Why is the Wild Elephant Valley special?
Located at the juncture of east and west regions of Xishuangbanna Mengyang National Natural Reserve, Wild Elephant Valley is a hub for wild Asian elephants passing by, so it becomes a gathering place for wild elephants visiting frequently. It is the only nature reserve where tourists can have close contact with wild elephants safely.
Wild Elephant Valley highlights
Asian elephants are the main wildlife found in the scenic spot, there are several groups, approximately 60 elephants often appear in the ravine, besides elephant, there are bear, bison, clouded leopard rumbaugh, wild dog, wild boar, porcupine, sambar, chamois, muntiacus, civet cat, pheasant, silver pheasant, partridge, boa, cobra, king cobra, guana, ratufa bicolor, hop frog and agama.
In the Wild Elephants Valley, there is a 300-metre-long "Observing Elephant Platforms" on the trees. There are also some small and exquisite observing houses which are specially built for visitors’ accommodation on the trees. If you stay here for two or three days, you are sure to see wild elephants right before your own eyes. The elephants usually drink water in the morning and in the evening.
There are other sites, such as an elephant training school, a Python Pavilion, a Bird Park that is home to a number of rare birds, and a Butterfly Park; And lastly, a Jinuo ethnic minority village with a tent camping facility offering campfire parties. For those who require a more tranquil stay, there are also mountain huts for you to rent. It is worth to mention that various birds in the ravine have caused birdmen's concern, and bird-watching groups come to observe birds every year.