Wild Elephant Valley (a.k.a. Gajah Liar Valley) is 40 kilometers (24 miles) by road north from Jinghong, the major city ofXishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture.
The valley is located at the junction of the east and west areas of the Mengyang Nature Reserve, with a network of rivers and dense rainforest.Wild elephantsare more prevalent there, making it one of the few places in Xishuangbanna where you can see wild elephants. It is also a paradise forother protected animalssuch as bison, green peacocks, and macaques.
Scroll down and find out things to do in the valley and other travel tips, orcontact our Xishuangbanna expertfor more information.
Wild Elephant Valley
Basic Facts about Wild Elephant Valley
- Chinese:野象谷 Yě Xiàng Gǔ /yeah-sshyang-goo/ ‘Wild Elephant Valley'
- Area:3.7 sq km (1.4 sq mi)
- Recommended visit duration:2–3 hours
- Open:8:00am to 6:00pm
- Popular activities:wandering in the rainforest, discovering the natural habitat of Asian elephants
- Must-sees:Elevated Observation Walkway, Asian Elephant Museum, Butterfly Garden
- Suited to:anyone, especially animal and nature lovers
Wild Asian Elephants
Why Visit Wild Elephant Valley
Wild Elephant Valley isthe only place in China where Asian elephants can be closely observedin a comparatively safe way. You can walk in the tropical rainforest and track the elephants, discover the natural habitat of Asian elephants, and have close interactions with the elephants.
Elephant Valley is also one of the main host venues for the annualWater Splashing Festivalin Xishuangbanna. The festival takes place every year from April 13 to 15. Feel free tocontact usto attend this big event.
Recommended Tour:
- 6-Day Xishuangbanna and Pu'er Tour— Escape to the Rainforest
Best Times to Visit Wild Elephant Valley
Wild elephants are more likely to be seenat dawn or dusk.
The best time to visit Wild Elephant Valley is during dry season, from October to April.From November to February, wild elephants have the highest probability of congregating in the valley bottoms due to the lack of water elsewhere.
Asian Elephants
4 Things to Do in Wild Elephant Valley
Map of Wild Elephant Valley
1. Rainforest Sightseeing Cable Car
Thesemi-enclosed cable carroute is 2,063 meters in length and takes around 35 minutes for a one-way ride.
On the cable car, you can enjoy abird's-eye viewsof the vast tropical rainforest and wild animals. When the wild elephants appear, you can clearly see them roaming and foraging in the forest.
2. Elevated Observation Walkway
The elevated observation walkway is built close to the ponds where elephants like to play and forage, hence it is the best place to observe the wild elephants.
The walkway is 2,280 meters in length and is divided into 2 sections. The first section is 920 meters long, from Bird Park to Asian Elephant Museum; and the second section is 1,360 meters long, from Asian Elephant Museum to Elephant Observation Platform.
Most people end their walkway walk at Asian Elephant Museum, but China Highlights highly recommends you continue on the second section toElephant Observation Platformwhere there's a watering hole. Wild Elephants often go there to drink and take a bath. If you are lucky enough, it would be a great fun to capture these delightful elephant moments.
Elevated Observation Walkway
3. Asian Elephant Museum
It is the first themed museum focusing on Asian elephants in China. If you are an animal lover, it is worth taking a visit there to learn more about Asian elephants and their current survival crisis.
Asian Elephant Museum
4. Walking with Elephants
Walking with elephants is a program offered in Wild Elephant Valley. It is a lovely experience ofinteracting with elephants不影响他们的日常生活。你可以加入their daily walk in the rainforest and feel the harmony between human beings and animals. You will also have a chance to feed the elephants carrots after the walk.
Note: This program currently is not open to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Walking with Elephants
Planning a Wild Elephant Valley Tour
There aretwo gatesat the Wild Elephant Valley: the south gate with more things to do and see and the north gate close to Asian Elephant Museum.
At the south gate, there's anElephant Schoolwith elephant performances, theRainforest Theatrewith local folk dances, theLizards Gardenwith some nationally protected animals,Butterfly GardenandLotus Garden, etc.
To fully use you time there, we recommend youenter the south gatein the early morning,take the cable carto Elephant Observation Platform, then walk down theElevated Observation Walkway, and either finish your tour at the north gate or return to the south gate if there's anything further that attracts you there.
Touring Wild Elephant Valley with China Highlights
China Highlights can help youcustomize a tourto visit Wild Elephant Valley and other highlights in Xishuangbanna. Here is a sample tour plan for inspiration:
