In the morning, drive in a valley across vast rubber plantation to
DONGFENG, a small town inhabitted by mostly Han immigrants from inland of China in 1960s. Upon arrival, we will take a visit to Dongfeng’s daily market where which offers a colourful display of fruit, vegetables, flowers, fish and textiles. Walk through the market area to immerse into local’s daily life.
Journey onwards towards
Xiaojie, where members of the Lahu and Bulang ethnic groups call home. The Lahu men generally wear black turbans (predominant color) and the women dress according to the ethnic family to which they belong (black Lahu, yellow Lahu, white Lahu, etc.). Some older women still shave their heads, a traditional sign of feminine beauty. Nearby, the
Bulang ethnic people are culturally very close to the Dai (the majority are Buddhist), and now number less than 100,000. The women wear black turbans and silver jewelry, often in the design of fish or crustaceans. Some of the older people have tattooed stomachs and torsos, as per custom. The women usually chew on betel to dye their teeth black for its aesthetic appeal.
After that, head to the
Damenglong Village, located 70 kilometers (43 miles) away from Jinghong City. Visit Manfeilong Pagoda, set in beautiful jungle surroundings. The pagoda was built in the year 1024 and is a famed stupa complex in Xishuangbanna. The pagoda is on top of a hill, taking around twenty minutes to reach on foot.
We then visit the
Black Pagoda which is 3.5 kilometers to the south of Manfeilong Pagoda. It was built as a place for the worship of the right footprint of Sakyamuni. This pagoda was originally black but following several refurbishments is now a silvery white in color.
Return transfer to Jinghong.
OPTIONAL: There is a chance to enjoy a relaxing massage (one hour) at the school of blind masseurs. For centuries, blind people in China have been specialists in therapeutic massage, and it is known that their sense of touch is more developed than their sighted colleagues.
Overnight at hotel in Jinghong.