Just got back from Mangshi, and I really don't recommend visiting in July!

Just returned from Mangshi and was completely charmed by this small town 🤌 Spent three days and two nights there—so much delicious food and great places to explore. Here's my super detailed guide for you 👇

📅 Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Mangshi → Meng Huan Grand Golden Pagoda → Meng Huan Grand Silver Pagoda → Dai Ancient Town
Morning: Land in Mangshi, take a taxi to your hotel to check in. After settling in, rest a bit before heading to Meng Huan Grand Golden Pagoda (about 20 minutes by taxi).
Afternoon: Visit the Grand Golden Pagoda, then walk 15 minutes to Meng Huan Grand Silver Pagoda. Enjoy the stunning views and take photos during the golden hour—great for Instagram!
Evening: Take a 10-minute taxi ride to Dai Ancient Town for a night of strolling, eating, and admiring the beautiful lights.

Day 2: Mengbanaxi Rare Garden → Manghe Village Nongshao Snack Shop → Tree-Wrapped Pagoda → Bodhi Street → Best Food City
Morning: Take a 15-minute taxi to Mengbanaxi Rare Garden. After exploring, have lunch at the garden or nearby.
Afternoon: Take a 20-minute taxi to Manghe Village Nongshao Snack Shop for local delicacies. Then visit the Tree-Wrapped Pagoda. Afterward, rent a shared e-bike to Bodhi Street to soak up the local culture and snap some photos.
Evening: Head to Best Food City for a culinary adventure.

Day 3: Shangjingkan Village → Dreamy Dehong Restaurant → Mangshi Hot Springs → Departure
Morning: Take a 30-minute taxi to Shangjingkan Village to see the King Banyan Tree.
Noon: Take a 25-minute taxi to Dreamy Dehong Restaurant for a delicious hand-torn rice meal.
Afternoon: Take a 40-minute taxi to Mangshi Hot Springs for a relaxing soak before heading back.

🍜 Food Recommendations

1. **Pao Lu Da**: A must-try dessert—rich coconut milk with crispy bread, sago, and purple rice. Try it at Best Food City.
2. **Dai-Style Hand-Torn Rice**: Served on banana leaves with grilled meat, chicken, veggies, and sticky rice. Meng Huan Dai Family’s version is highly recommended.
3. **Lemongrass Grilled Fish**: Tender fish with crispy skin and a unique lemongrass aroma. Dreamy Dehong’s version is a must.
4. **Sapie Rice Noodles**: Comes in sour (with lemon juice) and bitter (with ox bile broth) versions. Try it at Bingwu Road for breakfast.
5. **Manghe Mixed Vegetables**: Spicy and refreshing. The version at Manghe Village Nongshao Snack Shop is authentic—go before 2:30 PM or it might sell out!

🏡 Accommodation Tips

1. **Fanshi Hotel (Dai Ancient Town Branch)**: Great location right by Dai Ancient Town, with Dai-style decor and a photogenic pool.
2. **Mangshi Feihua Hotel**: Centrally located with convenient access to food and attractions, featuring unique Southeast Asian-style decor.

📌 Travel Tips

1. July is rainy season in Mangshi—bring an umbrella or raincoat for both rain and sun protection.
2. The UV rays are strong, so pack high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and arm sleeves.
3. Shared e-bikes are a great way to get around and experience local life, but stay safe. Taxis start at 8 RMB and are also convenient.
4. Mangshi has abundant and affordable fruits like mangoes, jackfruit, and durian—enjoy but don’t overindulge to avoid stomach issues.
5. Dress modestly in temples, remove shoes, and respect local religious customs.