Manting Royal Garden
Once the back garden of the Dai prince of Xishuangbanna, this was where the lords and nobles came to relax and enjoy themselves. The park features elephant shows,…
Manting Royal Garden, Xishuangbanna
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥40
- Opening hours
- 8：00—17：00
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Getting there
- Near Jiangyuan (江苑) bus stop
- Guidebook rating
- 3 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 293. Open in Google Maps
About Manting Royal Garden
Once the back garden of the Dai prince of Xishuangbanna, this was where the lords and nobles came to relax and enjoy themselves. The park features elephant shows, lively bonfire parties and folk song and dance performances. Visitors can admire tropical natural scenery and experience the distinctive culture of the local ethnic groups.
Tips from the guidebook
- Zongfo Temple (总佛寺) is connected to Manting Royal Garden, so visitors can enter the temple from the garden.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Manting Royal Garden cost?
Admission to Manting Royal Garden is ¥40, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Manting Royal Garden?
Manting Royal Garden is open 8：00—17：00.
How do I get to Manting Royal Garden?
Near Jiangyuan (江苑) bus stop
How long should I spend at Manting Royal Garden?
Plan on 2–3 hours for Manting Royal Garden.
Where is Manting Royal Garden?
Manting Royal Garden is in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, in the Southwest of China. No. 35 Manting Road, Jinghong City
More places in Xishuangbanna
Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park
Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park offers unique tropical rainforest scenery and captivating ethnic charm. The rainforest here was named by China National Geography as one of China's ten most beautiful forests. The forest teems with tropical plant species, and wonders such as dragon-tree buttress roots and trees flowering from their old trunks can be seen everywhere. Deep within the dense woods, more than a thousand species of animals make their home. Beyond the lovely natural scenery, the Aini village bride-snatching ritual and the Dai village Water-Splashing Festival are also well worth seeing.
¥45 · 0.5 day
Dai Ethnic Park
Dai Ethnic Park is located in Ganlanba (橄榄坝) and is considered the soul of Xishuangbanna. Its beauty has earned it the nickname 'Peacock Feather.' Centuries of folk customs, lush subtropical scenery, mysterious Buddhist culture and distinctive Dai bamboo houses will leave you spellbound. The park distils the essence of Dai culture, which is why people say: 'One day as a guest in Ganlanba, dreaming of Dai Ethnic Park every night.'
From ¥45 (free for children under 1.2 m; free for ages 70 and over; half price for ages 60-70; half price for students; free for active/retired military personnel, people with disabilities, firefighters, etc.) · 2–3 hours
Gaozhuang Xishuangjing
Gaozhuang Xishuangjing is a Dai phrase meaning 'Nine Towers and Twelve Villages': nine magnificent pagodas stand among twelve Dai villages, each with its own distinctive style. The site is backed by lush, verdant mountain peaks and accompanied by the Mekong River, which flows through several countries and is known as the 'River of a Million Elephants.' At Gaozhuang Xishuangjing you can admire the landmark Great Golden Pagoda and experience the bustling Starlight Night Market, with hundreds of characterful guesthouses, restaurants, handicraft shops and bars. The rustic charm of the Dai villages combines with an exotic atmosphere, creating a riot of colour and endless excitement. At the Starlight Night Market you will find every kind of ethnic minority food, including authentic Dai banquet culture (Dai feast) and the famous Manfeilong roast chicken, which you must not miss.
Free · 0.5–1 day
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
China's largest botanical garden, with the most diverse species collection and the greatest number of garden zones. It integrates tropical scientific research, species conservation and science education. The garden's full visitor areas comprise three zones: the West Zone, the Gully Rainforest and the Green Stone Forest.
¥80 · 2–3 hours
Wild Elephant Valley
This is a place where wild Asian elephants frequently visit, which is how Wild Elephant Valley got its name. Here you can watch elephant shows and explore the tropical rainforest. Within the scenic area is a walking trail more than 4,000 metres long. If you're lucky, you may even see a herd of wild elephants wandering through the forest.
¥60; cable car ¥50 for half the route, ¥70 for the full route · 3–5 hours
Mengle Culture and Tourism Area
In Xishuangbanna, Mengle Giant Buddha Temple is the largest and most prestigious of all the Buddhist temples, and a sacred site in the hearts of the Dai people. From the square in front of the Wanfo Pagoda, you can gaze down over Jinghong City, with its lush tropical scenery spread out before you.
¥120 · 2–3 hours