Mengla (Chinese: 勐腊, Lü: ᦵᦙᦲᧂ ᦟᦱᧉ) is a county in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, in southern Yunnan Province, China. Situated along the border with Laos and Myanmar, it is a gateway to the tropical landscapes and rich ethnic minority cultures of southwest China, featuring rainforest parks, rivers, botanical gardens, tea areas, and traditional Dai and other minority communities.
Mengla County lies in the southeastern part of Xishuangbanna Prefecture, bordering Laos to the east and Myanmar to the south and west. The county covers around 7,000 km² with elevations ranging from lowland plains to forested hills and tropical rainforest.
The name Mengla derives from the Dai language, with “Meng” meaning plains or region and “La” referring to tea, reflecting the area’s historic associations with tea cultivation. Early archaeological evidence shows human habitation here dating back to the Neolithic period.
Mengla is home to diverse ethnic groups including the Dai, Hani, Yi, Yao, Miao, Zhuang, Lahu and others, each with distinct traditions, festivals and cultural practices.
Mengla has a northern tropical humid monsoon climate with warm temperatures year-round. The region sees a distinct wet season (May to October) and dry season (November to April), making the dry months the most comfortable for travel.
The nearest airport is Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport (JHG), near Jinghong City. From Jinghong, buses and taxis connect to Mengla County, taking around 2 hours.
This is the first big town/city for travelers arriving from Laos. Buses from Luang Namtha in Laos take around 4 hours. From Luang Namtha you can get a bus leaving at around 08:00, going to Boten (Chinese border) and Mengla. You may need a Chinese visa beforehand as there is no way to get one on arrival if you do not qualify for a visa waiver or visa-free entry. The border is close (about one hour). Customs procedures may take up to an hour if busy. The trip costs about 45,000 kip.
It is best to get some local currency before-hand. There are a few touts changing money on both sides of the border and banks a few hundred metres away.
There are taxis and tuk-tuks that will take you around town for ¥6. The train station is about 6 km south from the bus terminal and about 9 km from the town centre.
Guanlei: There are ferry boats to Guanlei from Chiangsaen, Thailand four times a month.
Mengla is the southern gateway to Xishuangbanna, surrounded by untouched rainforest good for trekking. Local Dai ethnic villages are within 10 km of the town that are untouched by commercial tourism. If you have the time and are not in a hurry to leave they are worth visiting.
New Bupan Aerial Skyway Park. The park gets its name from the skyway in the clouds attraction. Visitors literally walk through the canopy of the key rainforest species, Paraforestea, a tall, straight-trunked tree. You walk supported by cable-supported rope transoms that permit you to step along among the higher branches of the forest. It gives you a new perspective on the rainforest. Overall the park is easily accessed, clean and unique.
Yiwu (易武), hometown of Pu'er Tea, is situated in the north of Mengla County. It is the hometown of Pu’er Tea as well as the starting point of the Ancient Tea-Horse Trail (Road). In old times, Yiwu was known as a commercial city. It serves as the linkage between China and Laos and an important gateway to Southeast Asia.
21.89336101.159341Jinuo Mountain Tropical Rainforest Scenic Area (基诺山热带雨林景区), 988 m south of Situ New Village, Jinuo Ethnic Township, Jinuo Mountain. Open 24 hours. Ranked #1 on Xishuangbanna's list of must-see natural landscapes, this natural oxygen bar boasts over 98% forest coverage. Its biggest highlight is the opportunity to experience the authentic Jinuo ethnic culture through rainforest treks led by local Jinuo guides. The trekking routes are well-designed, ranging from gentle forest paths to more challenging sections requiring hands and feet. Along the way, you'll see various rare plants and even have the chance to catch small crabs and butterflies, experiencing the joys of nature. Tickets: ¥158-200. (updated Dec 2025)
22.03379101.011812Xishuangbanna Bado Tropical Rainforest (西双版纳巴朵热带雨林), No. 32, Baduo Village, Xinsitu Village Committee, Jinuo Township. Open 24 hours. The biggest advantage of this relatively pristine rainforest resort is its lack of over-commercialization, with local Dai villagers serving as guides. Visitors can experience a 6-kilometer rainforest waterway trek, including fun activities like fetching water from vines and banana leaves, and even make their own Dai-style barbecue, experiencing the most authentic rainforest life. Tickets: ¥168-238. (updated Dec 2025)
21.96521101.210663Jinuo Mountain Youhe Valley Rainforest Scenic Area (基诺山幽河谷雨林景区), No. 96, Baka Xiaozhai. Open 24 hours. The rainforest hiking trails here are relatively off the beaten path. The entire route follows a stream, is flat and easy on the legs, making it suitable even for beginners. Along the way, you can see dew rolling off leaves, squirrels darting through tree trunks, and colorful wild mushrooms. The most amazing part is the mountaintop viewing platform, offering a panoramic view of the entire rainforest, with its rolling green waves and distant sea of clouds – photos taken straight from your phone without needing any editing. Tickets: ¥268-596. (updated Dec 2025)
Mengla is a fast growing border town. There is a market in the mornings that runs parallel behind the main street. The place has become quite nice so you might be interested in simply walking around the place for a couple of hours.
