When talking about Yunnan, the first thing that people think of must be the small bridge and flowing water in the ancient city of the Old Town of Lijiang, and the tropical rainforest in Xishuangbanna. But I have to say that the charm of Mangshi is not inferior to them at all, and even surpasses them in some aspects.
1、 Border customs: the perfect integration of unique Dai culture and modern cities
Strolling on the streets of Mangshi, one can see magnificent Dai temples and modern commercial buildings coexisting harmoniously everywhere. Especially the Mangshi Dafo Temple, where the towering golden Buddha shines brightly in the sunlight, and the surrounding Dai ethnic buildings make the entire scene full of exotic charm.
Surprisingly, there is still a real ‘Touch You Black’ market preserved here. Every evening, when the lights come on, various snack stalls stand up one after another, and the aroma of Dai cuisine fills the air. From grilled bait shreds to Dai style cold dishes, every one is so tempting!
2、 Natural wonders: not inferior to the magnificent mountains and waters of Lijiang
When it comes to the most stunning part of Mangshi, one cannot ignore the perfect combination of the unique tropical rainforest landscape and alpine meadows. On the outskirts of Mangshi, you can see the most beautiful terraced fields in Yunnan’s Nandianbei Mountains. Every evening, the sunset turns the layers of paddy fields red, reflecting the blue of the sky, which is simply too beautiful to be real!
Especially recommended is the original tropical rainforest conservation area in Mangshi. Here is a community of ancient trees that have been preserved for hundreds of years. Strolling through it feels like being on Pandora’s planet in Avatar. In the forest after the rain, mist lingers and vines wrap around towering trees, making people feel the most primitive charm of nature.
3、 Featured cuisine: Yunnan’s new paradise for taste buds
When you come to Mangshi, be sure to taste the unique Dai cuisine here. Mangshi’s Dai style barbecue is definitely addictive! Especially that roasted eggplant, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with a special Dai seasoning, it’s absolutely amazing!
There is also the unique feature of Mangshi called ‘sour’, which is a bamboo shoot pickled with special techniques. It is sour, spicy, delicious, appetizing, and can relieve greasiness. Locals almost always have some for every meal, and I was conquered on my first try!
4、 Summer resort: a climate that feels like spring all year round
The climate in Mangshi is simply a blessing from heaven! The average temperature throughout the year is around 20 ℃, and the highest temperature in summer rarely exceeds 30 ℃. Strolling on the streets, feeling the cool breeze, and overlooking the rolling mountains, this kind of comfort is really difficult to describe in words.
Especially in the scorching summer, when all parts of the country are suffering from high temperatures, Mangshi is cool and pleasant. No wonder more and more people choose to come here for summer vacation!
5、 Humanistic charm: a place where diverse cultures blend together
The most charming thing about Mangshi is its cultural atmosphere. This is a gathering place for ethnic minorities such as Dai, De’ang, Jingpo, etc., where all ethnic groups coexist harmoniously and their cultures blend together. Walking on the street, elderly people dressed in ethnic costumes can be seen leisurely basking in the sun, while children play and frolic along the street.
During traditional festivals, this place is particularly lively. During the Water Splashing Festival, the entire city seemed to be a sea of joy, with everyone splashing water to bless each other. The joyful scene was touching.
It is best to choose spring and autumn when traveling to Mangshi. In spring, you can see wildflowers blooming all over the mountains, and in autumn, you can enjoy golden rice fields. No matter when you come, this city will always give you a different surprise!
If you are tired of the commercialization in Lijiang and the mosquitoes in Xishuangbanna, then come to Mangshi! Here, there are the purest ethnic customs, the most touching natural scenery, and the purest folk customs. I believe you will fall in love with this low-key yet charming border town like me!
