市), is a well-known tourist spot situated just 40 kilometers from downtown...
Manzhang Dai Ethnic Village, located in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna, is a historic village with a rich Dai ethnic heritage. With a history of over 500 years, the village is...
Located on the second floor of the driving range at Kunming Qianglin (formerly Wanda) Golf Club, Bridge Cafe offers guests a unique dining experience with a sweeping view of...
Book the New Era Hotel in Kunming and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy the free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions around...
Chinese Name: 普洱菜阳河国家森林公园 English Name: Laiyanghe National Forest Park in Pu’er Overview: Laiyanghe National Forest Park, previously known as Caiyanghe National Forest Park, signifies a place where the sun...
Shangrila Bus Station introduces bus schedule, bus tickets booking, how, when and where to buy bus tickets, buses timetable to popular attractions and the location, profile, maps, travel tips,...
How to Get to Dongchuan Red Land from Zhaotong...
Tourist Map of Dongchuan Red Land in Kunming...
Chinese Name: 久居元阳客栈 English Name: Timeless Yuanyang Hostel Add: located in Duoyishu Rice Terrace tourism area Chinese Address: Tele: +86-871-63511469 Hotel Standard: Economy Hotel Timeless Yuanyang Hostel is located in Duoyishu Rice...
Attractions Map of Dongchuan Red Land in Kunming...
Chinese Name: 楚雄山茶花文化旅游节 The Camellia Cultural Tourism Festival of Zixi Mountain, Chuxiong Location: Zixi Mountain, Chuxiong Chuxiong is one of the main native habitats of Camellia and the family...
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Address: Building 4, Yifuyuan, Hehong Road, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Wechat/QQ: 270384698
Office Call: 86-18812220370
Email: Trip@YasoTrip.com
Facebook Page:
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Tel/WhatsApp: +8618088243690
Trip@YasoTrip.com