Development Journey


1990

1990


Starting from January 2, 1990, it became a research base for Asian elephant studies and the breeding and conservation of wild butterflies in Xishuangbanna—a collaborative project between the Prefecture Nature Conservation Bureau and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

1991

1991


In August 1991, with approval from the Protection Bureau, small-scale tourism began, and the area was named "San Cha He Special Tourism Zone," reflecting its distinction from conventional tourism—what we now know as ecotourism.

1992

1992


On February 23, 1992, Zhu Rongji, then Deputy General Manager of the State Council, and on March 14, 1992, Vice Chairman Wu Xueqian personally visited to inspect the site—and both offered full recognition and positive evaluations.

1993

1993


The Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve Forest Tourism Development Corporation has officially been established, taking charge of the development and construction of the "Sanchahe Special Tourism Area" and other scenic spots within the reserve.

1994

1994


"The Sanchahe Forest Park Management Office" has been established.

1996

1996


"Sanchahe Forest Park" has completed its tourism development and construction, officially opening for trial operations to the public.

1997

1997


The Yunnan Provincial Government held its second on-site tourism meeting in Xishuangbanna, during which Governor He Zhiqiang inscribed the name "Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley" for the scenic area.

1998

1998


In 1998, it was designated as a flagship attraction for both the "99' Ecotourism Year" and the "99' Kunming World Horticultural Expo."

2001

2001


"Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley" has been rated as a AAA-level tourist attraction by the China National Tourism Administration.

2003

2003


In October 2003, Yexianggu embraced state-owned enterprise restructuring by bringing in a private company—Zhejiang Jinzhou Group.

2005

2005


In 2005, the Wild Elephant Valley Scenic Area of Xishuangbanna Golden Peacock Tourism Group was rated as a AAAA-level tourist attraction by the China National Tourism Administration.

2006

2006


In 2006, the Xishuangbanna Golden Peacock Tourism Group's Wild Elephant Valley Scenic Area was officially renamed the Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley Scenic Area—what is now known simply as Wild Elephant Valley.

2009

2009


In 2009, Yunnan Provincial Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd. undertook an asset acquisition and restructuring of Yunnan Jin Kongque Tourism Group Co., Ltd., officially making Wild Elephant Valley a state-controlled enterprise.