Mengwai Tusi Summer Resort

Introducing Mengwai Tusi Summer Resort

The Mengwai Tusi Summer Resort is located in Nayun Town, Menglian County, Pu'er City. "Mengwai" in the Dai language means a place where one can easily ascend to heaven. Nestled between mountains and rivers, the area is crisscrossed with springs. The Menglian Dai people consider Mengwai the source of water, making it a place rich in Dai water culture. In 1492, Dao Paiyue, the seventh Tusi of Menglian, abdicated due to illness and chose this blessed land as his retreat. Since then, successive Tusi have sought refuge in Mengwai during the unbearable summer heat of the plains, giving rise to the name "Tusi Summer Resort."

Today, Mengwai is still sheltered in dense mountains and forests. The Dai water culture and religious culture are fully displayed here, and the rich chieftain culture is also preserved.

Tomb of Dao Paiyue: Dao Paiyue is the only chieftain in Menglian who abdicated due to illness, and the only chieftain whose tomb is left behind. He was also the chieftain who sent people to Anwa, the ancient capital of Menghan, Myanmar, to welcome Buddha to Menglian. In 1492 AD, this chieftain who was deeply loved by the people abdicated due to illness and chose Mengwai as his place of seclusion. After his death, he was buried in Longshan in Mengwai.

Husband-Waiting Tree: Near Mengwai Village, on the banks of the Nanzha River, stands a large white toon tree, facing the tomb of Tusi Dao Paiyue. Beneath the tree stands a shrine, where Dai people often come to pray for the tree spirit's protection. Legend has it that the tree is the spirit of Dao Paiyue's wife.

Buddhist Temples: Every Dai village in Menglian has a Buddhist temple, and Mengwai is no exception. These temples are not only centers of Buddhist activity but also centers of Dai culture. The exquisite architecture, sculptures, and murals at Mengwai Temple, along with the banners painstakingly crafted by Dai believers, allow you to experience the extraordinary significance of Buddhism in the hearts of the Dai people.

Climate and best time to travel

The tropical rainforest climate makes it suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Mengwai Tusi Summer Resort

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

“Mengwai” in the Dai language literally means “a place easy to ascend toward heaven”. At this site in Menglian County, Yunnan Province, the 7th ch­ti­­efain of the Menglian Tusi (土司) dynasty, named Dao Paiyao, in 1492 AD chose to retire here due to illness and built a summer retreat. Later generations of Tusi also used the place for summer escapism. Thus the site became known as the “Tusi Summer Resort”.
Besides being a scenic retreat, the resort is a cultural site that reflects the rule of the Dai Tusi system in southwestern Yunnan, the ethnic architecture, settlement patterns, and the adaptation of governance to seasonal retreats.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The resort is located in Mengwai Village, about 8 km from Nanyun Town (娜允镇), in Menglian Dai Lahu & Va Autonomous County, under the jurisdiction of Pu’er City, Yunnan Province.
Getting there:

• From Nanyun Town: take a local taxi or ride-hailing service to Mengwai Village (8 km).
• If arriving by car or self-drive: use the road from Nanyun toward the resort; the area is mountainous so drive with care.
• Public bus services may be limited; best to check local bus from Menglian county seat/Nanyun town to village, or combine with taxi for last leg.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

As a village/heritage scenic spot rather than a strictly time-gated theme park, it is accessible all day.
Best time to visit: The summer months (especially given its function as a summer resort) when the climate is cooler, or spring/early autumn for comfortable weather. The area reportedly has a tropical rainforest climate, and being at higher altitude gives it a cooler climate than surrounding areas.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

