Going to Mangshi in July! This three-day, two-night itinerary is ready to copy

Help! If you haven’t been to Mangshi yet, I’ll really be upset😭! July in Mangshi avoids the scorching sun, with a drizzly atmosphere that’s just perfect. For about 1,500 RMB per person, you can unlock a Southeast Asia-style vacation experience! Just returned from a special forces trip to Mangshi, stayed up late to organize this super practical guide—follow it and you won’t go wrong! Day 1: Buddha Pagoda Light and Shadow + Dai Ethnic Night - Morning: Land at Mangshi Airport (many cities have direct flights!), it’s a 15-minute taxi ride to the city center, about 15 RMB on the meter. Check in directly at Fanshi Hotel (Dai Ancient Town branch), the room has a small balcony overlooking the pool. Change into Dai costume and head downstairs to shoot “pretending to be in Thailand” photos. The hotel also offers free breakfast! - 4 PM: Head straight to Menghuan Golden Pagoda (ticket 35 RMB)! The sunlight isn’t harsh at this time, and the golden pagoda shines brilliantly in the sunset—perfect for photos! Recommended to shoot from the side steps with an upward angle or from the second floor of the coffee shop opposite for a panoramic view. - 6 PM: Walk 10 minutes to Menghuan Silver Pagoda, ticket 40 RMB (combo ticket with Golden Pagoda is more cost-effective). The white pagoda paired with the mirrored pool is perfect for silhouette shots! Remember to wait for the blue hour; the gradient between the sky and the white pagoda is super dreamy. - Evening: Take a taxi at the starting fare to Dai Ancient Town. At the night market, try the spicy and sour pounded chicken feet, and be sure to add coconut jelly to your Puluda! There’s a free Dai dance performance at 8 PM. After watching, remember to light a water lantern by the river and make a wish~ Day 2: Rainforest + Food Adventure Day - 9 AM: Taxi for 15 RMB to Mengbanaxi Exotic Garden (ticket 40 RMB). Right at the entrance, you’ll see free-range peacocks! Be sure to bring bread; the peacocks will follow you and fan their tails! The park also has million-year-old petrified wood and giant cacti—great for photos~ - Noon: Taxi directly to Nongshao Snack Shop in Manghe Village! This small shop hidden in the village is a local secret. The spicy mixed vegetables are fragrant and spicy, and the pickled vegetable paste fried potatoes are crispy outside and soft inside. About 15 RMB per person to eat until full! - 3 PM: Ride a shared electric scooter to Shubao Pagoda (free). The spectacle of the banyan tree wrapping around the ancient pagoda is stunning! On the way, check out Bodhi Street, where coconut trees and street vendors create a perfect Nanyang vibe for casual photos~ - Evening: Rush to Best Food City! The lemon-flavored spicy and sour Gan Ying chicken feet are addictive, the avocado juice is so rich it sticks to the glass, and the freshly made Burmese fried pancakes are super crispy! It’s recommended to bring more friends so you can try more dishes! Day 3: Off-the-Beaten-Path Secret Spot + Healing Hot Springs - Morning: Taxi for half an hour to Shangjingkan Village (about 50 RMB one way). See the 400-year-old banyan tree king; the scene of single trees forming a forest feels like stepping into a fairy tale! Remember to bring mosquito repellent; there are many mosquitoes in the woods. - Noon: Return to the city and go to Dreamy Dehong Restaurant for hand-grabbed rice! The 2-3 person set meal is 88 RMB, with grilled fish, ghost chicken, and pineapple rice served on the table. Eating with your hands is super ceremonial~ - Afternoon: Taxi to Fapa Hot Springs (ticket 60 RMB), soak in the sulfur hot springs to relax! Recommended pools are the rose pool and milk pool; after soaking, your whole body will be silky smooth~ After soaking, take a taxi straight to the airport, leaving 2 hours in advance is just right! 🍜 Food Do’s and Don’ts ✅ Must-try: - Sapie: The soul dipping sauce with sour, spicy, and bitter flavors, perfect with rice noodles! If you’re afraid to try the bitter sapie, order the lemon sapie. - Lin’s Meatballs: Beef meatballs are chewy and juicy. Add a portion of fried dough sticks soaked in soup for a legendary breakfast! - Splash Water Baba: Glutinous rice outer skin wrapped with brown sugar and coconut, a delight for glutinous rice lovers! ❌ Avoid: - Don’t buy fruit salad at the night market; it’s better to buy freshly cut fruit directly. - For avocado juice, trust Gan Ying’s shop; other places are risky. 📌 July Exclusive Tips 1. Weather: It may rain showers every day, but they come and go quickly. Bring a folding umbrella and quick-dry clothes. 2. Outfit: Bright-colored long dresses + straw bags! White/yellow clothes look super fairy-like at the Silver Pagoda, red clothes stand out more at the Golden Pagoda. 3. Transportation: Shared electric scooters are more convenient than taxis! But be sure to wear a helmet; traffic police will check. 4. Expenses: Snacks generally cost 10-20 RMB, attraction tickets are clearly priced, so feel free to splurge! Mangshi really is a “small and beautiful” treasure city, with a slow pace that’s so healing~ Save this guide and set off in July!✨