Banyan Kingdom · Homeland of a Thousand Lakes

Dehong Yingjiang County — the hometown of the Asian Banyan King and an ecological secret realm in Western Yunnan. A 2-day-1-night itinerary exploring the largest Banyan tree in Asia, cruising the Kaibangya Lake thousand-island wonder, and strolling through the Shimi Wadi alpine meadow, experiencing the charm of Jingpo and Dai ethnic cultures and natural ecology.

Crown of Asia
Banyan King
Thousand-Island Lake
Kaibangya
Alpine Meadow
Shimi Wadi
Rare Species
Bird Paradise
Yingjiang Banyan King
Yingjiang County Banyan King Landscape
The single-tree forest wonder formed by the largest Banyan tree in Asia

Yingjiang County Two Days One Night Eco-Secret Realm Tour

Banyan wonder + lake scenery + alpine meadow, feel the charm of the Western Yunnan ecological kingdom

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Banyan King Scenic Area, Kaibangya Lake, Shimi Wadi, Yunyan Pagoda, Daying River Wetland
Suitable For
Nature Enthusiasts, Photographers, Cultural Explorers, Eco-Travelers
Per Capita Budget
¥330-¥570
01
Banyan & Lake Exploration
Natural Wonders
Itinerary Highlights

Explore the Banyan King in the morning, cruise Kaibangya Lake in the afternoon.

Attractions
Banyan King Scenic Area
The largest Banyan tree in Asia, over 300 years old, covering 6 mu of land. Its aerial roots form a "single tree forest" wonder, complete with ecological walkways, observation decks, and bird-watching points.
Yunyan Pagoda
A provincial-level cultural relics protection unit, a Theravada Buddhist pagoda complex featuring a main pagoda and 40 subsidiary pagodas, serving as an important symbol of Dai culture.
Kaibangya Lake
A plateau thousand-island lake landscape with a water area of 8 square kilometers, featuring boat tours, lake island resorts, and ecological fishing villages. It is known as the "Little Thousand Islands of Western Yunnan".
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • Protect against mosquitoes in the Banyan area
  • Bring sun protection for lake tours
  • Respect religious sites
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Banyan King Homestay
  • Lake View Resort Hotel
  • County Town Boutique Inn
02
Alpine & Wetland Journey
Ecology & Culture
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Shimi Wadi in the morning, stroll through Daying River Wetland in the afternoon.

Attractions
Shimi Wadi
A Western Yunnan plateau meadow scenic area at an elevation of approximately 2,500 meters, featuring alpine pastures, primeval forests, and waterfall clusters, earning the reputation of "Little Shangri-La of Western Yunnan".
Daying River Wetland Park
A National Wetland Park preserving a complete tropical river valley ecosystem, featuring bird-watching platforms, boardwalks, and a science education hall — an important habitat for rare bird species.
Jingpo Cultural Garden
A Jingpo ethnic cultural exhibition area, featuring the Munao Dance Ground, traditional dwellings, and intangible heritage workshops, where visitors can experience traditional crafts such as Jingpo brocade weaving and rice wine making.
Practical Information
Special Experiences
  • Alpine pasture photography
  • Wetland bird-watching
  • Jingpo rice wine tasting
Return Trip Suggestions
  • Allow time for shopping
  • Ecological agricultural products
  • Jingpo handicrafts

Yingjiang County Must-Try Foods

Jingpo Ghost Chicken

A Jingpo ethnic signature dish, featuring free-range black-bone chicken mixed with wild spices and pounded in a mortar. Sour, spicy, and refreshing, it is listed in the Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage catalog.

Fire-Roasted Pig

A traditional Dai ethnic dish, with a whole pig roasted over charcoal fire, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat, served with Dai-style dipping sauce — embodying the essence of Western Yunnan barbecue craftsmanship.

Bamboo Tube Rice

A border-area specialty staple, with glutinous rice and cured meat placed inside bamboo tubes and roasted, delivering a rich bamboo aroma — a testament to the culinary wisdom of ethnic minorities.

Yingjiang County Travel Tips
Best Seasons
  • November-April: Dry season, best travel period
  • March-April: Alpine azalea blooming season
  • October: Munao Dance Festival
Ecological Tips
  • Do not damage Banyan aerial roots
  • Do not disturb wild birds
  • Bring your own trash bags
Safety Reminders
  • Prepare for cold weather in alpine scenic areas
  • Watch your step on wetland boardwalks
  • Do not enter primeval forests alone
Transportation Guide
  • Mangshi to Yingjiang: 2-hour drive
  • Shimi Wadi road conditions are poor
  • Chartering a car is recommended for the Banyan King scenic area
  • Wetland Park is walkable

Explore All Districts and Counties of Dehong Prefecture