Wangtianshu Scenic Area21.53442101.599152Nanla River Rainforest Rafting (南腊河雨林漂流), Manlongdai Road, next to the Manlong Le market, ☏ +86 17787559389. daily-09:00–18:00. Offers a 6 km rafting route that takes about 2 hours. The ride is generally gentle and allows visitors to enjoy rainforest scenery along the river. Bringing spare pants and shoes is recommended. ¥116 per person,¥220 for two people. (updated Dec 2025)
22.009037100.7970023Wangtianshu Scenic Area (望天树景区), Wangtianshu section of Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest National Park, Yao Autonomous Township, ☏ +86 691-8175906. daily 08:30–18:00 (last entry at 16:30). Features extensive tropical rainforest vegetation and a wide variety of rainforest tree species. The park provides guided interpretation. Its best-known attraction is the canopy suspension bridge, a 500-m walkway built among the treetops at a height of about 36 m. ¥175 per person (combined ticket, including boat transfer and in-park activities). (updated Dec 2025)
21.725939101.3937534Mengyuan Wonderland Scenic Area (Tropical Rainforest National Park) (热带雨林国家公园勐远仙境景区), Guanlei Town, ☏ +86 17387290398. Daily 09:00–18:00 (last entry at 17:00). A well-preserved area of primary rainforest. The park includes bat caves and old banyan trees. Visitors can choose guided hiking routes, with optional activities such as zip-lining, water swings, and archery. Rainforest-style lunch is available inside the park. ¥50. (updated Dec 2025)
Xishuangbanna Naka Rainforest (西双版纳纳卡雨林), Naka Village, National Highway 213. Open all day. The biggest advantage of this relatively pristine rainforest resort is its lack of over-commercialization, with local Dai villagers serving as guides. Visitors can experience a 6-km rainforest waterway trek, including fun activities like fetching water from vines and banana leaves, and even make their own Dai-style barbecue, experiencing the most authentic rainforest life. ¥377. (updated Dec 2025)
Mengyuan Wonderland Starry Sky Camp (勐远仙境星空营地), 40 meters south of Tapangre within Mengyuan Wonderland Scenic Area. 09:00-18:00. This upscale campsite boasts a 10,000-m² lawn surrounded by pristine tropical rainforest. During the day, visitors can enjoy activities such as cave exploration and rainforest trekking, while at night, there are bonfire parties and open-air movies. Falling asleep under the moonlight and waking up to morning mist and birdsong is an exceptional way to connect with nature. ¥343. (updated Dec 2025)
21.70627101.629585Xishuangbanna Naka Rainforest (西双版纳纳卡雨林), Naka Village, National Highway 213. Open 24 hours. The biggest advantage of this relatively pristine rainforest resort is its lack of over-commercialization, with local Dai villagers serving as guides. Visitors can experience a 6-kilometer rainforest waterway trek, including fun activities like fetching water from vines and banana leaves, and even make their own Dai-style barbecue, experiencing the most authentic rainforest life. Ticket: ¥377. (updated Dec 2025)
There are several well stocked supermarkets in town. Two close to the bus station and more in the town centre. If you are in need of a Chinese SIM card there are several China Mobile outlets. Locally made items are also available at reasonable prices if your bargaining skills are good.
