Major city · China
Jinghong景洪
Give Jinghong 2 nights: one for the night market and temples, one for a Dai village or tea hill. Skip it if you want classic China — this is closer to Laos.
Jinghong is the capital of Xishuangbanna and the first big city most travellers reach coming overland from Laos. The population is mostly Dai, Theravada Buddhist, and the food, script and architecture read more like northern Thailand than Beijing. The town itself is small and walkable; the reason to stay longer is the surrounding rainforest, tea hills and Dai villages.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CNY
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry, warm days)
- avoid Jun–Sep (heavy rain, landslides on mountain roads)
- Airport
- JHG
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- China ↗Most nationalities need a visa, a unilateral visa-free entry (the list and end dates change) or the transit exemption below. Confirm your route on the official sites before you buy a ticket.
- China ↗Transit stay without a visa: up to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of about 55 listed countries who pass through China to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket and a stay inside the permitted area (Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei count as one area). It replaced the 144-hour rule in December 2024, which some older pages still quote. Use the transit lane at immigration, show the onward ticket, and check the current nationality list. Hong Kong and Macau count as separate regions; check whether your ticket qualifies.
- China ↗Foreign visitors must register their address with the police within 24 hours; hotels do it at check-in with your passport. Carry the original passport at all times: hotels, trains, museums, Tiananmen Square and police checks ask for it.
- China ↗Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you fly. QR payment is the default in shops, taxis and many stalls, and some places refuse cash or a foreign card. Carry cash as a backup.
- China ↗Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many news sites are blocked. Use an eSIM with roaming (it routes through your home network) or install and test a VPN before you fly; VPN sites and app stores are hard to reach inside China, and only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Jinghong110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Jinghong, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Alipay and WeChat Pay accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex cards; single payments over ¥200 (≈ US$30) carry a fee of about 3% on a foreign card (smaller ones…China-wide
- SIM or eSIMA roaming eSIM from outside China routes traffic through its home network, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN — the simplest setup.China-wide
- Tap waterNot for drinking from the tap; bottled water ¥2–5 (≈ under US$1), and kettles and free bottles in hotel rooms.China-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; upmarket hotels add 10–15% service.China-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C/I. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.China-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe and relaxed.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are frequent and free; squat toilets outside hotels and malls.China-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire · 120 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums and palaces close on Mondays; the Forbidden City too (outside holidays).China-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportJHG Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (About 5.6 km (3.5 mi) from the centre; airport bus ¥4 (≈ under US$1), taxi short hop.).JHG Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (About 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from the centre; airport bus ¥4 (≈ under US$1), taxi short hop.).
- Getting aroundThe interesting core is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealNoodle or rice dish at a market stall¥10–25 (≈ US$2–4)
- BeerLarge local beer¥16–30 (≈ US$3–5)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 3 km (1.9 mi) base fareTaxi, 1.9 mi (3 km) base fare¥7 (≈ under US$1)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥50–150 (≈ US$7–25)
- Museum or sight ticketTemple or park entry¥0–120 (≈ US$0–17)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCN¥60 (≈ US$9)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomCN¥280 (≈ US$40)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomCN¥600 (≈ US$85)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CN¥200 (≈ US$30) · Mid CN¥400 (≈ US$60) · High CN¥800 (≈ US$120)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- JHG Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (About 5.6 km (3.5 mi) from the centre; airport bus ¥4, taxi short hop.)JHG Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (About 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from the centre; airport bus ¥4, taxi short hop.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
not flagged
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C) low), wettest Jul (19 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Jinghong: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4 rd
Feb
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
19 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
18 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The interesting core is walkable. City buses cost ¥3, the airport line ¥4, tourist shuttle loops about ¥5 return; taxis start at ¥7 for 3 km. Electric cars and shared battery scooters rent by the hour (about ¥35/h) with a deposit and ID — no motorbike licence required.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mengla and the Laos border
overnightDoor to door: 3–4 h to Mengla
Bus from Jinghong bus station to Mengla, then onward to Mohan
Most travellers change buses here for the Laos crossing.
Menghai tea hills
goDoor to door: 1–2 h
Bus or hired car southwest of Jinghong
Pu'er tea plantations and Dai villages; go in the dry season.
Mohan border town
goDoor to door: About 3 h
Direct bus from Jinghong, about 3 h
Gateway to Laos; bring your passport and check the crossing hours.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Gaozhuang Xishuangjing
Riverside zone by the new bridge, next to the night market; most guesthouses and bars, walkable to everything.
Manting Road area
Central, near Manting Imperial Garden; cheap motels and mid-range hotels, easy bus access.
Riverside / north bank
Quieter, river views, hostels and resorts; 10–15 min by taxi from the night market.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥150–300 (≈ US$25–45) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥300–600 (≈ US$45–85) excl. bed
- High
- ¥600 (≈ US$85)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × CN¥280 | CN¥560 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CN¥400 | CN¥1,600 |
| Airport bus, both ways2 × CN¥8 · check | CN¥16 |
| City bus day of sightseeing2 × CN¥10 · check | CN¥20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CN¥100 | CN¥200 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CN¥240 |
| Trip total≈ CN¥659 per person per day, bed included | CN¥2,636≈ US$400 |
2026 estimate in yuan; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Noodle or rice dish at a market stall | ¥10–25 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Dai-style meal for two | ¥60–150 (≈ US$9–25) |
| Large local beer | ¥16–30 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Taxi, 3 km base fare | ¥7 (≈ under US$1) |
| Temple or park entry | ¥0–120 (≈ US$0–17) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥50–150 (≈ US$7–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Rainy season (Jun–Sep) can block mountain roads with landslides; check before any long day trip.
- Border crossings to Laos need a valid visa and a change of bus at Mengla or Mohan; confirm the last departure of the day.
- Night-market and bar prices vary; agree the total before you sit down.
- Some temples charge entry and close mid-afternoon — check hours locally.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire
- 119
- Ambulance
- 120
Pocket card
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Jinghong景洪
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
请到这个地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire119
- Ambulance120
Embassy
Most embassies are in Beijing; several countries have consulates in Kunming or Chengdu — check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport bus to city: ¥4 (≈ under US$1) (check)
- City bus: ¥3 (≈ under US$1) (check)
- Taxi base fare: ¥7 (≈ under US$1) for 3 km (1.9 mi) (check)¥7 (≈ under US$1) for 1.9 mi (3 km) (check)
- Electric car rental: about ¥35 (≈ US$5)/h (check)
Say or show
- 你好 — Hello (nǐ hǎo)
- 谢谢 — Thank you (xièxie)
- 多少钱？ — How much is it? (duōshao qián)
- 这个 — This one, please (zhège)
- 洗手间在哪里？ — Where is the toilet? (xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ)
- 可以刷卡吗？ — Can I pay by card? (kěyǐ shuākǎ ma)
Carry your passport; police checkpoints are common on mountain roads.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Jinghong. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry, warm days) · avoid Jun–Sep (heavy rain, landslides on mountain roads) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for JHG: last airport-bus departure, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters: Gaozhuang night market, Manting park and temples, riverside bars.
- Place pages with verified hours for Zongfo Temple, Mange Temple and the Nationalities Museum.
- Rainy-season and border-crossing fixtures so gates A–D can go green.