Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州)

1. Introduction

Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (Dai Lue: ᦈᦹᧈ ᦈᦹᧈ ᦵᦋᦲᧁᧈ ᦘᦱ ᦉᦱ ᦺᦑ ᧑᧒ ᦗᧃ ᦓᦱ, IPA: [ʦɯ˧˥ʦɯ˧˥ʦəu˧ pʰaː˥˩saː˥tai˥˩ sip˥sɔŋ˥ pan˥˩naː˥˩]; Thai: จังหวัดปกครองตนเองชนชาติไท สิบสองปันนา), abbreviated as Xishuangbanna Prefecture, is an autonomous prefecture under Yunnan Province of the People's Republic of China, located at the southwestern tip of Yunnan. The prefecture borders Pu'er City to the north, Myanmar to the southwest, and Laos to the southeast. It lies in the southern section of the Hengduan Mountains, with the Ailao Mountains and Wuliang Mountains to the north, mountainous terrain on the east and west sides, and valleys and basins in the central area. The Lancang River flows longitudinally through the prefecture. The total area is 19,096 square kilometers, with a population of 1.3014 million. The Han ethnic group accounts for approximately 33% of the population, while the Dai ethnic group makes up about 25%. The capital of the autonomous prefecture is Jinghong City.

2. Origin of the Name

"Xishuang" (ᦉᦲᧇᦉᦸᧂ, numerically represented as ᧑᧒) in the Tai Lü language means twelve, possibly derived from the Chinese term "ten pairs." "Ban" (ᦗᧃ) means thousand (another interpretation suggests "ban" means "village," cognate with Thai บ้าน bâan and Lao ບ້ານ bān). "Na" (ᦓᦱ) is a unit of land tax. Thus, "Xishuangbanna" translates to twelve thousand fields, or literally "twelve thousand fields." Hence, it is also referred to as "Ten Pairs Banna," "Twelve Banna," or simply "Banna."

It is also known as the Thirteen Banna.

3. History

Xishuangbanna was historically known as Mengle, the land inhabited by the Dai Lue people. According to the Le Xishuang Bang (ᦟᦹᧉᦉᦲᧇᦉᦸᧂᦔᦱᧂ), ancient Mengle was divided into twelve bang (tribes). Historical records in the Le Shi indicate that around 1180, Bazhen (Paya Zhen) unified the various tribes and established the "Jinglong Golden Hall Kingdom," becoming the first Zhaopianling.

During the Western Han Dynasty, the region was part of the Ailao territory. In the 12th year of the Yongping era (69 AD) of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the King of Ailao submitted to Han authority. The Han court then separated the western part of Yizhou Commandery to establish Lancang Commandery, later renamed Yongchang Commandery. In the 6th year of the Taishi era (270 AD) of the Western Jin Dynasty, Yongchang Commandery was placed under the newly established Ningzhou. In the 9th year of the Yuankang era (299 AD), Nanfu County was established in the area of present-day Jinghong City. From the late Eastern Jin to the Northern and Southern Dynasties period, the central plains dynasties gradually lost administrative control over the region, which later came under the rule of the Pu tribes.

In the 26th year of the Kaiyuan era (738 AD) of the Tang Dynasty, the Mengshe Zhao unified the other five zhao and established the Nanzhao Kingdom. Nanzhao established the Yinsheng military governorate (jiedushi), with the present-day area belonging to the Mangnai Circuit. In the 8th year of the Tianfu era (943 AD) of the Later Jin during the Five Dynasties period, the Dai chieftain Paya Sangmudi divided his territory into twelve banna, calling it "Xishuangbanna." In the 7th year of the Chunxi era (1180 AD) of the Southern Song Dynasty, the Dai chieftain Paya Zhen established the "Jinglong Golden Hall Kingdom," with its ruling center in Mengle, present-day Jinghong City. In the 29th year of the Zhiyuan era (1292 AD) of the Yuan Dynasty, Yuan troops entered Yunnan, and the "Jinglong Kingdom" submitted to Yuan authority. In the 2nd year of the Yuanzhen era (1296 AD), the Cheli Military-Civilian Prefecture was established (administered from present-day Jinghong City). In the 4th year of the Taiding era (1327 AD), the Cheli Military-Civilian Prefecture was renamed the Cheli Military-Civilian Prefecture.

