Live Your Best Lives
In Xishuangbanna, far in the southwest of my country, there is a well-preserved tropical rainforest area at 21° north latitude.
There is the largest and best-preserved tropical rainforest in China.
There are also mysterious karst caves.
There you can challenge your limits with the world's only via ferrata in the rainforest.
You can also leisurely enjoy starlight camping and rainforest feasts.
It is a must-see destination for high-end self-driving tours.
It is also the favorite filming location for various reality shows.
That is Mengyuan Wonderland in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna.
With my son
I accidentally spent a magical 3-day and 2-night vacation here!
Baojiaoniu Cave is the only tropical rainforest cave complex located at 21° north latitude. It boasts a karst landscape embodying the essence of nature and nature. Through lighting and 3D illusion technology, the cave is transformed into a magical world of light and shadow, creating a beautiful and romantic experience.
At the same time, it is also the first cave in China to integrate the concept of health care into the cave. The year-round underground river and the rainforest canyon outside the cave constitute a unique water resource system. The rich mineral elements and trace elements make it the first high-end cave health care cave in the country.
When we first arrived at the cave entrance, we were welcomed by a wisp of ethereal fairy air. Although it was a rain and mist device set up by the scenic spot to create an atmosphere, it also filled us with endless curiosity and anticipation about the cave. We couldn't wait to start a journey into the secret cave. At the cave entrance, two old trees, known locally as the "Couple Trees," stand. They're said to be over 500 years old. The one on the pathside is a banyan tree, while the one on the cliffside is a four-tree tree. Legend has it that Baojiaoniu Cave was once a treasure cave, where a couple guarded the treasure. Later, they became a legend, guarding the cave entrance for their entire lives. While this is just a beautiful legend, it imbues Baojiaoniu Cave with even more romance and mystery.
The entire cave stretches 1,600 meters and is divided into four themed areas and 19 landscapes. From the prayer platform and wishing pool, where we can feel the power of nature, to the sacred cave rainforest and the celestial gaze, visitors can experience tranquility and a sense of unity between man and nature. The exquisite lighting design within the cave perfectly guides us to each geological wonder, allowing us to experience the wonder and beauty that nature has brought us.
The ingenious karst rock features and the wondrous natural phenomena within the cave are all perfectly presented to us under the perfect lighting.
When the deep blue wishing pool appeared before us, everyone couldn't help but exclaim "Wow!" Beautiful and romantic—perhaps that's what it's all about. The natural underground river, illuminated by the blue light, feels exceptionally deep and tranquil. Just quietly make a small wish here and share your little secret with nature.
This is a Buddha statue brought from Laos. Many locals come to the cave to pray, piling up layers of stones to fulfill their wishes.
Therefore, many places of different sizes and forms for praying are specially built in the cave. The light and shadow under the peach trees and the strings of lotus lanterns are extremely beautiful. The design of the cave is really great. The designer came up with the idea of using a natural stone wall as a backdrop, projecting a star chart and Buddhist teachings onto it. Although it's inside an underground cave, you can still look up at the starry sky. This scene is so touching that it makes you want to cry. 
This is the most ordinary tunnel in the cave. There are many, but this one is projected with a starry sky! It felt like the deep starry sky, and like the fireflies we could see lingering around us in the starry sky tent at any time. It was so romantic that I couldn't help but take a few portraits!
Further ahead, there are wonders inside the cave where man and nature are in harmony, and there are also beautiful light and shadow caves that feel like a time tunnel.
We spent almost two hours exploring the 1,600-meter cave. It was so beautiful, I couldn't help but stop and take in every detail. I captured it with my eyes and, more importantly, my heart.
Do you think that's the end? Wrong! There's even more exciting and thrilling cave exploration ahead. This section of the cave exploration, located in the middle section of Baojiaoniu Cave, is an untouched, natural cavern. There's no sign of human development, no pavement, and no lighting. The only thing we had was the single headlamp on our safety gear. Without it, we were completely engulfed in darkness. The occasional bat flying overhead was a thrilling sight. Here, we need the guidance of a professional tour leader. First, he can lead us forward in the dark and remind us of the slippery and bumpy road conditions under our feet. Second, he can help us find and recognize many unknown creatures and the magical landscape of nature, such as insects we have never seen before.
There are also water droplets seeping out of the rock wall. It is hard to imagine that in the depths of the cave, separated by thick mountain rocks, water droplets can also seep out. Moreover, the tour guide told us that this phenomenon can only be seen during the rainy season of June, July and August every year. This phenomenon is caused by heavy rain outside and humidity inside the cave. If you're patient, you can witness the formation of stalactites in this untouched natural cave. Water drips down the inverted rocks, forming stalactites over time. These newly formed "stalagmites" are very fragile, requiring over a century to mature into true stalactites.
Children can also explore the caves, picking up stalagmites and touching stalactites, enjoying the wonders of nature impossible to see in the city and truly reveling in the joy of being close to nature!
Tips:
The Baojiaoniu Cave Secret Cave Tour is 188 yuan per person, including cave tours, rainforest tours, and electric car transfers. Cave exploration is an additional 218 yuan per person. The entire adventure lasts approximately two and a half hours, with a minimum of two people. Reservations must be made one day in advance.
