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Xishuangbanna has
been a legendary kingdom in history - it still takes the visitor by
its unequaled blend of nature and culture as 14 different ethnic
minorities inhabit this tropical region of Yunnan.
Xishuangbanna is
home of the richest biological and ethnic diversity in Asia. For
millennia people of different origin have established their base of
living in the watersheds of the upper Mekong river. The tropical
climate of Xishuangbanna favors the growing of their crops, the
collecting of numerous forest products, and hunting of abundant
wildlife.
Xishuangbanna or Sipsongpanna is an autonomous prefecture in southern
Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. The capital city is
Jinghong, the largest settlement in the area and one that straddles
the Lancang (Mekong) river. The prefecture has an area of 19.700
km².
The native name literally means "twelve thousand rice fields".
Xishuangbanna is the home of the Dai people. The region sits at a
lower altitude than most of Yunnan, and has a tropical climate. It
is fast becoming a sought after tourist destination. Passiflora
xishuangbannaensis is a recently discovered passionflower species
that is endemic in Xishuangbanna.
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