Jinghong, a piece of Chinese South East Asia
After having reviewed the best things to do in Lijiang, I want to go back to Yunnan province and describe another one of its beautiful spots: this time the focus is on the subtropical Xishuangbanna region, bordering with Laos, Myanmar and the greater South East Asian region. One of the most ethnically rich and diverse parts of Southwestern China, Xishuangbanna is a dreamy destination made of green paddy fields, endless horizons and the mythical flowing of the Mekong River just cutting the ripe plains. This is literally the starting point of South East Asia, a land where the Laotian, Chinese and Burmese ethnic past merges into a kaleidoscope of colors, foods and cultures.
Jinghong serves as capital of this region, gateway to South East Asia and transport hub: definitely a tropical town, you will be surprised to see so many palm trees lining its street, together with traditional Northern Thailand elements such as statues of Elephants and typical Siamese architecture. The city boosts the best of Chinese and Thai cuisine, people and entertainment: chill out in one of the rooftop bars lining the central street and see the sunset coloring the Mekong’s waters in red, as if you were sitting somewhere else in Laos, or Thailand. A lush green belt of tropical rainforest surrounds the city, and it is definitely interesting to get lost on a bicycle exploring the many villages nearby.
The Dai Ethnic Group
The Dai people, the main ethnic group present in this area, have the good habit of welcoming foreigners with an alcoholic drink, and beware, they love tattoos. You might end up hours showing off yours, if you have some, and seeing theirs. This kind of culture reminds the Burmese appreciation for body art; no wonder, since the close proximity to Myanmar. The Dai live in traditional wooden houses, built on stilts, but not on the water, on the ground. The forest will be the natural way you will use to get shelter from the hot sun… do not pass the chance to have a traditional Dai experience, you will be rewarded.
The Water Splashing Festival
This is an amazing festival held in April, for the Dai New Year. As stated before, the Dai people are honestly more South East Asian, and Thai, than Chinese; this is the reason why the Water Splashing Festival is the local version of the most known Songkran Thai Festival. There is no difference: everything needs to be washed with water, and people will literally run after you to get you wet with their plastic squirt guns!! During the first two days of the festival, a dragon boat race is held to ring out the old year (the first day of the festival) and to ring in the new (the second day of the festival). The third day, the is reserved for water splashing. On that day, the Dai put on their newest and best clothes, then assemble at the local Buddhist temple, where the monks chant Buddhist scriptures. Afterward, a symbolic water splashing ritual is enacted whereby a Buddhist statue, with pomp and ceremony, is first coaxed out of the temple to the courtyard, then is splashed with water. This important ritual is called ‘Bathing the Buddha’. And besides the spirituality, the Water Splashing Festival also becomes a time to be merry and play with water, washing away all the bad things of the year just passed away.
Jinghong is easily reachable by bus from Kunming, or flying from any major town in China. Train connections are not very convenient, being Kunming the closest (a few hundred kilometers up North, tough) major train hub. From Jinghong many adventures are possible to spice up your onward travel: a visit to the infamous Golden Triangle between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, or overland travel into Laos and Vietnam. But we will reserve another article to talk more about that… for now, just book your tickets for next April, and enjoy the washout!!
Tags: China Adventure, china borders, China Travel, jinghong, songkran, south east asia, thailand, water splashing festival, yunnan
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