Mengyuan Wonderland boasts one of the best-preserved tropical rainforests in China, so come here and join a guided rainforest trek. Walk through the jungle, crawl through dead trees, and wade through streams—see the Earth as it really was!
The Rainforest Crossing is a hike through the pristine tropical rainforest, where you'll see a variety of unique creatures, climb streams and cross mountains, and experience the most intimate contact with nature.
Once again, we'll be dropped off at the entrance of the rainforest by electric vehicle, where we'll hike a paved section of the rainforest. This is a relaxing walk, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and take photos. There are many tropical plants along the way, and they will tell us what is edible and what is poisonous. The guide told us that in this pristine tropical jungle, more than half of the plants are poisonous, and some are extremely toxic. So he would walk in front to clear the way for us, chopping off the overgrown weeds with a machete, and also tell us what is poisonous and we must not touch it!
Of course, the lovely pineapple guide would also bring us some small gifts from nature from time to time. There are also beautiful sights in the rainforest, such as this wooden bridge where you can walk on and take beautiful photos.
Next to the wooden bridge is the strangler fig, revered as the Millennium King of Trees.
This banyan tree is over 1,300 years old and, in the eyes of scientists, is a living fossil for studying tropical rainforest biodiversity. In the eyes of the Dai people, this ancient tree is the embodiment of a deity, hence its nickname, the "Millennium King of Trees."
Our guide explained that this banyan tree is also one of the eight wonders of the tropical rainforest: the "strangulation phenomenon." At first, the strangler figs are only the size of earthworms, growing tightly against large trees in spirals. In the middle stages, they cling to the trees like pythons. In the later stages, only the strangler figs are visible, and it's hard to see the large trees. By the end of the stage, only the strangler figs remain, with no trace of the large trees at all.
It sounds a bit scary, but perhaps this is nature's simplest law of survival: survival of the fittest!
Starting from the Millennium Tree King, we officially began our rainforest crossing route.
This is a truly pristine jungle with no established routes, no supplies, and no rest areas along the way. We had to rely entirely on experience and instinct to find our way through the rainforest. When we got tired, we rested where we were. When we were thirsty or hungry, we only had the supplies in our backpacks. Even going to the restroom required the most primitive means. Here, we fully experience the thrill and excitement of wilderness survival.
Along the way, we had to cross four rivers and climb over a jungle crisscrossed with trees and rocks. At the most dangerous point, we even had to crawl under a dead log. It was thrilling and exciting, but the children had a lot of fun.
The stream water covered their trouser legs and soaked their clothes. The children gradually began to enjoy everything that nature gave them, instead of being panicked and afraid.
Look, how happy he is smiling~
Of course, besides testing physical strength and endurance, this rainforest trek was also a rigorous test of teamwork. It's hard to imagine how friendships blossomed during this journey. Two little ones who had never met before became incredibly close friends, even using their smartwatches to add each other as friends. (The following appears unrelated and likely a separate topic:) Of course, there are not only thrills on the way through, but also beautiful and heartwarming moments. For example, in the evening, as we hurried along, watching the impending rain, we were suddenly rewarded with a moment of sunset. The warm afterglow of the setting sun cast across the water, completely soothing the fatigue of the entire journey. At that moment, the rainforest trek could also be filled with infinite warmth!
Tips:
The rainforest trek costs 238 yuan per person, divided into two sessions, each lasting approximately 3 hours, with departures between 10:00-10:30 in the morning and 14:00-14:30 in the afternoon.
The trekking route is approximately 17 kilometers long, including a 2-kilometer rainforest hike, a 6-kilometer rainforest trek, and a 9-kilometer exciting pickup truck ride.
In Mengyuan Wonderland, there's another classic and highly sought-after attraction: the tropical rainforest expedition via Ferrata. This is a game for the brave, a test of both thrill and excitement, patience and strength. Walking along rocky cliffs and soaring over the jungle peaks, this is the only tropical rainforest via Ferrata in China!
The via ferrata is 350 meters long and requires rock climbing and tightrope walking. The highest point is 100 meters above the ground. It's incredibly thrilling and a test of strength, endurance, perseverance, coordination, and flexibility. It's also a chance for us to realize our dreams of flying through walls and cliffs. The above are photos from our friends. We brought our son this time, but he's not tall enough to cross many sections of the rock face with his legs, so he couldn't participate. To be with him, I had to give up this thrilling journey. It’s a small pity that we were left on the rocky cliff, but we must not lose our style! We followed the main group and carried our gear to the starting point of the via ferrata. Even at the foot of the mountain, our aura had to be strong enough! I hope my little one can grow up quickly. Next time, when you are tall enough, I will bring you here again to pick up the little regret scattered on the rock wall!
Tips for the trip:
The via ferrata is 300 yuan per person, covering a distance of 350 meters and taking about 2 hours. It runs from 09:00 to 15:00. A minimum of two people is required, and it is recommended to book one day in advance.