In the 15th year of the Hongwu era (1382 AD) of the Ming Dynasty, the "Jinglong Kingdom" submitted to the Ming Dynasty, which established the Cheli Military-Civilian Prefecture in its territory. In the 17th year of the Hongwu era (1384 AD), the Cheli Military-Civilian Prefecture was changed to the Cheli Pacification Commission (Xuanweisi), and the Zhaopianling was enfeoffed as the Pacification Commissioner (Xuanweishi). In the 4th year of the Longqing era (1570 AD), the 24th Zhaopianling, Zhao Yingmeng, merged over thirty meng into twelve banna: Jinghong, Mengzhe, Menghun, Menghai, Jingluo, Mengla, Menghen, Mengla, Mengpeng, Mengwu, Jingdong, and Menglong ("Jing" signifies a city, "Meng" signifies a basin). In the 7th year of the Yongzheng era (1729 AD) of the Qing Dynasty, the six banna east of the Lancang River under the Cheli Pacification Commission were separated to establish the Pu'er Prefecture. In the 1st year of the Qianlong era (1736 AD), Pu'er Prefecture was given jurisdiction over the six banna beyond the Lancang River and their local chieftains. Among these, Mengwu was ceded to France in 1895 under the Supplementary Convention to the Sino-French Convention Respecting the Delimitation of the Frontier and Trade Relations and incorporated into French Indochina; it now belongs to Phongsaly Province in Laos. Since then, only eleven of the twelve banna remained.

In the 2nd year of the Republic of China (1913), the Pusi Yanbian Administrative Bureau was established by separating from Simao Subprefecture, administered from present-day Jinghong City, under the Diannan Circuit (renamed Pu'er Circuit in 1914). In the 16th year of the Republic of China (1927), the first district of the Pusi Yanbian Administrative Bureau became Cheli County (administered from present-day Yunjinghong Subdistrict, Jinghong City), the second district became Wufu County (administered from present-day Mengzhe Town, Menghai County), the third district became Fohai County (administered from present-day Menghai Town, Menghai County), the fourth district became the Linjiang Administrative District (administered from present-day Mengwang Township, Menghai County), the fifth district became Zhenyue County (administered from present-day Mengpeng Town, Mengla County, moved to present-day Yiwu Township in 1930), the sixth district became Xiangming County (administered from present-day Yibang Village, Xiangming Yi Ethnic Township, Mengla County), the seventh district became Puwen County (administered from present-day Puwen Town, Jinghong City), and the eighth district became Lushan County (present-day Lishun Township, Simao District, Pu'er City), all under Pu'er Circuit; the circuit system was abolished the same year. In 1929, Lushan County was renamed Liushun County, and Xiangming County was merged into Zhenyue County; the same year, the Second Frontier Development Superintendent Office was established, with all counties and administrative districts under its jurisdiction. In 1932, Puwen County was merged into Simao County, and the Linjiang Administrative District was changed to Ningjiang Administrative Bureau. In 1934, Wufu County was renamed Nanqiao County. In 1938, the Second Frontier Development Superintendent Office was abolished. In the 29th year of the Republic of China (1940), the Pusi Yanbian Administrative Bureau became the First Administrative Inspectorate of Yunnan Province, changed to the Fourth Administrative Inspectorate in 1942, and transferred to the Seventh Administrative Inspectorate in 1946.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, in 1950, the counties were placed under Ning'er Special District, renamed Pu'er Special District the following year. On January 23, 1953, the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Region was established, placed under the leadership of Pu'er Special District. In 1954, the counties were abolished and replaced by twelve banna equivalent to district level: Jinghong, Menghai, Mengwang, Yiwu, Mengpeng, Menghun, Mengzhe, Mengyang, Mengla, Menglong, Meng'a, and Mandun, along with the Gelanghe Hani Autonomous Region (administered from present-day Gelanghe Township, Menghai County), the Bulangshan Bulang Autonomous Region (administered from present-day Mengman Town, Menghai County), and the Yiwu Yao Autonomous Region (administered from present-day Yiwu Township, Mengla County). In June 1956, after the abolition of the serfdom system, the Xishuangbanna Autonomous Region was reorganized into the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, under the leadership of Simao Special District. In July 1957, the three banna of Mengyang, Menglong, and Mengwang were merged into Banna Jinghong; the two autonomous regions of Gelanghe and Bulang, along with the two banna of Menghun and Meng'a, were merged into Banna Menghai; Banna Mandun was merged into Banna Mengzhe; Banna Mengpeng was merged into Banna Mengla; and the Yiwu Yao Autonomous Region was merged into Banna Yiwu. In January 1960, the various banna were changed into the five counties of Jinghong, Menghai, Mengzhe, Mengla, and Yiwu; in September of the same year, Mengzhe County was merged into Menghai County, and Yiwu County was merged into Mengla County. In August 1973, Xishuangbanna Prefecture and Simao Prefecture were separated, with Xishuangbanna placed under the direct leadership of Yunnan Province. In December 1993, Jinghong County was abolished and re-established as Jinghong City.

