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