Mengla Port Market (勐腊口岸市场), 236 Chengbei Road. A local fresh market. The front section sells tropical fruits and vegetables, while the back section has small food stalls run by local residents. (updated Dec 2025)
Manlongle Market (曼龙勒雨林赶摆), 90 m west of Nanla River Wild Camp. opens Saturdays from 09:00. Set within a Dai village and surrounded by rainforest, the market sells locally grown produce, freshly prepared homemade foods, and handmade souvenirs by village residents. It offers a glimpse of everyday local culture. (updated Dec 2025)
Daxing Supermarket (大兴量贩), No. 74, Mengla Main Street, ☏ +86 691-8126126. Daily 08:00–22:00. Located on Qingnian Road in Mengla County, this supermarket enjoys a prime location in the old town area. It offers a wide variety of Southeast Asian foods, such as Thai soy milk and peanut snacks, at affordable prices, making it a good place to buy snacks as souvenirs. (updated Dec 2025)
There are many popular restaurants in the main shopping area in the town centre and no shortage of places to eat near the bus terminal. The restaurants all sell Yunnan and typical Chinese dishes but don't expect a very high standard. Rice noodle dishes (米线) start from ¥12 and larger or fancier meals priced upwards from there.
Laos Hot Pot
21.481408101.5680531The First Laos Hot Pot, Across from Xinli Hotel, Mantala Road, ☏ +86 13759297120. Daily 16:00-23:00. A hot pot restaurant full of Mengla, where you can not only enjoy authentic Lao hot pot, but also experience a rich local cultural atmosphere. ¥60-150. (updated Dec 2025)
{Eat|name=Papaya Tree Restaurant|address=40 meters east of the intersection of Mantala Road and Jinggang Street|lat=21.480343|long=101.566602|phone=+86 15559776080|hours=Daily 10:00-23:00|price=¥30-80|lastedit=2025-12-18|content=A local cold appetizer shop specializing in sour and spicy mixed dishes, best known for its shredded green papaya salad.}}
21.934495101.2440712Sukhothai Restaurant, opposite the West Gate of the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden on Kadong Road, ☏ +86 15154843325. Daily-10:00-20:30. Specializes in a fusion of Dai and Thai cuisine. Signature dishes include lemongrass pork ribs and mango beef. A separate section of the restaurant serves coffee and desserts. ¥70-150. (updated Dec 2025)
Shuncaimen Signature Sour Soup Fish Slices, Unit C7-1-1, Nanla New Town, ☏ +86 13108830838. Daily 11:00-22:30. Known for its signature sour soup hot pot made with tomatoes, fermented rice water, and makhwaen (wild pepper). Served with fresh fish slices for a perfectly balanced, tangy and savory flavor. ¥60-140. (updated Dec 2025)
Yang Li Cold Dishes, Shop C-9-26, Phase II, Nanla No.1 Residence, ☏ +86 15969195808. M–Sa 09:00-19:00. Specializing in cold mixed tropical fruits and chili pepper cold noodles. ¥20-50. (updated Dec 2025)
Linyu Six Nations Cuisine, 400 m opposite the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in Menglun Town, ☏ +86 18487958852. Daily 09:00-22:30. A camping-style restaurant serving a mix of Southeast Asian dishes and local specialties. Signature dishes include grilled tilapia and curry shrimp. ¥70-120. (updated Dec 2025)
Lao hot pot with soft feet (软脚老挝火锅), No. 268, Mantala Road, ☏ +86 15887623024. Daily 17:00–24:00. This is the most representative Lao hot pot restaurant in Mengla County. It's been open for over ten years and is known as "the most authentic Lao hot pot in Mengla." The unique pot design allows you to enjoy the dual experience of grilling meat and dipping vegetables at the same time. The grilled meat sizzles with oil in the middle, while the vegetables around it are refreshing and delicious. Paired with each restaurant's unique secret dipping sauce, there's "a hundred flavors from a hundred different places." Average spending per person: ¥57. (updated Dec 2025)
