Gengma in March is truly amazing.

In March, the wind becomes gentle, the sunshine warm. As the whole world awakens to the colors of spring, I embarked on a journey to Gengma. This small town, hidden in the southwestern border, is free from the hustle and bustle of big cities, yet it holds the most authentic charm of everyday life.🎆 Filled with anticipation, I began this surprising journey to Gengma. Now, I'm sharing this super detailed 3-day travel guide with you👇 🗺️Travel Route Day 1: Jingge White Pagoda → Mengding Dawanjiang Scenic Area - Morning: Arrive in Gengma and head to the sacred Jingge White Pagoda to experience its tranquility and solemnity, steeped in history. - Afternoon: Travel to the Mengding Dawanjiang Scenic Area, stroll along the riverbank, watch the flowing water, and enjoy the scenery on both sides. Day 2: Banxing Dazhai → Gandong Park - Morning: Visit Banxing Dazhai and experience the unique charm of a traditional Dai village, embracing the slow-paced life. - Afternoon: Go to Gandong Park, take a leisurely stroll, and enjoy the pleasant afternoon. Day 3: Gengma Zongfo Temple → Return Trip - Morning: Visit Gengma Zongfo Temple, appreciate the charm of Buddhist culture, and conclude this journey perfectly. - Afternoon: Pack your luggage and return home with wonderful memories. Must-Visit Attractions and Photo Spots - Jingge White Pagoda: - Must-visit reason: A landmark building in Gengma with a long history and unique architectural style, blending Dai architectural art and Buddhist culture. - Photo spots: Take a full-body photo in front of the pagoda with the entire pagoda as the background, perfectly blending into the sacred atmosphere; you can also take artistic photos from the side of the pagoda, making use of light and shadow. - Mengding Dawanjiang Scenic Area: - Must-visit reason: Picturesque natural scenery, clear river water, and lush vegetation on both banks make it a great place to get close to nature. - Photo spots: Stand on the viewing platform by the river and take a beautiful photo with the winding Dawanjiang River as the background; or sit on the rocks by the river and capture playful moments in the water. - Banxing Dazhai: - Must-visit reason: An authentic Dai village where you can learn about Dai traditional culture and folk customs. - Photo spots: Take photos in front of the traditional Dai bamboo houses, dressed in Dai costumes, as if transforming into a Dai girl; you can also take photos by the village well, capturing the essence of daily life. - Gandong Park: - Must-visit reason: A popular place for local residents to relax and entertain, the park is full of greenery, clear lakes, and a vibrant atmosphere. - Photo spots: Take photos at the lakeside pavilion with the lake and trees as the background; stroll along the park's paths and capture natural moments as you walk. - Gengma Zongfo Temple: - Must-visit reason: A solemn and majestic Buddhist temple with exquisite architecture and numerous pagodas, it is a holy place for Buddhist pilgrims and a great place for tourists to learn about Buddhist culture. - Photo spots: Take photos in front of the temple gate with the magnificent temple architecture as the background; enter the temple and take portraits next to the pagodas, feeling the peaceful and serene atmosphere. 🍜Food Recommendations - Dai Cuisine: - Lemongrass Grilled Fish: 🐟 Tender fish paired with unique lemongrass, grilled until golden brown, fragrant, and juicy. Every bite is pure bliss. - Pineapple Purple Rice: 🍍 Sweet pineapple and soft purple rice blend perfectly, creating a sweet but not greasy, rich taste with the fruity aroma of pineapple and the mellow flavor of purple rice. - Special Snacks: - Falooda: 🥤 Rich coconut milk paired with crispy croutons, sago, purple rice, and more, offering a multi-layered texture and a sweet and delicious taste. It's a must-try specialty drink in Gengma. - Shai Baba: Available in sweet and savory versions. The sweet Shai Baba is coated with condensed milk, making it sweet and crispy; the savory version is paired with eggs, spring onions, and other ingredients, offering a unique flavor. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations - Gengma County: Offers a wide range of choices, convenient transportation, and complete dining facilities. You can choose a hotel in the city center for easy access to various shops and food streets. - Mengding Town: If you want to be closer to the Dawanjiang Scenic Area, Mengding Town is a good choice. There are some characteristic inns in the town with a tranquil environment, allowing you to better experience the local customs. ❗Important Notes - Respect local customs: Gengma is a multi-ethnic area, mainly inhabited by the Dai people. Respect local religious beliefs and customs, such as dressing appropriately when entering temples and avoiding loud noises. - Take sun protection measures: The local sunlight is strong, especially during outdoor activities. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and other sun protection items. - Pay attention to food hygiene: When tasting local food, choose restaurants with good hygiene conditions to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort caused by unclean food. Every inch of Gengma exudes a unique charm, and every encounter is filled with surprise and emotion. I hope this guide can help you start your own Gengma journey and create wonderful memories.💕