CHINA
Destination | Jinghong
Country Code: +86
Currency: Chinese yuan
FROM THE AIRPORT
Bus: There is no shuttle bus service available in Jinghong, but fortunately, the airport is not far from town.
Taxi: A taxi ride to/from the airport costs 15-20 yuan (depending on your bargaining skills). Most drivers do not use their meters in Jinghong, with most short trips costing five yuan.
TABLE TALK
 Cheap chic: New Bridge Night Market
Join the locals for Dai-style shaokao (barbecue) at one of the many stalls at Jinghong’s locally famous night market – just before the New Bridge at the eastern end of Xuan Wei Da Dao – that runs well into the wee hours. Try the barbecued banana leaf wraps. Take your pick of filling.
Mid-range magic: Mei Mei Café
This tastefully decorated café is the best choice for a western food fix at reasonable prices. Beware, portions are enormous.
Manting Lu, tel (0)691 212-7324
Gourmet: Fo Guang Yuan
This tucked-away gem of a restaurant offers superb Dai and Chinese cuisine at sensible prices. Invite a big group of people out and dine in an outdoor garden setting under your own bamboo hut.
Nong Lin Nan Lu, tel (0)691 213-8608
AFTER DARK
Cocktail hour: California Sunshine
This two-floor affair features remarkably large glass windows, and offers a range of spirits, Chinese wines and beers, alongside a delectable buffet spread. Its convenient location – nestled between Jinghong’s upmarket hotels – make it an interesting venue to watch well-heeled Chinese tourists frolic about in their natural setting. Find it next to the Golden Banna Hotel.
Meng Le Lu, tel (0)691 212-4333
Late night: Zhen Ai Nightclub and KTV
If you’ve had a few rounds of local rice wine but are ready for more, head down to the Zhen Ai for a tilt on the dance floor or to sing your pretty little heart out in private karaoke rooms. English song selection is limited, unfortunately. Yuan Teng Yu Le Cheng, next to Jinghong Square, tel (0)371 6603-6666
HOT SPOTS
Minorities Market: Known locally as the Gong Yi Pin Shi Chang, this market stocks teas, souvenir gifts and precious stones from Burma. Even if you’re not there for souvenirs, it proves to be an interesting wander as the Burmese traders – characterised by their preferences for longyis (sarongs tied at the waist) over trousers – often outnumber everyone else in the market.
Mekong Hill Garden: This little oasis is the only hill in Jinghong to have something other than rubber trees, and is worth a visit for anyone with a serious interest in biodiversity or curiosity about the deeper issues in Jinghong. www.biodiversitycentre.com
Night Market: Besides the food, the night market also hosts Chinese-style amusement grounds and even a roller-skating arena for the kids. Adults will also find watering holes not too far out of reach. Most of the business piles in at two in the morning in an attempt to salve alcohol-swollen bellies.
INSIDER TIPS
Local treks: With its tree-lined avenues and laid-back feel, Jinghong is a pleasant town to wile away a short time, but the essence of this region is best experienced outside of town. Dozens of options are available, depending on your time and/or hardiness for basic accommodation. Forest Café (tel +86 (0)691 898-5122) or Mekong Café (tel (0)691 216 2395), both located on Manting Lu, offer some superb local treks throughout Jinghong.
BODY & SOUL
Gasa Hot Springs: After a few days’ roughing it out in the hills, head to the Gasa Hot Springs, located about 20 minutes out of town by taxi, for a little R&R. The pools are clean and the entrance fee is extraordinarily cheap. Alternatively, Tai Yuan Garden (hotel) allows non-guests to use its swimming facilities for 20 yuan. 61 Min Hang Lu, tel (0)691 212-3888
BOUTIQUE BEDS
Carefree Terrace: The B&B-style Yourantai or “Carefree Terrace”is the most unique option, with great vistas of the city and the Mekong that should not be missed. International Hill, tel +86 (0)691 214-9026, www.yourantai.com
Tai Yuan Garden: For some luxury, this is one of the best upper-end hotel options. 61 Min Hang Road, tel +86 (0)691 212-3888
DAY TRIPPING
Galanba: If you want to do some exploring outside of town, make Galanba your destination. Located 27km beyond the city, this rural village is easily reached by bus or bicycle. Do include a stop at the Sarlar Restaurant for some authentic Dai food or just to get some directions around town
IN THE KNOW
The true essence of Hangzhou is the serene West Lake. Activity heats up during the day, with boats and bicycles buzzing around the lake in a constant flurry. This means the best time to enjoy the lake’s scenery and soul is at dawn, before the rest of Hangzhou begins its assault on the lake.
Compiled by Mikey Leung
|