The former Zhao Jingha (Head of the Outer Council) and Zhao Mengpeng (Chieftain of Mengpeng) Zhao Cunxin (1928–2015) served long-term as Chairman of the Autonomous Region (1953–1955) and Governor of the Autonomous Prefecture (1955–1992). The 44th Zhaopianling, Dao Shixun (1928–2017), later became a scholar.

4. Geography

Xishuangbanna is the region in China with the most intact tropical ecosystem. It is often praised with titles such as the "Kingdom of Plants," "Kingdom of Animals," "Biological Gene Bank," and "a green gem on the crown of the plant kingdom." It hosts China's only tropical rainforest nature reserve.

4.1 Climate

Located on the northern edge of the tropics, Xishuangbanna is shielded by the Ailao and Wuliang Mountains to the north, which block cold fronts from the south. To the south, it is close to the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal on its eastern and western sides. During summer, it is influenced by the southwestern monsoon from the Indian Ocean and southeastern air currents from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in a warm and humid climate year-round. There are no distinct four seasons, only dry and wet seasons. The dry season lasts from November to April of the following year, while the wet season spans from May to October. The average annual temperature across the prefecture ranges from 18.6°C to 22.9°C.

4.2 Rivers

The Lancang-Mekong River, often hailed as the "Oriental Danube," connects by water with Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It serves as an important channel and golden waterway to South Asia, boasting unique geographical and natural advantages.

4.3 Plants

The prefecture's forest area covers 1.5463 million hectares, including six national-level nature reserves in Mengyang, Mengla, Menglun, Shangyong, Mangao, and the Naban River Basin, totaling 4.02 million mu (approximately 268,000 hectares). Among these, 700,000 mu (approximately 46,667 hectares) are well-preserved primary forests. The region is home to over 5,000 species of higher plants, including 153 endemic species such as Parashorea chinensis, Knema globularia, Myristica yunnanensis, Tetrastigma planicaule, Garcinia xanthochymus, Calophyllum inophyllum, Maytenus hookeri, and Cephalotaxus fortunei. There are 134 endangered plant species, including Lagerstroemia intermedia, Mesua ferrea, Gmelina arborea, and Maytenus austroyunnanensis. The diverse plant species intertwine to form complex and varied vegetation landscapes, including tropical rainforests, tropical monsoon forests, subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests, mossy evergreen broad-leaved forests, South Asian subtropical mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests, mixed bamboo and wood forests, and shrublands.

Among the various plants, medicinal plant resources are particularly abundant. The prefecture has 1,724 species of Chinese herbal medicines, with over 500 species having been authenticated. These include aromatic stomachic herbs like Amomum villosum, stomachic and anthelmintic herbs like Areca catechu, Dracaena cambodiana (the main raw material for domestically produced dragon's blood resin), Paris polyphylla (the main raw material for Yunnan Baiyao), Rauvolfia verticillata (used to produce antihypertensive agents), and Cinchona trees (used to produce quinine). In Xishuangbanna, the "Kingdom of Plants," resources such as fruits, flowering plants, oil plants, aromatic plants, dye plants, fiber plants, starch plants, and vegetable plants are also abundant. Xishuangbanna is the native habitat of the large-leaf tea variety in Asia and is a renowned production area for the internationally famous "Pu'er tea."

4.4 Animals

The abundant flora and mild climate make Xishuangbanna an ideal habitat for animals to thrive. The region is home to 762 species of vertebrates (including 539 terrestrial vertebrates), accounting for one-fourth of China's vertebrate species. It also hosts over 3,000 species of invertebrates, 427 species of birds (36% of China's bird species), 108 species of mammals, 74 species of wild reptiles, and 100 species of fish. It is celebrated as the "Kingdom of Animals" and a "natural zoo." Among these wild animals, 109 species are listed as rare and protected under China's national key protection program. The region not only preserves China's largest population of wild Asian elephants but also hosts concentrated distributions of rare animals such as wild buffalo, Indochinese tigers (also known as Mengla tigers or Bengal tigers of Indochina), green peafowls, monitor lizards, pythons, black-crested gibbons, hornbills, and the mouse deer, which is found only in this area.

