Xishuangbanna contains the only tropical rainforest in China

Matt writes:
Today was our last day in Xixuangbanna and it was one to remember. We checked out of our hotel around 8:30 a.m. and immediately left by bus to the Xi Shuang Ban Na Primeval Forest, a local tropical rainforest. It was a very pleasing 80 degrees or so, and the humid air quickly made the outside weather hot.

After a short bus ride to the reserve we all went in and watched an animal show. There were lions and tigers and bears, but there was not an “Oh my!” from our group. Many kids felt uncomfortable knowing the animals had been taken from their natural habitats and were being used to make a profit.

After the animal show, we went off into the jungle for a 45 minute hike. Due to the humidity, it was quite the strenuous hike; nevertheless, we trudged on. Within the jungle there was so much noise. This surprised me. I had thought of a jungle as a serene and calming place, but the noisy cicada bugs teamed with the rolling streams and exotic singing birds made the jungle feel alive.

Later on, we returned to our hotel for some relaxation. We had lunch at a great Thai restaurant, and then were presented some options on how to spend the next three hours before our next flight. Some of the students just relaxed and others went for a walk in the city. It was a very fun and tiring last day in Xixuangbanna before going to Lijiang.

Our first stop this morning was the Xishuangbanna Primordial Park. The sign is in the Bai language, Chinese above the English.

We visited a traditional Dai house. The women in the front wear traditional Dai costumes.

Maygan and Matt pause on the bamboo walkway. It was very springy and comfortable to walk on through the forest.

AACE on the bamboo bridge.

We had our last dinner in Xishaungbanna in a local Dai restaurant.

Sunset from the window of the plane as we fly to Lijiang