In addition to the thrilling activities, we spent the entire three-day holiday in Mengyuan Wonderland, enjoying a rainforest feast, delicious barbecue, and staying in a starry sky tent. Life in the rainforest is also leisurely and comfortable! There are many types of accommodation in Mengyuan Wonderland. This time, to get closer to nature, we chose a luxury tent.
Living on the vast lawn, next to the mountains, sleeping on the ground, waking up every morning to the sound of birdsong and falling asleep every night watching fireflies – this is the best state of being in nature!
Although it is located in the wilderness, the tent is not shabby at all. It has a large space and two 1.2-meter tatami mats, which is more than enough for a family of three.
The environment where our camp is located is naturally excellent. Every little corner can easily be used to shoot a set of fashion blockbusters~
My favorite thing to do every day during vacation is to sit and stare blankly at the door of my "home"~
In addition to the light luxury tents, there are other accommodation options in Mengyuan Wonderland. Baoniu Villa is a hotel built by the river. The environment and conditions are also very good. It is also a good choice~
Accommodation tips:
The light luxury tent is 680 yuan/per tent, and Baoniu Villa is 358 yuan/room. There are only 6 tents, so it is recommended to book in advance during the peak season~
In addition to accommodation, the food here also has the taste of the tropical rainforest~
My favorite part was the rainforest feast, an authentic Dai farmhouse meal, served with bamboo chopsticks and bowls, and served on a natural banana leaf base. Even the ingredients had a hint of nature's fragrance.
Roasted chicken, grilled fish, dried beef, and various Dai flavors, in this rainforest environment, also let us taste the unique taste of the rainforest!
During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, the restaurant specially prepared Dai ethnic group rice dumplings, wrapped in lotus leaves into small square pieces. When opened, they revealed soft, sticky glutinous rice, sweet and delicious. Let us also spend a unique Dragon Boat Festival here!
In addition to the rainforest feast, a camping barbecue is a must-try in Mengyuan Wonderland. The owner has already prepared all the barbecue ingredients for us and heated the grill for us, so it's time to get ready!
While enjoying the barbecue, you can watch an open-air movie or even have an open-air KTV competition. Especially with friends, this is an experience not to be missed!
Our daily breakfast is served at the Rainforest Restaurant. The environment is excellent, and they also offer the chef's signature dishes!
The chefs meticulously prepared dishes, each one incorporating traditional Dai flavors while pursuing perfection in color, aroma, and taste. In short, it was a feast for the eyes!
Food Tips:
The Rainforest Dinner is 120 yuan per person, with a minimum order of two people, and reservations must be made one day in advance. The Camping BBQ is 120 yuan per person, with a minimum order of two people, and reservations must be made half a day in advance. The private restaurant is open daily from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, offering a wide selection of exquisite dishes.
This trip to Mengyuan Wonderland completely changed my understanding of the tropical rainforest. Crossing the rainforest and exploring a cave are things I never dared to dream of before, but this time! I did it! Initially, my impression of the rainforest was just about wearing a little skirt and taking beautiful photos!
So, even if you've opened a brand new door, you can't forget your old knowledge, so a bunch of beautiful photos are a must! On the morning of the last day, I had nothing to do, so I strolled around the scenic area with my friends. I got a bunch of beautiful photos, and here are a few photo spots to share with you~
No.1 Millennium Tree King
This is undoubtedly number one! The tall and sturdy trunk of the Millennium Strangler Fig tree, with its roots entwined with vines, is the epitome of the tropical rainforest. This is a must-see for any rainforest photoshoot!
A group of loving family photos, dedicated to this perfect journey~
No.2 Rainforest Restaurant
Across from the Rain Forest Restaurant, there's a restaurant that was once used as a filming location for Wang Han's reality show. It's now abandoned, but still beautiful. This shot was taken from the restaurant.
Of course, you can also take beautiful portraits by walking in!
In the Rainforest Restaurant, the awnings and wooden booths of the outdoor booths also make beautiful photo spots.
No.3 Light Luxury Tent & Large Lawn
When the weather is good, the large lawn where the tents are located is simply stunning! With the green mountains shrouded in mist in the distance and the green lawn nearby, it's exactly what a vacation should be like!
A joyful journey is drawing to a close in my memories. Let me introduce you to Mengyuan Wonderland, where we vacationed this time. It is a pristine tropical rainforest scenic area located in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. It is a national nature reserve with beautiful scenery and thrilling and interesting activities.
A 3-day, 2-night vacation has made it soar to the top of my list of "worthwhile experiences on earth." In my lifetime, I must bring my family here to see the earth as it really is!
Number of days: 2 days, Average cost: 1,000 yuan, Updated: 2023.04.30
Number of days: 11 days, Average cost: 15,000 yuan, Updated: 2022.01.16
Number of days:7 days, Average cost: 4000 yuan, Updated: 2025.04.29
Number of days: 5 days, Average cost: 2500 yuan, Updated: 2020-05-27 15:01
Number of days：5 days, Average cost: 1800 yuan, Updated: 2021-08-16 17:29
Number of days: 1 day, Average cost: 100 yuan, Updated: 2020-09-28 09:41