According to travel notes, this is described as a “free secret / little-known destination”. There is no definite published ticket price. For example, one source states it is a “free secret scenic area”.
It’s advisable to check locally at the village entrance or local tourism office for any possible “scenic area fee” or parking fee.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Given its status as a relatively low-key scenic spot and possibly free entry, advance booking is likely not required.
However, if you plan to stay overnight in nearby accommodation or include guided cultural activities, it’s advisable to contact local guesthouse or tour service ahead of time, especially in high season.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You can explore the village and its surroundings in about 2–3 hours if you’re just strolling and photographing.
If you also plan to relax in a guesthouse, walk nature trails, and immerse in Dai village life, allocate half a day or a full afternoon.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The settlement of Mengwai Village itself: water-channels, village architecture, Dai culture ambience.
• The original Tusi retreat site area (where the chieftains used to stay).
• The stream/spring water networks and shaded forest vegetation that creates the cooler summer environment.
• The Dai temple in the village with murals and sculptures embodying Dai belief.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

No specific information found about formal guided tours or audio guides in English. It may be more of a self-guiding experience.
If you prefer a guide, consider arranging a local guide in Menglian or at the village visitor point who can speak Chinese (and possibly some English).

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• View the village from higher ground or hillside looking down onto buildings, water channels and forest—captures the summer-resort feeling.

• Photograph the temple architecture, the traditional Dai houses, and especially near the springs/water-channels in the village.

• Capture the “green” summer vegetation and shady forest areas that provide relief from heat—highlighting the cooler climate.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start from the village entrance, walk through the settlement along a stream or water channel, visit the temple, then stroll to the old retreat site/forest edge. Pause in a shaded area or café for a drink or rest. If time allows, walk up to a viewpoint overlooking the village and forest. End back at the village for local refreshment.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

No information found about night-light shows or special tours at this site. It appears to be a daytime-nature destination.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Because it remains relatively unknown and described as a “free secret” spot, it is likely to be less crowded compared to major tourist sites.
The least crowded times would be weekdays outside major holiday periods, and mid-morning or mid-afternoon rather than peak travel hours.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Detailed facility listings are not available. As a village destination:

• Basic public toilets or village-style restroom facilities likely available.
• Some local snack shops or small restaurants may be present in the village (Dai style food).
• Benches or shaded rest areas near springs or stream side may exist.

Visitors should prepare accordingly (water, snacks) if amenities are limited.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The village terrain likely involves some uneven paths and forest-side walking. For elderly or children: manageable, but comfortable shoes advised.
For disabled visitors (wheelchairs): may be more challenging depending on path surfaces and slopes; not confirmed as fully accessible.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

No formal ticket payments appear required, so cash may not be needed for entry. Local village shops or eateries likely accept cash; in many parts of Yunnan mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat) are common, but verify locally if you rely on cards.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the village you may find local Dai-style food shops or small eateries.
Nearby in Nanyun Town there will be more options for cafés or restaurants.
Try local Dai cuisine: for example meals with sour papaya, sticky rice, local fish etc when you depart or arrive.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Specific vegetarian/vegan/halal options are not detailed in sources. Since the area is Dai-ethnic, vegetarian Dai dishes maybe available on request; for halal, you may need to inquire at the restaurant.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are guesthouses or lodges near Mengwai Village or in Nanyun Town (8 km away) suited for staying overnight. Since the resort is less commercial, the accommodation options may be modest—book ahead in summer.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The historic Menglian Tusi Chieftain’s Office (孟连宣抚司署) in Menglian County—an important Dai-Tusi site.
• The ancient town of Nanyun or surrounding Dai ethnic villages to experience water culture and minority architecture.
• Tea-mountain excursions around Pu’er region; though further, you could combine the cultural village escape with tea culture in Pu’er.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

While no dedicated souvenir shops are described, in the village or nearby you may find items such as Dai ethnic handicrafts, textiles, wood carvings, and local snacks. Being in Pu’er region, you might also buy local tea cakes or small tea-related gifts if combined with a tea-tour elsewhere.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting, you can return to Nanyun Town by taxi/ride-hail and then move on:

• By car to other attractions in Menglian County.
• By bus or hire to the county seat of Menglian and onward to Pu’er City or nearby tea-areas.
• If you plan to go deeper into nature or tea-mountain landscapes, having a private vehicle or hire will give flexibility for remote roads.