I thought Xishuangbanna was beautiful until I visited Mangshi...

If you've only reserved one day for Mangshi during your Yunnan trip, don't worry! This carefully curated guide will help you efficiently explore this exotic border town and immerse yourself in its unique charm! Must-Visit Attractions Tree-Embraced Pagoda: A Natural Wonder Sculpted by Time This ancient pagoda, standing for over 200 years, is one of Mangshi's unique landmarks. Over time, cracks appeared in the brick structure, and a banyan seed accidentally fell in, taking root and sprouting with the nourishment of wind and rain. Today, the banyan roots tightly embrace the pagoda, creating the magical sight of "tree embracing pagoda, pagoda embracing tree." This perfect fusion of nature and human creation is full of fantastical charm—every casual photo you take will be a unique masterpiece worthy of flooding your social media. Mengbanaxi Rare Treasures Garden: A Magical World of Plants and Jade Admission: 38 yuan (20 yuan discount for students and seniors). Stepping into the garden feels like entering a magical kingdom of rare species. Peacocks stroll leisurely, casually crossing your path. The garden features numerous ancient and famous trees that have witnessed the passage of time. The world-rare petrified wood jade stones will amaze you with nature's incredible craftsmanship. If you're lucky, you might even encounter wild jackfruit, adding an extra surprise to your visit. Mangshi Golden Pagoda: A Dazzling Landmark of Faith As China's first golden Buddha pagoda, the Golden Pagoda impresses visitors with its dazzling golden appearance and profound cultural heritage. The 38 yuan admission fee (20 yuan for students and seniors) allows you to experience the pagoda's solemnity up close and climb to the viewing platforms around the pagoda for a panoramic view of Mangshi. Locals traditionally circle the pagoda clockwise three times for blessings—why not follow this custom and make wishes for yourself and your family? Mangshi Silver Pagoda: A Dreamlike Realm in a Silver World Adjacent to the Golden Pagoda, the Silver Pagoda stands like a fairy dressed in silver, radiating sacred light in the sunshine. The same 38 yuan admission fee (20 yuan for students and seniors) offers a completely different visual experience. This is a photographer's paradise—the pure white pagoda against blue skies and green trees creates Instagram-worthy shots with minimal effort. At night, when the lights come on, the Golden Pagoda shines like the sun while the Silver Pagoda gleams like the moon, creating a dreamlike scene of complementary beauty. Three Immortals Cave: Exploring a Karst Mystery The Three Immortals Cave is Mangshi's hidden gem. Inside, typical karst landforms have developed, with stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes illuminated by lights, creating a mysterious underground world. The cave stays cool and pleasant, making it a perfect summer retreat where you can escape the urban hustle and experience nature's tranquility and wonder. Dai Ancient Town: Dai Ethnic Flavor in a Lively Setting When night falls, the Dai Ancient Town comes alive. The traditional buildings look particularly charming under the lights, and the streets are lined with stalls selling Dai ethnic specialties. Walking through the town, you can admire the exquisite Dai architecture while indulging in delicious food and experiencing the rich ethnic atmosphere—a perfect place to experience local nightlife. Recommended Local Delicacies Dai-Style Barbecue Recommended venue: Various barbecue stalls in Mangshi Dai-Le Jinwan Food Plaza. The barbecue here has a distinctive Dai flavor. The grilled tilapia is crispy outside and tender inside, paired with secret Dai dipping sauce that's sour, spicy, fresh, and aromatic. The grilled pork belly sizzles with oil and is wrapped in lettuce for a refreshing contrast. Other specialties include grilled chicken feet and grilled eggplant—every bite is full of rich Dai hometown flavor. Wild Mushroom Hot Pot Besides Dingjin Wild Mushroom Hot Pot, Menghuang Mushroom King Hot Pot is also worth trying. Various wild mushrooms including termite mushrooms, bamboo fungi, and porcini are combined in one pot and carefully stewed to create a rich, fragrant mushroom broth that awakens your taste buds instantly. Paired with freshly fried crispy meat and seasonal vegetables, it's truly a feast for your palate. Special Snacks Guoshou Rice Noodles are a must-try Mangshi specialty. The paper-thin rice noodles are paired with rich fillings, grabbed by hand and stuffed into your mouth for a multi-layered taste experience. Mangshi pickles are also unique—sour, spicy, and crisp, very appetizing. Don't miss Paoluda, a sweet coconut milk dessert with crispy bread and soft sago pearls—a perfect refreshment for hot weather. Travel Outfit Tips For visitors wanting to deeply experience Dai culture, you can select appealing Dai ethnic costumes from rental shops around the Golden Pagoda, priced between 50-200 yuan. The colorful tube skirts paired with delicately embroidered tops allow you to blend into the local atmosphere while walking through Mangshi streets and capture beautifully ethnic-styled photos. Accommodation Suggestions It's recommended to choose hotels or guesthouses near Mangshi Street, the commercial center of Mangshi where transportation is very convenient. Shared electric bikes are available everywhere, making it easy to visit attractions or find food. Additionally, this area has complete facilities with shopping and dining options all readily available, providing more convenience for your trip. Though a one-day visit is brief, following this guide will allow you to experience all of Mangshi's essential scenery and special cuisine! Pack your bags and embark on this surprising Mangshi journey!