Palm Garden in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Yunnan, China

By Sengthong Phasavath

(KPL) If you plan to visit Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province, China, don't miss the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, renowned for its rich biodiversity. The garden boasts rare and fascinating plant species, including giant bamboo, widely used by locals for building houses and crafting everyday utensils, and the Victoria amazonica water lily, also known as King of Lotus, whose leaves can support a person weighing up to 45 kilograms.

The garden also features a palm garden, housing hundreds of tropical palm species, and the unique “dancing grass” (Desmodium gyrans), whose leaves gently move when exposed to high-pitched music, sounds, or songs.

Another highlight of the garden is its welcoming environment where groups of people—especially the elderly—often gather to sit on grassy lawns or in shaded areas, leisurely painting and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. 

Victoria amazonica water lily, also known as King of Lotus, whose leaves can support a person weighing up to 45 kilograms

The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden is managed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and was established in 1959 by the renowned Chinese botanist Cai Xitao. The garden was founded with the primary goals of promoting effective biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and the mindful utilization of biological resources.

Apart from being a popular relaxation and tourism site, the garden is also an important center for scientific research, biodiversity conservation, and the development of science and technology. With over 13,000 plant species preserved within its 1,125-ha area, the garden stands as one of the most significant centers for tropical plant conservation and research worldwide. 

A tourist taking a photo of a flower in the Xishuangbanna Botanical Garden, Yunnan, China

KPL