Dai color (傣色), No. 28, Mantala Village, Chengzi Village Committee, ☏ +86 13988111238. Daily 15:30–24:00. This 9-year-old restaurant in Manthara Village, known as "Laos's No. 1 Hot Pot Village," boasts a unique ambiance and central air conditioning. The broth is rich and flavorful, with a distinctive Lao sauce aroma, and the signature lemon dipping sauce is the essence of Lao cuisine. The pork belly can be enjoyed both in the hot pot and grilled simultaneously, and Paruda is a must-try specialty drink. Average spending per person: ¥56. (updated Dec 2025)
Pattaya Lao hot pot (芭提雅老挝火锅), No. 31, Manzha Village, Manzhuang Village Committee, ☏ +86 13208811113. Daily 11:00–00:30. Located in a private courtyard within the village, the environment is comfortable and the air is fresh. The owner's homemade bone broth is incredibly flavorful. The biggest highlight is its excellent value for money; even students can easily afford it, and the portions are so generous that two people can't finish it all. Average spending per person: ¥33. (updated Dec 2025)
Fun.Dai (Fun.傣), No. 65, Mengla South Road, ☏ +86 18288059607. Daily 11:00–02:00. This hidden gem of a courtyard, featured on CCTV, blends Dai and Southeast Asian cuisine. Their signature potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a key ingredient that elevates the flavor. The Lao-style pounded papaya platter is also a unique touch. The open-air garden setting is perfect for taking photos, and afternoon tea sets are available. Average spending per person: ¥46. (updated Dec 2025)
Chongqing Yuan Laosi Hot Pot (Youth Road Branch) (重庆袁老四老火锅(青年路店)), Jindu Commercial City Phase II, D128, ☏ +86 18908813018. 09:00-23:00. This Sichuan-Chongqing hot pot restaurant, which made it onto the list of Xishuangbanna's top restaurants for repeat customers, boasts a classy, antique-style decor. Its biggest feature is its self-service selection of vegetables, fruits, drinks, and snacks, as well as brown sugar ice jelly. The beef slices, tripe, and other ingredients are fresh, offering great value for money. Average spending per person: ¥52. (updated Dec 2025)
Second Young Master's Stir-fried Goose (二少摊摊鹅), 30 m northeast of Mengla Lanbeier Kindergarten, Manbengta Road, ☏ +86 13943131608. 12:00-21:30. The nearest affordable street-side stall is unique in that it offers outdoor seating, making it a cool and refreshing spot to relax. The goose meat is tender and flavorful, the vegetables are fresh and free, and the food is served quickly. Although it's a street stall, the food is delicious and suitable for tourists who want to experience the local atmosphere. Average spending per person: ¥30. (updated Dec 2025)
There is a newly developed bar area down by the river close to the centre of town, behind the DICO’s chicken Western food outlet. There's also a bar area about two blocks form the bus terminal.
There doesn't seem to be anywhere to have a coffee in the bus terminal part of town. But in the centre there's several Chinese chain cafés. The big chains Wi-Fi tends to need a Chinese phone number to log in, but smaller ones will just give you a password. Excellent coffee is at Bean House (豆屋) in a cool street off the opposite side of the main road from the plaza, Qingnian Road.
The Wine Barrel Bar: As you walk towards Dico’s turn right, large wine barrel above the entrance. This small bar serves cold beer, and is a relaxing place to sit and have a drink with its water feature and fish pond. A good sized bar, with live music from 21:00, dance floor, not too loud and a good place to mix with locals.
