Mangshi: China's Only Single-Character City! Hot Springs for $0.5 & Southeast Asian Vibes, Yet Visitors Just 1% of Xishuangbanna's

This place is trending, yet still "off the beaten path"!

It could be called last year's "hot item,"

I thought this place would quickly commercialize,

but upon arrival, I found it remains pristine,

only with upgraded and more comfortable transportation and accommodation!

Yet it's less crowded, cheaper, and easier to reach than the former.

Perfect for a few days of comfortable, laid-back living.

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Mangshi is truly great for strolling and eating!

It’s the capital of Dehong Prefecture in Yunnan Province;

Ancient Dian-Vietnam Elephant-Riding Kingdom with over 2,500 years of history;

A vital gateway from China to South and Southeast Asia;

It’s also the only city in China named with a single character,

In Dai language, it’s "Menghuan," meaning "City of Dawn,"

Legend says Buddha arrived at dawn, hence the name...

© Xiaohongshu: Ivvvvvvvy

This place will never disappoint you because:

It boasts a rich exotic atmosphere,

letting you experience Southeast Asian vibes without leaving the country.

Tall palm and banana trees shade Buddhist temples and golden pagodas,

Snap a photo and post it—if you don’t mention it,

Your friends would think you've arrived in Thailand or Myanmar.

There are festive celebrations almost every month.

Nearly half of the city's 440,000 residents are ethnic minorities.

Here, you can join the lively Water Splashing Festival,

witness the grandeur of the Munao Zongge Festival, and the joy of the Kuoshi Festival.

It is also widely recognized as Yunnan's culinary capital,

even Chen Xiaoqing couldn't resist filming here repeatedly.

A variety of authentic Southeast Asian snacks,

for just 30 RMB per person, you can eat until you're stuffed.

The weather is warm year-round, and life moves at a leisurely pace.

Some visitors call it "Little Xishuangbanna,"

while others say it's the best Southeast Asian alternative in China.

But Qilv finds it more comfortable than the bustling Southeast Asia,

making it worth visiting time and time again.

© Xiaohongshu: Independent Photographer—Big Cousin

Time moves slowly, and Mangshi is unhurried, worth pausing to savor.

If you come, don't just skim the surface—

take your time to enjoy the warm sunshine that lasts all year.

© Xiaohongshu: Independent Photographer—Big Cousin

You'll experience the rich charm of Southeast Asia!

Here, the sunlight is abundant, and palm trees are everywhere,

with various motorcycles and electric vehicles zooming by,

creating a street scene that feels intensely Southeast Asian.

© Xiaohongshu: Ivvvvvvvy

At first glance, the golden shimmer of the Meng Huan Grand Golden Pagoda,

© Tuchong: Shuhangflyingwsh

the first hollow Buddhist pagoda in Asia,

where viewing the diverse statues and listening to the Sanskrit chants

deepens the sense of its solemnity and grandeur.

Adjacent to the Golden Pagoda is the Meng Huan Silver Pagoda,

the world's largest Theravada Buddhist pagoda dedicated to ten thousand Buddhas.

© Tuchong: Shuhangflyingwsh

Yet, the symmetrical pagoda structure itself is artistic,

and the mesmerizing Tree-Encased Pagoda at first sight,

hailed as the "Angkor Wat Tree Hollow."

The pagoda is tightly entwined by a 200-year-old Bodhi tree,

its lush canopy dense enough to blot out the sky.

© Tuchong: Su Tong Sumouren

The pagoda stands boldly by the roadside,

where some pray beneath the tree while others pass by.

Faith has long been integrated into daily life.

© Xiaohongshu: Ivvvvvvvy

At first glance, the serene Wuyun Temple,

the first temple in Mangshi,

enshrines its first bronze Buddha statue, "Palaguomeng."

You can enjoy a tranquil afternoon here.

© Xiaohongshu: lokiki

The stunning Tuanjie Street is photogenic at any angle,

with roaring motorcycles and brightly colored houses,

exuding the vibrant essence of summer.

Grab a bagged coffee,

and watch planes frequently passing overhead,

leisurely feeling as if you’re in a Southeast Asian country.

© Xiaohongshu: Independent Photographer—Big Cousin

Explore countless hidden, pristine spots,

unlocking 90% of Mangshi unseen by tourists!

It’s also a place surrounded by mountains, rivers, and rainforests.

For a richer travel experience,

visit Mengbanaxi Rare Garden,

famed for its "rarity, peculiarity, antiquity, and uniqueness."

Free-roaming peacocks and century-old flower gardens can be seen everywhere,

Entering here is like stepping into a "treasure cave."

From the mountaintop, you can overlook the undulating grasslands,

evoking the poetic scene of "the wind blows, the grass bends, and cattle and sheep appear."

With steep drops and rushing currents, it’s quite spectacular.

