Amongst the indigenous Dai community, the peacock holds great emblematic significance as the symbol of happiness, beauty, fortune and luckiness. A romantic backstory surrounds the Peacock Garden situated within Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park – the peaceful lake (Jihu Lake or Golden Lake) that lies within the gardens is believed to have been the site where Prince Shaoshu and the Peacock princess Nannuona first met and fell in love.

Framed by elaborately decorated pavilions, waterside houses, trees and flowers, the Peacock Garden is perfect for a lovely stroll and to experience the local culture vis-à-vis a cultural dance performance by the local Dai community. Undoubtedly, the highlight is the numerous vividly coloured peacocks that roam the grounds; at specific timings, visitors get to enjoy a one-of-a-kind peacock performance as thousands of peacocks fly over the lake from the surrounding forests and grasslands in a celebratory dance overhead.