Wanshi Cocktail Bar (万事调酒馆), Jindu Commercial City Phase 3, Unit 3-119,, ☏ +86 15687906434. daily 19:00–03:00. The bar has a quiet, blues-style setting and offers a range of house cocktails, along with light snacks and cold dishes served with drinks. ¥60-150. (updated Dec 2025)
Xiang Winehouse (饗·Winehouse), No. 74 Mantala Village, Chengzi Village Committee, ☏ +86 15687905864. daily 19:30–01:30. The bar serves whiskey and house cocktails in a quiet, private setting, and also offers signature mixed noodles and cold dishes. ¥50. (updated Dec 2025)
Luo Luo Cafe (Mengla Jindu Branch) (啰啰咖啡馆(勐腊金都店)), No. C1-35, Jindu Commercial City, Qingnian Road, ☏ +86 691-8139998. Daily 10:30–21:30. This is one of the most stylish cafes in the area, spanning two floors with ample seating. The elegant ambiance features soothing music. Besides coffee, they also offer light meals and local specialties; the hot milk is comforting and flavorful, and the vegetable and lean meat congee is highly praised. It's a convenient place to relax, enjoy the air conditioning, use the Wi-Fi, or charge your devices after a long day of shopping. ¥29. (updated Dec 2025)
BaWang ChaJi (Mengla Jindu Commercial City Store) (霸王茶姬(勐腊金都商贸城店)), Room 103, Building A2, Jindu Commercial City, Extension of Qingnian Road, ☏ +86 13988178058. Daily 10:00–22:00. This tea chain features an elegant, traditional Chinese design. Their "Bo Ya's Broken String" tea boasts a clear, mellow flavor with a lingering aftertaste, while "Spring Peach" is visually stunning with its rich, creamy texture. The packaging, designed in a traditional Chinese style, is eye-catching, and the freshly made drinks guarantee quality. ¥20. (updated Dec 2025)
Luckin Coffee (Mengla Jindu Commercial Store) (瑞幸咖啡(勐腊金都商贸店)), Room 101, Building A9, Phase 1, Jindu Commercial City, ☏ +86 4000100100. M–Th 09:00–21:30, F Sa 09:30–22:00, Su 09:00–21:30. This chain brand offers standardized products; their signature coconut latte is rich and flavorful without being bitter, while the orange C Americano is refreshing and helps cut through any greasiness. Although seating is relatively limited, the food is served quickly, offering great value for money and making it a good place to quickly replenish your caffeine. ¥11. (updated Dec 2025)
Gu Ming (Mengla Pedestrian Street Store) (古茗(勐腊步行街店)), G105, Nanla City Square, Main Street, ☏ +86 15388809580. Daily 09:00–23:00. Ranked #2 on the best-selling beverage list in Mengla County, this milk tea shop offers generous toppings, a rich flavor, and a non-greasy texture. The crème brûlée milk tea is sweet and delicious, while the Hongyan salty milk tea is recommended with 50% sugar. The shop is clean and tidy, and the food is served quickly. ¥14. (updated Dec 2025)
There are many hotels and guest house in Mengla, some options are:
21.462151101.5682961Vienna Hotel (维也纳酒店), 5th floor of Building 2, Senxiang Commercial City, Xincheng Community, ☏ +86 0691-3088808-0. Check-in: 14：00, check-out: 12：00. The hotel is located in the county center and provides multiple parking spaces. Facilities include a terrace seating area, small courtyard garden, laundry room, and fitness room. Airport transfers and breakfast are included. offers twin rooms from ¥277. (updated Dec 2025)
Meihao Four Seasons Hotel (美豪四季酒店), Opposite Mengla Bus Passenger Transport Station, ☏ +86 18822852501. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 14:00. A comfortable mid-range hotel offering parking, a laundry room, tea room, meeting room, and free luggage storage. Rooms are designed in different styles inspired by local regional features. Free airport transfer service is included. Double room from ¥147. (updated Dec 2025)
New Asia Business Hotel (新亚洲商务宾馆): Right beside the bus station with good big rooms upstairs for ¥70 with A/C (2025).
Na La Bin Quan: Is a good option, quite clean with A/C for ¥40, the rooms are quite large with an area for washing and hanging clothes, closer to the shops, restaurants and bar area of town. Turn right as you leave the bus station, it is about 1 km down towards the centre of town (¥5 taxi fare) turn left at the Spider King shop and it is 10-15 m down on the left.
