Name: Jinghong

Chinese Name: 景洪

Province: Yunnan

Status: City-District

Population: 519,935 inhabitants

Area: 7,133 km²

Located in southern Yunnan Province along the Mekong River, Jinghong serves as the political, economic and cultural heart of the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. The region could be compared to a supernatural oasis in southwestern Chine, with Jinghong shining as a brilliant pearl within it.

History

Jinghong has borne several names throughout its past: Jingyong, Jinglong and Cheli, reflecting the substantial ethnic minority populations that have called it home. The city welcomes 13 different nationalities, including the Dai, Hani, Jinuo, Bulang, Hui and Yao peoples. Ethnic minorities comprise 66.7% of the total population.

In 1180, the leader of the Dai people established himself in Jinglong. In 1269, the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) renamed the Jinglong kingdom as Cheli General Government of the People and Army. It was subsequently renamed Cheli Xuanwei Shisi (pacification bureau) in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

In 1750, the Cheli Xuanwei Shisi commissioner divided his territory into 12 districts. In 1927, the city became Chili County, later renamed Jinghong County in 1958.

In 1993, the county was elevated to the status of a full city.

Today

Its palm-lined streets and leisurely atmosphere create the impression of wandering through an enormous village that is gradually transforming into a grey urban landscape, with concrete buildings increasingly dominating the cityscape.

Yet the city maintains nationwide renown for its extraordinary diversity of plant species. The region has preserved extensive tropical forest and is home to palms, coconut trees, mango trees and various tropical plants cultivated throughout the city's parks and streets.

Beyond this, numerous cultural and scientific institutes are found here, including some of Chine's largest butterfly farms. Jinghong possesses a truly enchanting tropical landscape. The principal sites of tourist interest worth visiting include Peacock Lake, Primitive Forest Park, Manting Park and its splendid botanical garden.

The city is the perfect reflection of the region's ethnic diversity and the proximity of international borders, evidenced by the numerous Burmese residents who live here. Life flows gently for the traveler, making it an ideal base for exploring the Xishuangbanna region.

Climate

Jinghong exhibits characteristics of both tropical and subtropical climate. The city is relatively humid with strong monsoon influences.

Summers are long, intensely hot and rainy. Winters are short, mild and dry. December is the coldest month with an average of 18.4°C, while June is the hottest with an average of 27°C and an annual average of 23.8°C.

Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport is the second largest airport in Yunnan, situated just five kilometers from the city center. Regular flights connect to Kunming, Shanghai, Chengdu and other major cities across Chine. There is a weekly international flight to Luang Prabang in Laos.

The city boasts the prefecture's most extensive transport network. Buses circulate throughout the city and can also take you to neighboring villages.

What to Do in Jinghong?

• Step into the blooming world of the Tropical Flowers and Plants Gardens.
• Indulge in a massage at the blind massage school.
• Discover an almost magical world at one of the butterfly farms.
• Stroll in the shade of the Primitive Forest Park.