4.5 Minerals

Xishuangbanna Prefecture is rich in mineral resources, including rock salt, iron, copper, manganese, cobalt, rare earths (xenotime, monazite), lignite, oil shale, lead, zinc, mercury, tungsten, gold, and kaolin.

5. Administrative Divisions

5.1 Overview

Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture administers 1 county-level city and 2 counties.

• County-level City: Jinghong City
• Counties: Menghai County, Mengla County

5.2 Administrative Divisions Table

| Division Code | Division Name | Xishuangbanna Dai Script | Hanyu Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Seat of Government | Postal Code | Township-level Divisions | |----------|----------|--------------|----------|------------------|------------------------|----------|----------|------------| | 532800 | Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture | ᦈᦹᧈ ᦈᦹᧈ ᦵᦋᦲᧁᧈ ᦘᦱ ᦉᦱ ᦺᦑ ᧑᧒ ᦗᧃ ᦓᦱ | Xīshuāngbǎnnà Dǎizú Zìzhìzhōu | 19,096 | 1,301,407 | Jinghong City | 666100 | 5 Subdistricts, 18 Towns, 12 Townships (including 7 Ethnic Townships) | | 532801 | Jinghong City | ᦵᦋᧂ ᦣᦳᧂᧈ ᦉᦹᧈ | Jǐnghóng Shì | 6,867 | 642,737 | Yunjinghong Subdistrict | 666100 | 5 Subdistricts, 4 Towns, 5 Townships (including 2 Ethnic Townships) | | 532822 | Menghai County | ᦵᦙᦲᧂ ᦣᦻ ᦶᦉᧃᧈ | Měnghǎi Xiàn | 5,369 | 353,720 | Menghai Town | 666200 | 6 Towns, 5 Townships (including 3 Ethnic Townships) | | 532823 | Mengla County | ᦵᦙᦲᧂ ᦟᦱᧉ ᦶᦉᧃᧈ | Měnglà Xiàn | 6,861 | 304,950 | Mengla Town | 666300 | 8 Towns, 2 Townships (including 2 Ethnic Townships) |

6. Economy

The economy of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture has shown remarkable development in recent years. In 2023, the regional gross domestic product (GDP) reached 176 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.0%. Specifically, the added value of the primary industry was 183.06 billion yuan, up by 4.1%; the added value of the secondary industry was 183.95 billion yuan, up by 7.8%; and the added value of the tertiary industry was 78.89 billion yuan, up by 7.8%. Within the prefecture's economic structure, the tertiary industry dominates, accounting for 52.9% of the total. Additionally, the total retail sales of consumer goods in the prefecture amounted to 30.665 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.0%, while completed fixed asset investments totaled 16.19 billion yuan, up by 13.2% year-on-year.

The economy of Xishuangbanna is primarily driven by tourism, agriculture, and the bio-industry, with a strong emphasis on green and sustainable development. The urbanization rate of the prefecture's permanent resident population stands at 50.42%, indicating steady progress in urbanization.

7. Transportation

The transportation system in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture is relatively well-developed, covering various modes such as highways, railways, and aviation. Currently, the prefecture is advancing the construction of a modern integrated transportation system, with the goal of building an efficient, convenient, safe, and green transportation network. In terms of highways, Xishuangbanna boasts a developed network of expressways and national/provincial trunk roads, while multiple expressways are under construction to enhance regional transportation capacity. Regarding railways, although there is currently no direct railway station in Xishuangbanna, Pu'er Railway Station and Mengla Railway Station can serve as transfer hubs. New railway lines are also planned for the future. In aviation, Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport serves as the primary aviation hub, connecting multiple domestic and international cities. Additionally, the prefecture is actively developing urban bus routes and rural passenger transport to promote the integration of urban and rural transportation.

8. Education

The education sector in the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture has achieved significant progress in multiple aspects. According to the Regulations on Ethnic Education of the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, the prefecture is committed to safeguarding and developing ethnic education, enhancing the scientific and cultural literacy of all ethnic groups, and emphasizing the implementation of the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education. Bilingual education for the Dai ethnic group is a vital component of the prefecture’s education system, currently implemented primarily at the primary school level. However, there are suggestions to establish secondary schools to cultivate bilingual talents among the Dai ethnic group.

The autonomous prefecture also focuses on the development of basic education and vocational education, implementing nine-year compulsory education while vigorously advancing vocational and adult education. In recent years, through policy support and financial investment, the prefecture has gradually improved school conditions and enhanced the quality of education. Additionally, Dai students face certain challenges in learning the Chinese language, but these issues are being progressively addressed through the joint efforts of society and schools.

