A Single Tree Becomes a Forest in Mangling

A Single Tree Becomes a Forest in Mangling

A Single Tree Becomes a Forest in Mangling is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

The "A Single Tree Becomes a Forest" is a large banyan tree located in Mangling, Ruili City. With its sprawling, gnarled branches and over a hundred aerial roots that touch the ground, this single tree forms a forest-like canopy, presenting a spectacular sight. Located right next to National Highway 320, its outstretched graceful branches seem to welcome visitors from afar, hence locals in Ruili call it the Welcoming Banyan. This tree has a unique shape and variable postures, making it a favorite among many film and television professionals. More than ten films and TV dramas, including Border Village on Fire, Princess of the Peacock, and Journey to the West, have shot exteriors here. Next to the Welcoming Banyan stands an eye-catching sculpture of a traditional Dai musical instrument—the hulusi (gourd flute)—which can play Ruili’s city anthem “There Is a Beautiful Place,” making it a great spot for visitors to pause and admire the scenery.

A Single Tree Becomes a Forest is a national AA-level scenic area. Located in Mangling Village, Ruili City, it is 15 kilometers from downtown Ruili. The main attraction of the site is a large banyan tree, with sprawling, gnarled branches and over a hundred aerial roots that reach the ground, forming a forest-like canopy, presenting a spectacular sight. Located right next to National Highway 320, its outstretched graceful branches seem to welcome visitors from afar, hence locals in Ruili call it the Welcoming Banyan. This tree has a unique shape and variable postures, making it a favorite among many film professionals. More than ten films and TV dramas, including Border Village on Fire, Princess of the Peacock, and Journey to the West, have shot exteriors here.

A Single Tree Becomes a Forest is actually just one large banyan tree. The mother trunk spreads outward, giving rise to aerial roots from its branches. These roots grow into the soil and develop into thick trunks, which then extend further, collectively forming this banyan grove—a breathtaking spectacle of a single tree becoming a forest. It is reported that this banyan tree is over a hundred years old. The main trunk requires seven or eight people to encircle, and it remains lush and green all year round. With its well-developed aerial roots covering an area of more than 4 acres, it has become a representative scenic highlight of Dehong’s subtropical landscape.

Address: Mangling Village, Mengmao Town, Ruili City, Yunnan Province, on National Highway 320

Type: Botanical Garden

Recommended Visiting Time: 0.5–1 hour

Phone: 0692-4143272

Transportation

In Ruili City, you can hire a car to get there; alternatively, take a minibus to Wanding, which costs 10 yuan

Ticket

Ticket: 15 yuan per person