Starlight Night Marke
Yunnan’s Starlight Night Market, a dazzling gem in the heart of Xishuangbanna, is renowned for its lively atmosphere, ethnic diversity, and sensory overload of sights, sounds, and flavors. Nestled along the Mekong River, this open-air bazaar spans over 10,000 square meters and attracts millions of visitors annually, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Founded in the early 2000s as a small local market, it has evolved into a must-visit destination, blending traditional Dai, Hani, and other ethnic crafts with modern street food trends.
HistoricalOverview
The market’s roots trace back to the 13th century, when Xishuangbanna was a key stop along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. Dai merchants traded silk, spices, and handicrafts, laying the foundation for today’s bustling commerce. In the 1990s, tourism growth prompted local governments to formalize the market, adding lighting and infrastructure. The 2010s saw a surge in global visitors, with the market hosting international festivals like the Water-Splashing Festival and Lantern Night. Today, it remains a dynamic space where ancient traditions meet contemporary creativity.
StructuralLayout
The market is divided into thematic zones, each alive with activity:Ethnic Crafts Zone: Stalls sell handwoven textiles, silver jewelry, and paper-cut art from Dai, Hani, and Yi ethnic groups.
Food Alley: A 500-meter stretch of grilled meats, tropical fruits, and exotic snacks like insect skewers and bamboo-steamed rice.
Performance Stage: Daily folk dances, fire shows, and traditional music performances by local artists.
Artisan Workshops: Visitors can try pottery-making, batik dyeing, or bamboo-weaving under expert guidance.
MajorAttractions
Lantern Gallery: A section adorned with thousands of handmade lanterns, creating a mesmerizing nighttime spectacle.
Floating Market Replica: A miniature version of the Mekong’s iconic floating markets, with vendors selling goods from boats.
Cultural Pavilion: Exhibitions on Dai architecture, Buddhism, and the region’s matriarchal society.
Interactive Zones:Cooking Demos: Learn to make sticky rice or coconut curry.
Dai Dance Lessons: Join locals in traditional circle dances.
CulinaryDelights
The market is a paradise for food lovers, offering:
Grilled Delights: Xianglu (spicy pork skewers), Banana Leaf Fish, and Bamboo Rice.
Sweet Treats: Mango sticky rice, coconut pancakes, and palm sugar candy.
Exotic Bites: Fried crickets, silkworm larvae, and durian-flavored snacks.
Must-Try Stalls:“Little Dai Kitchen”: Authentic Lao Bai (Dai-style sour soup).
“Tropical Paradise”: Fresh coconut juice and dragon fruit smoothies.
ShoppingHighlights
Handicrafts: Intricately carved wooden elephants, Dai-style batik scarves, and Hani tea sets.
Souvenirs: Miniature pagodas, bamboo flutes, and embroidered wall hangings.
Negotiation Tips: Bargain politely; start at 50% of the asking price and meet in the middle.
PracticalTips
Best Time to Visit: Sunset (6–7 PM) for golden hour photos, or 8–10 PM for peak energy.
Transportation: Take a 20-minute taxi from Jinghong City or a 10-minute e-bike ride.
Essentials: Bring cash (many vendors don’t accept cards) and a reusable water bottle.
Safety: Keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas; avoid unlicensed street food.
Photography: Ask permission before photographing vendors or performers.
CulturalEtiquette
Respect local traditions: Remove shoes before entering temples or workshops.
Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) when visiting cultural pavilions.
Learn basic Dai phrases like “Sawadee” (hello) or “Khop Jai Lai Lai” (thank you).
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
FAQ
Are there any photo - taking spots in Starlight Night Market?
There are many. The Great Golden Pagoda, the stalls with various handicrafts and national costumes, the water - side area of the water market, and Ganbai Street are all very suitable for taking photos.
What is the best time to visit Starlight Night Market?
It is recommended to arrive at about 18:30 - 19:00. In this way, you can take pictures of the Great Golden Pagoda in the daytime and witness the moment when the night - market lights are turned on.
Are there any ethnic performances in the night market?
Yes, there are. The night market has more than ten performance venues, and there are regular night - time performances such as night - tour performances, stage shows, and bonfire parties. During festivals, there will also be flower - car parades, water - lamp festivals and other folk - custom activities.
How to get to Starlight Night Market from the airport?
You can take bus No.4 from Jinghong Gasa International Airport to Gaozhuang Xishuangjing Station, which takes about 48 minutes. Or you can take a taxi, which is about 9.3 kilometers and takes about 26 minutes, costing about 30 RMB.
Does the night market require a ticket?
No, Starlight Night Market is free to enter, and you can freely visit, shop and taste food.
