In the early morning, a thin mist envelops the Nanla River, a place said to be where the Buddha once recited scriptures and poured tea. The rainforest landscape along the riverbank is stunningly beautiful, with crisp birdsong in the air. In the Dai language, "nan" means water, and "la" means tea. This tea-water river at the edge of the rainforest carries our boat forward through the mist as we sail against the wind. My grandmother beside me is filled with a touch of excitement; she is a devout Theravada Buddhist, and to her, the Nanla River is sacred beyond measure.
We are on our way to the Wanshutree Scenic Area, the most beautiful tropical rainforest national park in Mengla County. As the boat continues its journey, my grandmother tells me to call her out when I see an old suspension bridge. No sooner have the words left her mouth than I spot the bridge leading to the dense primeval forest on the opposite bank. My grandmother peers intently, murmuring excitedly — “Here... this is it... this is it...”
Legend has it that a magical “big monkey” lives in the primeval forest across the river, and brave people have come here in search of traces of the “big monkey”...
My grandmother’s story seems to come to a halt just then, but the boat has reached its destination and docks steadily at the rainforest pier. We head straight for the scenic area entrance, greeted by a refreshing coolness mixed with the unique scent of the rainforest, drawing our thoughts into this magical journey of discovery.
Passing through the “Ruli Jinwan” Blessing Gate, my grandmother and I press our palms together to receive the Dai people’s purest and kindest blessing. “Ruli Jinwan” is a Dai phrase, which translates to “good fortune and peace.” Both my grandmother and I are of the Dai ethnic group, so we naturally understand how beautiful the meaning behind it is.
With the blessing still lingering, we find ourselves surrounded by rare plants. I love the way orchids bloom — their fragrance is subtle and far-reaching, their purity and elegance so captivating that one can’t bear to look away.
If you feel these rare plants aren’t enough to explore, don’t miss a visit to the Science Popularization Hall, which also features a Tongcheng Station. Take a short rest, enjoy free Wi-Fi and coffee, snap a couple of photos to share on your WeChat Moments, and wait for all the envy to pour in. Young people are sure to love this kind of experience.
The canopy walkway has always been, in my opinion, the most valuable experience. This 500-meter-long, over-30-meter-high aerial corridor attracts countless domestic and international visitors. Visiting Wanshutree without walking the canopy walkway would definitely be a regret. When we stand on the walkway, beneath us lies a surging sea of green. The breathtaking rainforest scenery instantly dispels any fear of heights, and I watch a flock of birds take flight and land again. At this moment, it feels as if I’ve grown wings myself, fearless and bold. A scene from the movie *Avatar* suddenly flashes through my mind — if there’s any place on Earth that resembles Pandora, it must be the Wanshutree Scenic Area.
Unexpectedly, I actually encounter an “Avatar.”
After descending from the canopy walkway, we arrive at a crystal-clear natural swimming pool. Suddenly, a strange cry comes from the mountainside across the way, somewhat reminiscent of Tarzan. Looking closer, it turns out to be an “Avatar” standing on the canopy walkway by the pool. Everyone starts taking pictures of him, and the “Avatar” shyly ducks away. How amusing.
The natural swimming pool is swimmable, with its lively, crystal-clear waters nestled amid surrounding jungle, making it as green as jade. Where else can you find such a naturally beautiful place? The scene before my eyes is indescribably gorgeous.
If the beauty of the natural pool is indescribable, then the Khmu swing must be pure joy with no logic. Unlike the swings we’re familiar with, the Khmu swing is pushed outward and makes a full circle before returning to its starting point, then gets pushed again. The whole process is thrilling, with screams and laughter blending into pure happiness that infects everyone watching.
It’s said that Khmu girls with troubles will always take a ride on the Khmu swing. After a few rounds, they’ll no longer feel downhearted because of their worries — I truly believe this, because the answer is written on the faces of those who try it.
Then, we step onto the bluestone path by the shallow stream and head deeper into the dense forest. Sunlight filters thinly through the treetops, casting dappled patterns on the blue stones — a feeling like half-awake dreamy eyes, irresistibly alluring. I’ve never seen such clear and transparent stream water; a few small fish swim leisurely, and birdsong fills the air. Isn’t this the place where the fairy is said to draw water in Dai legend? So my grandmother begins telling a story — a love story about a brave Dai lad who meets a fairy secretly coming down to draw water by the stream. They fall in love at first sight but face strong opposition. In the end, the fairy turns into the stream, and the brave lad becomes a tree by the bank, inseparable for all eternity.
Perhaps it’s because of one story after another of lovers yearning to be together that a huge wishing tree has grown by the stream, carrying the hopes and devotion of the people. Looking at the dense clusters of wishing ribbons hanging from its branches, you can’t help but believe that a deity must live in this giant wishing tree. Otherwise, why would my grandmother light Dai incense and kneel devoutly under the tree, murmuring prayers...
Whether it’s spiritual power is real or not doesn’t really matter.
For our final stretch, we choose the Philip Trail, as I hope to get up close with the Wanshutrees again and listen to the wisdom accumulated through all their years.
Wanshutree, the sky-supporting giant — you are truly so tall. I have to tilt my head all the way back to see your treetop. Legend says you are the seed brought here by a beautiful peacock, growing taller and taller under the Buddha’s lotus-like, wonderful preaching voice, and stretching out an umbrella-handle-like canopy to shelter everyone from wind and rain. Later, the Dai people called you “Mai Gan Zhong,” and you silently guard this green jewel by the Nanla River, standing firm through wind and storm. At this moment, gazing at you, I can’t help but think of the principles of life: with a solid foundation, what does it matter if you face countless storms in your lifetime? Work diligently and strive toward the height of your dreams — nothing is impossible.
Bidding farewell to the sky-supporting giant, I’ve also witnessed the wonders of the plant kingdom — things like “old stems embracing youth,” “plant strangulation,” “climbing dragons and attaching phoenixes,” and so on... I can’t help but say: a trip to the Wanshutree Scenic Area is better than reading ten years’ worth of books.
Exiting the scenic area, we retrace our steps along the way we came. The mist on the river has long since dissipated, and a couple of fishing boats ripple the water’s surface, leaving long wakes. The weight at the fishermen’s waists is the bounty of the Nanla River. Just then, music drifts from somewhere, accompanied gently by the Dai hulusi flute — tender and affectionate, as if trying to persuade the visitors from afar to stay a little longer...