The surrounding forest remains lush and green all year round,

This is an untouched alpine paradise,

and the only alpine herbaceous swamp wetland in Mangshi.

Streams murmur through the grass, with wildflowers blooming everywhere,

The meadows are thriving, and free-grazing horses and sheep roam leisurely,

Take a deep breath of the fresh air.

It’s a small Dai-style village,

where you can enjoy local delicacies like paoluda and rice noodle rolls.

Near the village stands a 460-year-old alpine banyan tree,

Just live like the locals do!

Many residents here practice Buddhism,

leading a slow, peaceful life far from the hustle and bustle.

There are over 20 named hot springs in the area,

all well-developed resort hot springs.

© Xiaohongshu: The Rabbit Girl Travels the World

The banyan tree hot spring hidden deep in the forests and fields,

is a private bathing spot cherished by local villagers.

© Xiaohongshu: Rabbit Girl Travels the World

It lies beneath a massive century-old banyan tree,

whose roots have completely petrified.

The pool's water is crystal clear, with sunlight filtering through layers of leaves,

creating a shimmering glow so beautiful it melts the heart~

© Xiaohongshu: Rabbit Girl Travels the World

Mangshi's First Comprehensive Market is absolutely worth a visit.

There's also a dazzling array of snacks,

passion fruit, sugar apples, and jackfruit.

You can bring home a bottle of locally made fermented vegetable paste;

cooking enthusiasts can also buy some unique spices;

during the rainy season, you might even catch the mushroom harvest.

It's a must-visit spot in Mangshi!

Egg pancakes, Shiping tofu, pickled chicken feet, and more—

for just 30 RMB per person, you can enjoy Southeast Asian-style delicacies.

© Tuchong: xxuyuee

It immerses you in the enchanting vibrancy of everyday life,

making it worth a special trip just for the food!

Some say, even after traveling through half of Yunnan,

the city that wins their heart (and stomach) is still this one!

Here, you can savor not only Yunnan’s classic delights—

pea-flour pudding, rice noodles, milk fan, and all kinds of baba cakes;

but also surprises that shatter your taste buds’ wildest dreams.

Mangshi locals start their day with a bowl of er si noodles,

loaded with mint and a squeeze of lemon—

a bold flavor that’s oddly addictive once acquired.

Three unique meals a day? A month wouldn’t cover them all.

Then there’s sa pie, a dish so good one bite hooks you;

© Tuchong: kewell24

lemongrass-grilled fish, tender and sweet,

the ultimate fish-and-herb pairing;

“No pounding, no feasting,”

for the Jingpo people, pounded dishes are like chili to Hunan folks—

so delicious you’ll lick your fingers clean.

△ Gloves are an option for the squeamish © Tuchong: 艽都不认识的你

Try pounded eel, bamboo-tube grilled fish, crispy pork rinds,

ghost chicken, rolled rice noodles, spicy tripe salad,

© Tuchong: W_Yan王龑.jp

A dazzling variety, each with its own ethnic charm.

You can easily enjoy them by the roadside—

star drinks like paoluda, pickled chicken feet,

the "sour gospel" of sour papaya;

fried beef jerky, condensed milk rice porridge,

rice noodle rolls, cold noodles, stir-fried snails, grilled pork skin,

roasted glutinous rice cakes, grilled rice balls, water-splashing rice cakes,

sauced chicken feet, mixed masangpo, specialty pickles...

You might even dare to try the "dip-dip chili."

It’s said even locals who live for spice

only dare to dip it briefly in the sauce.

If the soul of Lijiang is its bars,

then the soul of Mangshi is the barbecue at its night markets.

Beef skewers, grilled chicken, grilled chicken feet,

gizzards, fatty intestines, chicken wings, pork skin, milk tendons—

in Mangshi, everything can be grilled.

Pair it with the all-purpose dipping sauce, Dai-style pickled vegetable paste;

it’s right by the roadside, ready to grab.

The next street over is lined with pomelos...

The whole city is filled with fruit stalls or juice stands.

Not only fresh but also beautifully priced.

I always recommend a trip to Mangshi.

To experience its unique exotic charm,

To relax, eat, drink, soak in hot springs, and breathe in the sunshine and air,

Enjoy the peaceful and leisurely life you’ve been longing for!

Dehong has Mangshi Airport, with flights from major cities across the country. You can also transfer via Kunming, taking about 1 hour to arrive.

Flying from Kunming to Mangshi is the most convenient option. Ruili Airlines is recommended as it provides a free shuttle bus from Mangshi to Ruili.

Suggested duration for the trip: 2-3 days.

DAY1: Tuanjie Street—Shubao Pagoda—Best Food City—Mengbanaxi Rare Garden—Menghuan Golden Pagoda—Menghuan Silver Pagoda.

DAY2: Mangshi First Comprehensive Market—Wuyun Temple.