Yunnan Institute Of Tropical Crops

The institute is located outside Jinghong, the seat of Xishuangbanna Prefecture, and reached by passing through a 200-meter-long green corridor that composed of oil palms. Surrounded by lush trees and clusters of variegated flowers, it is the second research centre of natural rubber. The province introduced, far back in 1904, three-leaved rubber trees from Brazil and was the first in China to grow such trees. However, in the early fifties, there were less than 90 of them. In 1952, in accordance with the instruction of Premier Zhou Enlai, introduction and growing of rubber trees were carried out at Jinghong, Mangshi of Dehong Prefecture and Hekou of Honghe Prefecture, etc. The research institute was set up on the basis of the Jinghong Experimental Station. As a result of the development through more than three decades, the institute possesses a land of over 1,000 mu and a staff of over 1,000 personnel distributed over some 10 research departments including seed-breeding, cultivation, harvesting, processing, conservation and other specialities. Its per-tree yield of rubber ranks first in the country. Furthermore, it has gained the merit of elevating the rubber-growing zone from 17 degrees to 22-24 degrees of north latitude and from 300-400 m. of altitude, as is the case abroad, to 1,300 m. in China, and finally, from 15 degrees to 33 degrees of slope declivity. It has thus written a new chapter in the world's rubber-growing history.

Remains Of The Neolithic Age Found In Xishuangbanna

Manabangnan, Manjinglan, Manyun and Manting are the four places where remains of the neolithic age are found within Jiughong up to now. The cultural contents of these remains are rich and varied, including pottery, stoneware and cowrie shells. The pottery includes yellow-brown clayey pottery, gray sandy pottery and brown sandy pottery. Pottery vessels are in the form of pots, big bowls and small bowls, vessel lids, and fishing net sinkers. The decorations on the vessels include engraved lines, rope patterns and wave designs. The stoneware consists of axes, adzes, chopping and smashing implements, and fishing net sinkers. Most of the net sinkers are found in the remains of Manyun, which are also very big in size, the biggest being 25.6 cm. in length and 11.8cm. in width. Seven ornaments ground out of sea shells found in the remains of Manyun show that among the forefathers of the people living here in the primordial society then had already developed certain sense of beauty. Even today, the national minority people living here still maintain the custom of using sea shells as ornaments. The discovery of the remains of the neolithic age indicates that far back in the olden times of history, there were already Dai people living and multiplying here.

Ganlanba (Olive Basin), A Natural Park

A boat ride from the county seat of Jinghong along the Lancang River for 37 km. will bring you to Ganlanba. Here you will see the river rushing forward forever and flowers blooming all the year round. Buddhist temples and stilted bamboo huts of the Dai people are set off among the coconut palms and other green trees. It is the most representative of the scenery of the subtropical region where the Dai people reside, and is reputed as the "peacocks beautiful tail".

The Buddhist Temple Of Mange Village

The temple is situated in Mange Village in the southwest of Jinghong City. It was built in the year 840 by the Dai calendar (1478). It looks majestic and impressive, with 16 giant pillars measuring 40 cm. in diameter and 8 m. in height made of red tree of heaven supporting the roof. The whole structure of the temple is joined by mortises and tenons, and not a single nail is used, giving it a distinctive and resplendent appearance. Every year numerous pilgrims come here in a steady stream to pay homage to it, not only pilgrims at home but also pilgrims and monks from countries in Southeast Asia.

Peacock Lake

Situated in the centre of the county seat, the lake was built in 1977 and later developed into a park, covering an area of 18,700 sq. m. The water in the lake is crystal clear and blue in colour, and is surrounded by myriads of tropical flowers and trees. At the gate of the park are peacocks carved out of stone, and inside the park you will find kiosks and waterside pavilions, a zoological garden, flower beds, and birds and animals such as green peacocks, bears, monkeys, etc., amounting to some 300 in variety.

Manting Park

Situated by Manting Village to the south of the county town at the convergmg point of the Liusha River and the Lancang River. the park is a natural forest park. It occupies an area of 400 mu (about 26.7 hectares), and encloses the ancient Manting Temple in the middle. Inside the park are also found the White Pagoda and the Octagonal Pavilion. Ancient trees and various flowers are seen everywhere and deep shades spread under the trees, offering a place for people to linger on during the Water Sprinkling Festival of the Dai people every year when thousands of holiday markers gather here to enjoy themselves.

Garden In Commemoration Of Premier Zhou Enlai's Visit To Xishuangbanna

The garden, situated in a rubber tree grove of the Yunnan Institute of Tropical Crops about 1 km. west of the county town ofjinghong, was built in commemoration of Premier Zhou Enlai's visit to Xishuangbanna in 1961, and his participation in the jubilant Water Sprinkling Festival with the people as well as his meeting with the Prime Minister of Burma. The garden consists of three parts: the tablet recording this memorable occasion; the tablet commemorating Premier Zhou Enlai's inspection of the Institute; and the tablet in memory of the historic meeting between the heads of government of the two countries. It covers an area of 1,300 sq. m., and is orderly laid out and highly significant. On the two tablets on the east and west are engraved respectively in the Dai and Han characters the following inscription: the Memorial Tablet Commemorating Premier Zhou Enlai's Inspection of the Institute. The two tablets on the north and south are respectively adorned with designs of peacocks with spreading wings in the air, children shouting and jumping happily on the ground, Buddhist monasteries and stilted bamboo houses among coconut palms, banana plantations, and Dai girls happily tapping rubber. The Tablet in Commemoration of the Historic Meeting of the Burmese Prime Minister and the Chinese Premier on the south comprises four inte4ocked tablets with designs of the people of Burma and China shaking hands, the inscription "The Burmese Prime Minister and the Chinese Premier Once Held a Meeting Here", and bass relief to Tian An Men of Beijing and Shwe Dagon (Great Golden Pagoda) of Rangoon. Apart frotn these, there are also engraved on the tablet designs of Paris of auspicious peacocks. The whole structure of the composite tablet body stands amidst the crystal clear blue water of a pond, with clear-cut reflections symbolizing the friendship between the two peoples of Burma and China sharing a common boundary.