1 . Xishuangbanna, one of the eight autonomous prefectures (自治州) in Southwest China’s Yunnan province, has made it to the list of Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions to visit in 2022.

With the China-Laos railway scheduled to open on December 2, 2021, trips to Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture would be more accessible. Along with neighboring Myanmar and Laos, the exotic region is best known for dense tropical rainforest and distinct ethnic culture.

A paradise for plants and animals

Xishuangbanna boasts the most intact tropical ecosystem in China, which harbors a quarter of the country’s animal species and one sixth of plants. There are quite a few spots to get a glimpse of this animal and plant paradise, and Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) always comes first.

XTBG, situated in the south of the province, is not only the country’s top level tourist attraction, but also a research institution affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Home to over 13,000 species of plants, it is one of the largest tropical botanical gardens in the country.

The site is divided into two areas: one in the east, and the other in the west. The western area has 20 small botanical gardens that contain a wide variety of peculiar plants. The eastern area is three times bigger than the other, featuring dense tropical rainforests and giant waterfalls.

If tropical plants are not enough, the Wild Elephant Valley would be a great option for animal lovers. The nature reserve is the only place in China to observe Asian elephants at close quarters and it shelters other rare wild animals, too.

Dai ethnic culture

The Dai ethnic group has lived in Xishuangbanna for centuries, accounting for around 30 percent of the region’s population. A visit to the tropical paradise would never be complete without experiencing the local culture.

Manting Park is the oldest park in the region that dates back 1,300 years, which is also one of the main venues for the annual Water Splashing Festival (WSF), the most important traditional occasion for the Dai people to welcome the New Year.

The festival usually falls in mid-April and involves three days of festive celebrations, including religious rituals, water splashing, boat racing and releasing sky lanterns.

5 . Wildlife and Adventure Tours

Madagascar

Madagascar is the land of the lemurs. Join us and we’ll guide you through Madagascar, which is the only country where you can experience unforgettable lemur chance meetings in the wild.

www. pioneerexpeditions. com

Tel: 012 0279 8922

South Georgia

Join a tea journey to South Georgia to admire thousands of king penguins up close. The Fallands & Antartica offers kinds of ships to suit all budgets (预算) and requirements. Contact one of our polar experts today for more information and special offers!

www. chimuadventures. com

Tel: 020 7403 8265

China

Pandas are the popular animal mascot (吉祥物) of China. With years of efforts, they have been successfully from “endangered” to “valuable” on the list of species at risk. The tour allows you to watch pandas in their natural habitat.

www. onthegotours.

Tel: 020 7371 1113

Canada

Orcas are fierce killers, making them the kings and queens of the ocean. Orcas have very close­knit families and normally will stay throughout their lifetime. Experienced locally born guides will take you to explore these attractive sea animals.

www. aboriginaljourney. com

Tel: (001) 250 850 1101

8 . Getting off the train and stepping into the places will make your trip a more memorable one than simply admiring the scenery from the window. Check out some of the can't-miss destinations along the Chinese section of the China-Laos railway.

Fuxian Lake in Yuxi

What makes the lake attractive is the possibility that a city lived under its quiet and calm surface. In the 1990s, a large number of stone remains were fond in the lake, which led to a series of underwater research. Traces (踪迹) of ancient constructions were discovered, but their origins are still unknown.

Sun-River National Park in Pu'er

The word "Pu'er" may remind many of the famous tea from Yunnan Province. Back in ancient China, this region also served as an important stop along the trade route-Tea Horse Road. This has much to do with its location. The Sun-River National Park here is highly recommended if you are looking for some fresh air and a close encounter with nature. The rainforests in the park provide habitats for over 800 animal species and 2,000 different plants.

Wild Elephant Valley in Xishuangbanna

For those wishing to interact with the giant creatures themselves, the Wild Elephant Valley is a must-visit. It will take three hours to get to Xishuangbanna from Kunming once the China-Laos railway becomes operational, and a new train station has been set up near the nature reserve, offering more accessible journeys. Extra effort has been made by the government to reduce the effect of railway construction on the local environment.

Starlight Night Market in Xishuangbanna

The Starlight Night Market, as the name suggests, offers a colorful nightlife experience. It is the best place to get to know local people's lives. The market features local food, various activities, and creative art of works by the young. This is also an area for hanging out with other travelers for shopping.