Xishuangbanna Mythology Park

　　Situated 18 kilometers along the road from Jinghong to the Xiaomenglun Botanical Garden, next to Mangui Village. As you pass through the golden gate of the Mythology Park, you’ll be met by four large golden statues of human-faced beasts. In front of the statues stands a huge colorful bas-relief depicting the ancient myths of the Dai people creating the world. These vivid images seem to transport visitors into a magical and colorful realm of ethnic mythology.

　　On the right side of the park, nestled among a sea of flowers, are numerous celestial deities, each exquisitely crafted and in unique poses. Each deity has its own mythological story. Travelers who enjoy hearing mythical tales might want to visit in person, memorize these enchanting legends, and explore the wondrous stories of Buddhism—offering a truly unique experience.

　　Within the Mythology Park, you can see a massive — tree. This tree’s sap is highly toxic and was used in ancient warfare to coat arrowheads; a mere graze would be fatal. Throughout history, this tree has become a sacred tree worshipped by generations of the Mangui villagers.

　　Mengbala Kingdom Garden

　　"Mengbalanaxi" is the ancient name for Xishuangbanna, which means "a beautiful place" in the Dai language. The "Mengbala Kingdom Garden" is a tourist attraction rich in unique ethnic charm. Built in Olive Dam, the entire garden showcases both the natural and cultural landscapes of Xishuangbanna, blending the history, culture, religion, and folk customs of the Dai people.

　　Inside the park, tall coconut and betel nut trees stand proudly, while banana and mango trees form lush groves, and the phoenix-tail bamboo sways gently in the breeze. The fragrant scents of tropical fruits drift through the air. Decades-old wild animals and birds create a rich ecological environment, offering profound insights into the region's biodiversity. Delicate bamboo pavilions nestle in quiet corners, while elegant bamboo towers rise gracefully. Tropical fruits hang bountifully, and the scenery captivates the senses. There are also charming wooden bridges and shaded paths meandering through the landscape, with cool streams murmuring beneath. Ancient trees stand tall, vines twist and climb, and tall palm trees add an exotic touch, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of a tropical primeval forest.

　　Surrounding the Great Buddha Temple are more than ten distinctive stupas, along with various sculptures and reliefs that introduce visitors to the Dai people’s legends of creation. The Dai Ethnic Village demonstrates the evolution of Dai bamboo houses—from the first, second, and third generations to primitive stilt dwellings built high in the trees. Visitors can walk across sky bridges to explore the Dai homes and experience the original environment where the Dai people, living alone in the jungle to protect against wild animals and other dangers, built these bridges to aid mutual rescue. Descending from the sky bridges, you’ll find streams flowing gently, ancient trees towering, vines entwined, and tall palm trees standing upright—offering a taste of the beauty of a tropical primeval forest.

　　Finally, there is the restored ancient Mengbala Naxi Kingdom, covering approximately 15,000 square meters. The kingdom includes structures such as the Dai King’s council hall, palace halls, guesthouses, royal gardens, and servant workshops and residences. Visitors can watch ancient Dai court dances, sample royal cuisine, and observe traditional crafts such as Dai brocade weaving, rice noodle pressing, cooking, as well as elephant taming, snake handling, and peacock raising. This series of unique experiences offers a glimpse into the ambiance of an ancient foreign kingdom.