Yunnan Xishuangbanna | May Day Crowd-Beating Itinerary

| Beat the crowds this May Day. A super-refined three-day itinerary for Yunnan: Day 1: Wild Elephant Valley + Primeval Forest Park Wild Elephant Valley: - Arrive at 7:30 am, and head to the elevated elephant viewing walkway to spot wild elephants (best time is in the morning) - Watch the elephant school performance at 10:30 am (get there early to secure a good spot) - Photo recommendations: Overlooking the rainforest from the corner of the walkway, interacting with baby elephants near the elephant canteen - Lunch: "Elephant meal" inside the scenic area (fruit + sticky rice) Primeval Forest Park: - Watch the peacock release performance at 2:00 pm sharp - Hike the rainforest valley trail (about 1 hour) - Dinner recommendation: Manfeilong Roast Chicken 2 (roast chicken + pineapple rice are a must-try) Day 2: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden - West Zone highlights: Palm Garden, Exotic Flower Garden, Hundred Flowers Garden - Optional hike in the East Zone: Green Stone Forest (physically demanding) - Night tour of the botanical garden (reservations required) - Photo spots: Reflections in the Victoria Amazonica pool, hot air balloon lawn, strangler fig area - Lunch: Wanglian Hotel Restaurant inside the garden - Dinner: Nan Princess Southeast Asian Restaurant Day 3: Manting Park + General Buddhist Temple + Manyuan Village + Starlight Night Market Manting Park: - Enter the park at 8:30 am and take photos of the empty scenes - Dress modestly when visiting the General Buddhist Temple - Photo spots: Red brick background of the Chengxin Pagoda, covered bridge at the lotus pond Manyuan Village: - Experience Dai papermaking and bamboo rafting - Take photos of the mushroom house roofs Starlight Night Market: - Go to the Big Golden Pagoda at 7:00 pm when the lights come on to take panoramic photos - Bargain for portrait photography services Travel tips: 1. Best lighting: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm 2. Clothing suggestions: Light-colored long skirts, Dai costumes (available for rent) 3. Essential items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, straw bag 4. Transportation: Chartering a car or taking taxis between attractions is recommended Food recommendations: - Roast chicken - Pineapple rice - Lemongrass grilled fish - Local wild vegetable soup