Jinghong

Jinghong is a city in and the seat of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, in the far south of China's Yunnan province, and the historic capital of the former Tai kingdom of Sipsongpanna. This place was named as Jingyong, Jinglong and Cheli in history, where a total of 13 nationalities live together such as Dai, Hani, Jinuo, Bulang, Hui and Yao. In 1180, Payazhen, the leader of Dai people, established Jinglong Kingdom. In 1269 of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Jinghong Kingdom was changed into Cheli Army and People General Government which was re-changed into Cheli Xuanwei Shisi in 1384 of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In 1570, the commissioner of Cheli Xuanwei Shisi divided its territory into 12 Banna. In 1927, Cheli Xuanwei Shisi was made as Cheli County, and then was renamed as Jinghong County in 1958. Finally, it was upgraded as a city in 1993.

The Dai Water Splashing Festival and nearby villages of that and other ethnic groups are the main attractions. Additionally, at least three botanical parks and gardens and are located in or near the city. Jinghong attracts tens of thousands of tourists both from home and abroad every year with its rich ethnic folklore, beautiful mythical tales, ancient Hinayana Buddhism and tropical scenery. It was recognized as an Excellent Chinese Tourism City in 1999 by the Chinese government.