Chinese Name:西双版纳望天树空中走廊
English Name: Air Corridor of Wangtianshu Scenic Area in Mengla County, XishuangBanna

The Sanchahe Nature Reserve (三岔河自然保护区) in Mengla County (勐腊县), Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), Yunnan Province (云南省), China, is located in a tropical rainforest corridor that stretches from China into neighboring Burma (缅甸) and Laos (老挝). The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and undisturbed habitats that support a variety of animals and plants. To facilitate scientific research and sustainable tourism without disturbing wildlife or damaging the flora, a 2.5-kilometer-long aerial walkway was built with the help of a $300,000 grant from a U.S. wildlife organization.

The walkway is an essential part of the eco-tourism strategy at the Sanchahe Nature Reserve, designed to raise awareness of the tropical rainforest’s preservation, which includes rare plant species that could hold the key to curing known and future diseases. Additionally, it provides income to the local population, preventing the exploitation of the rainforest for livelihood, which could lead to the loss of potentially beneficial medicinal plants.

The walkway is suspended between several very tall Parashorea chinensis (望天树), also known as “giants of the rainforest,” reaching heights of up to 80 meters. Steel cables support the ropes that hold the walkway. Visitors are often lucky enough to see endangered species such as golden monkeys, wild peacocks, or even a rare sighting of wild elephants, though these animals are typically shy.

For those wishing to stay overnight in the reserve, a bird’s nest-shaped tourist villa is available for rent. There is also an elephant show that will delight those fascinated by these intelligent, quick-learning animals.

Wang Hsie Tian Tree: The “Skyward Looking Tree”

The famous Wang Hsie Tian (望天树), also known as the “cloud-kissing tree,” was named after the botanist who identified it in 1992. It is better known locally for its picturesque monikers as the “tree that looks up to the sky.” Prince Philip, President Emeritus of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), visited Xishuangbanna (西双版纳) in 1986, where he planted a specimen of the Wang Hsie Tian. The botanical name is Parashorea chinensis, although it is sometimes referred to as Shorea wangtianshuea in honor of the identifying botanist.

How to Get There

Take a regional bus from Jinghong (景洪) to Mengla County (勐腊县). From there, transfer to a special mini-bus heading to the Sanchahe Nature Reserve Aerial Walkway, about 20 kilometers via a gravel road. Bus fare ranges from 3.00 to 5.00 yuan, depending on where one boards the regional bus.

Air Corridor of Wangtianshu Scenic Area in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna

Location: 20 kilometers east of Mengla County (勐腊县) in the Sanchahe Nature Reserve (三岔河自然保护区)

The Wangtianshu Scenic Area (望天树景区) is located in the heart of a pristine rainforest, where the famous Wangtianshu (望天树), also known as the “Skyward Tree,” grows. The 500-meter-long aerial walkway allows visitors to explore the rainforest from above, offering an expansive view of the tropical ecosystem.

The scenic area is situated 134 kilometers from Jinghong (景洪) City and 60 kilometers from the Mohan Border (磨憨), one of China’s primary border ports. The region is unique as it sits at 21° North Latitude, making it one of the world’s few tropical rainforest reserves at this latitude. The Wangtianshu Scenic Area is the core attraction of the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest National Park (西双版纳热带雨林国家公园).

Opening Hours and Ticket Information

Open: Daily from 08:30 to 18:00

Ticket Price: 20 RMB

Notable Attractions

Wangtianshu Scenic Area (望天树景区)

Best Time to Visit

The area is suitable for visiting year-round.

The Air Corridor

The Air Corridor was originally built for scientific research on rodent species in the tropical rainforest. In 1989, the Kunming Institute of Ecology (昆明生态所) and the U.S. Nature Conservancy (美国自然综合保护研究会) collaborated to fund the construction of the walkway, which was erected in a part of the reserve near Bubang (补蚌) under difficult conditions.

In 1973, giant trees over 70 meters tall were discovered in this forest, later identified as Wangtianshu (望天树). Because of the tree’s significance as a tropical rainforest symbol, the forest area was recognized as a tropical rainforest by world-leading environmental organizations. The aerial walkway was not initially intended to be built on the famous Wangtianshu tree, but logistical challenges led to its construction there, near the road. Local villagers, including Feng Wenchang (封文昌), played an essential role in the construction of the walkway, as climbing the smooth, tall trees required special skills. It took over a year to build what is now known as the World’s Highest Canopy Walkway.

Scenic Route

The aerial walkway spans 500 meters, offering visitors a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy. There is also a 1,000-meter-long stone path that connects the walkway, creating a looped trail for an immersive experience in the rainforest.

Transportation Information

From Jinghong Passenger Station (景洪客运站), take a bus to Mengla (勐腊), fare: 29 RMB.

From Mengla, take a human-powered rickshaw to the Armed Forces (武装部), fare: 1 RMB.

Then, take a special minibus to the Air Corridor. Fare: 10 RMB.

Practical Information

Ticket: 20 RMB

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00

Helpful Tips:

Nature: The area is not heavily visited, so the natural environment is well-preserved. There is also a charming outdoor spring pool for swimming, where the water is clear and cool.

Dining: There are no dining facilities, so visitors are advised to bring their own snacks or meals.