Xishuangbanna Wanglian Hotel (西双版纳王莲酒店), Northeast side of the Mengsheng Botanical Garden along National Highway 213 in Mengla County, ☏ +86 0691-871504. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. This is the only hotel within the Chinese Academy of Sciences Tropical Botanical Garden, and its biggest advantage is that guests can enter and exit the park freely without entrance fees. Surrounded by various rare flowers and trees, the hotel is a natural oxygen bar, quiet in the mornings and evenings, with a strong resort atmosphere. The room rate includes entrance fees and breakfast, making it excellent value for money. ¥588. (updated Dec 2025)
Mengla Jinglan Hotel (勐腊景兰大酒店), Opposite the new government building, ☏ +86 0691-8991666. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. ¥282. (updated Dec 2025)
Langting Hotel, Mengla County (勐腊县朗廷大酒店), 89 Rainforest Avenue, ☏ +86 691-8168888. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. The owner provided excellent service, including a complimentary and varied breakfast. The rooms were spacious, and although the decor was a bit dated, the materials were of good quality. Hot water was plentiful, and parking was convenient. ¥142. (updated Dec 2025)
Arlandis Resort Hotel (亚兰蒂斯度假酒店), 1st Floor, Building A12, Nanlawan New District, ☏ +86 13728802881. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Located in Nanlawan New District, the design blends modern, light luxury fashion elements with the beauty of Dai ethnic characteristics. It features an outdoor swimming pool, rooms with extra-large floor-to-ceiling windows, a tea room and laundry room on the first floor, and ample parking in front, making it a great spot for taking photos. ¥278. (updated Dec 2025)
Fostiano Hotel (Fostiano·福斯蒂亚诺酒店), Room 101, Building E, Guancheng Rongshuwang Community, No. 2 Xiaomolu Road, ☏ +86 691-8128888. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. This five-star hotel features a design concept inspired by peacock feathers, emphasizing an artistic and cultural atmosphere. The dining options combine international and traditional cuisines and boast luxurious facilities including a lobby bar and karaoke. ¥388. (updated Dec 2025)
Mengla Jingtai Hotel (勐腊憬泰大酒店), Opposite the Mengla New City Administrative Center, ☏ +86 13766295643. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Renovated in 2024, this apartment boasts a prime location next to the county government. The rooms are clean and tidy, fully equipped, and offer free parking. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, making it excellent value for money. ¥97. (updated Dec 2025)
Cheaper, as you leave the bus station and turn right, walk approx 50 meters and there is a guest house on the right hand side near the Forest Cafe. This place has no English name and is a pretty run-down establishment. They have rooms for around ¥20-25 per night.
21.923108101.2312792Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort (西双版纳安纳塔拉度假酒店), 100 m west of Menglun Botanical Garden on National Highway 213, ☏ +86 691-8936666. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. This five-star resort hotel, part of the Minor Hotel Group, nestles beside the Luosuo River, facing the Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden across the river. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, it offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere. The architecture blends Dai and Thai styles, while the luxurious decor exudes exotic charm. ¥1390. (updated Dec 2025)
A local guide, Peter Lee – +86 18608811499 – is a fluent English speaker - he can offer advice on places to stay, eat and drink. As you get off the bus in Mengla, turn right and walk down the street about 50 m to the Forest Cafe. He can also be found at his restaurant, which is a few restaurants left of the third intersection when you walk south from the north bus station.
In front of the bus station there is also a helpful man who will exchange money and also offer advice on accommodation and help you with directions. He takes a commission from places so be very specific about what you want and how much you want to pay. His exchange rates are poor but if you are in need of some Lao kip just to be safe, it is worth exchanging some euros, dollars, Thai baht or anything else if you need to. He has a very wide range of currencies and is keen to show them off. His English is also pretty good compared to most locals.
Mengla County is generally considered safe for travelers. Mosquito repellent and sun protection are recommended during outdoor activities. Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites or minority settlements. Follow weather advisories during the rainy season.
The border crossing takes around an hour if you are on a bus. Much quicker if you are solo and the crossing is not busy.
Buses depart to Louang Namtha in Laos at around 09:00 and take around 4 hours. Expect a bumpy and hair raising journey during the rainy season. The cost is around ¥40.
There are loads of buses to Jinghong, the capital of Xishuangbanna. The cost is around ¥40. There are also 4 or 5 buses a day that leave for Kunming. The cost is about ¥250. Nowadays you can go to Yuangyang Terrace from Mengla by bus instead of going to Kunming directly, it is cheaper and less tiring.
This website uses the Wikivoyage API to get and display all the information you see. This is the MediaWiki API, which is a general API for accessing data from Wikimedia projects. You can find information about it here: MediaWiki API.
