The Xishuangbanna province is undoubtedly one of the tourist destinations that is very rich in its cultural offerings. With so many interesting aspects of Xishuangbanna, one cannot simply explore the beautiful culture here over a mere span of a few days. Therefore, one of the best ways to discover the heart and soul of this vibrant community is to take in the famous Mengbalanaxi Cultural Show.
The word “Mengbalanaxi” derives from the Dai language, which roughly translates to “mysterious and beautiful hometown”. This show is truly worth witnessing, and it presents a fantastic cultural opportunity for kids and adults alike to enjoy, as it beautifully brings to light the historic origins of Xishuangbanna along with local festivals, beliefs and traditions.
The show is a very colourful exhibition of Dai culture, with vibrant dancing and singing, while the peacock dance is its most famous aspect. It is singularly the most popular Dai folk dance where Xishuangbanna women dance rhythmically to musical accompaniment imitating the lively and graceful movements of the majestic peacock. The Elephant foot drum dance is another famous dance performed at this show by the men folk. The instrument used in this dance is a very unique one as it is made out of a mango truck covered with cowhide, which resembles a foot of an elephant.
The meticulously organized performances, well-planned stage designs, and the vibrant costumes with the mesmerising light effects make this show one of the best cultural extravaganzas in the country. The show starts daily at 10 o’clock and runs for approximately one hour and forty minutes. All in all, the Mengbalanaxi Cultural Show is an excellent way to spend your evening soaking up the local culture of the Xishuangbanna province.
Are you looking for quality accommodation in China while you explore this wonderful country? Your best bet comes in the form of a stay at a quality hotel in Yunnan that offers travellers an amazing experience with top-notch services. A good choice to host your time here would be the Anantara Xishuangbanna, China located in the midst of a scenic idyll. A mere 45 minutes away from the Jinghong International Airport, this hotel Yunnan is set in the vicinity of some other hotspot attractions such as the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, the Wild Elephant Sanctuary, the White Pagoda and Dai Villages, to give you a well-rounded itinerary of sightseeing.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.