Xishuangbanna came from the Dai language. In the Dai language, the word “Xishuang” means “twelve”, and “banna” means “one thousand pieces of land”. Together, it means “twelve thousand pieces of land”, the Dai calendar started from 638 AC. So, as for the Dai calendar, 1998 is 1360.

    Located in the subtropical zone of southern Yunnan, Xishuangbanna enjoys a mild and humid climate. The boundless primeval forest and the countless rare and precious animal varieties make Xishuangbanna a unique place in the country.

    The Dai people of the autonomous prefecture believe in Buddhism. They are of a mild temper and skilled in dancing and singing. In the middle of April every year, visitors from home and abroad can take part in the activities of the Dai New Year, also called the “Water Splashing Festival”. Xishuangbanna has been listed as an important destination in the “Eco-tour China ’99”.

    Situated elegantly on the hill behind the Manfeilong Village, Menglong Township, 70 km from Jinghong city is Menglong White Pagoda, while his brother, the Black Pagoda in Damenglong is located on a small hill, west of Damenglong Township and 73 km from the Jinghong.

    Constructed in 1203, White Pagoda was shaped after bamboo shoot. It consists of a mother pagoda, several baby pagodas and six huge clay dragons. The White Pagoda was famous at home and in Southeast Asian countries for a Buddhist “holy deed”. Half of the footprint 80 cm long and 58 cm wide, which is said to be left by Sakyamuni, the founder of the Buddhist religion. The White Pagoda is a key cultural relics unit under State protection.

    Constructed in 1204, the Black Pagoda was originally of black appearanc. It is a calabash-shaped hexahedron with 18 meters high and 7 stories, embraced by eight colored clay dragons. In the past 800 years, it has been painted several times, and now it is of silver white appearance. The Black Pagoda is also famous at home and abroad for a footprint 160 cm long and 60 cm wide left by deity Pazhao Getama.