9. Population

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the permanent resident population of the prefecture was 1,301,407. Compared with the 1,133,515 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was an increase of 167,892 people over the past ten years, a growth of 14.81%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.39%. Among them, the male population was 684,765, accounting for 52.62% of the total population; the female population was 616,642, accounting for 47.38% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 111.05. The population aged 0–14 was 228,963, accounting for 17.59% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 906,398, accounting for 69.65% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 166,046, accounting for 12.76% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 105,021, accounting for 8.07% of the total population. The urban population was 612,550, accounting for 47.07% of the total population; the rural population was 688,857, accounting for 52.93% of the total population.

9.1. Ethnic Groups

Among the permanent resident population of the prefecture, the Han Chinese population was 439,036, accounting for 33.74%; the combined population of various ethnic minorities was 862,371, accounting for 66.26%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han Chinese population increased by 98,605 people, a growth of 28.96%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 3.7 percentage points; the combined population of ethnic minorities increased by 69,287 people, a growth of 8.74%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 3.7 percentage points. Among them, the Dai population increased by 12,190 people, a growth of 3.86%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 2.66 percentage points; the Hani population increased by 18,875 people, a growth of 8.76%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 1 percentage point.

The Dai people in Xishuangbanna refer to themselves as Dai Lue (ᦑᦺᦟᦹᧉ [tai˥˩lɯ˩]) and speak the Dai Lue language.

Ethnic Composition of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (2020 Seventh National Population Census)

| Ethnic Group | Population | Percentage of Total Population (%) | Percentage of Minority Population (%) | |------------------|----------------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Han Chinese | 439,036 | 33.74 | - | | Dai | 328,341 | 25.23 | 38.07 | | Hani | 234,309 | 18.00 | 27.17 | | Yi | 83,020 | 6.38 | 9.63 | | Lahu | 66,635 | 5.12 | 7.73 | | Blang | 50,897 | 3.91 | 5.90 | | Jino | 23,917 | 1.84 | 2.77 | | Yao | 23,547 | 1.81 | 2.73 | | Miao | 21,583 | 1.66 | 2.50 | | Bai | 8,264 | 0.64 | 0.96 | | Other Ethnic Groups | 21,858 | 1.68 | 2.53 |

10. Religion

The Dai people have lived in Xishuangbanna for generations. Due to the long-standing local Buddhist tradition and proximity to Buddhist countries such as Laos and Myanmar, Theravada Buddhism (Southern Buddhism) is deeply rooted here. Temples and pagodas reminiscent of Southeast Asian styles can be seen everywhere. The Dai and Bulang people are predominantly followers of Theravada Buddhism, and some members of other ethnic groups also practice Buddhism.

11. Culture

Overview

Xishuangbanna is rich in natural, historical, and cultural resources, known for its ethnic customs, rainforests, rare plants, and wildlife. Its main tourist attractions include the Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden, Manfeilong Pagoda (Manfeilong White Pagoda), Jingzhen Pavilion, Wild Elephant Valley, and Ganlanba Dai Village.

Famous Traditional Festivals

• Hani "Gatangpa" Festival
• Jinuo "Temaoke" Festival
• Yao "Panwang" Festival
• Yi "Baishijia" Festival
• Dai New Year (Water-Splashing Festival): Held annually from April 13th to 15th, lasting three days. In addition to the Water-Splashing Festival, other activities include dragon boat races and sky lanterns.

Famous Attractions

• Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
• Xishuangbanna Theme Park
• Wild Elephant Valley
• Ganlanba (Olive Dam)
• Single Tree Forest
• Manting Park
• Mengla Wangtianshu (Sky Tree)
• Ethnic Customs Garden
• Manfeilong Pagoda
• Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion
• Manchunman Buddhist Temple
• Manduan Buddhist Temple

National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

• Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion
• Manfeilong Pagoda
• Manduan Buddhist Temple
• Manchunman Buddhist Temple

Local Products and Snacks

• Tea: Pu'er Tea
• Elephant-foot Drums
• Tongpa and Scented Pouches
• Dragon's Blood (Resin)
• Gynostemma Pentaphyllum
• Tropical Fruits: Jackfruit, Rambutan, Avocado, Wax Apple, Papaya, Pineapple (seedless variety), Mango
• Grilled Fish with Lemongrass
• Bamboo Tube Rice
• Edible Moss
• Fried Buffalo Skin

12. Sister Cities

Austin, USA Luang Prabang Province, Laos

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Jinghong City

Jinghong City

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