A One-Day Secret Tour of Mengzi

Spontaneous trip to a small town in Yunnan! Mengzi, the underrated pearl of southern Yunnan, with old streets, French-style architecture, and the birthplace of crossing-the-bridge rice noodles… Here’s a 2-day 1-night slow travel guide✨

🚶Day 1: A Century-Old French Stroll
📍 Bisezhai Railway Station
A century-old station on the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, with yellow walls and green windows perfect for photos! It’s best to arrive before 9 AM when there are fewer people and the light is good. Nearby stalls rent Republic of China student uniforms (20 RMB/set), but be sure to bargain!
📍 Nanhu Park
The birthplace of crossing-the-bridge rice noodles is right by the lake~ The park is small but full of charm, and locals come for walks in the evening. You can also stop by to try "Huoshaofangzi Chrysanthemum Rice Noodles," with fresh soup and plenty of ingredients!
📍 Former Mengzi Customs Site
A mint-green French-style architectural complex, every photo looks like a vintage masterpiece. Note that it’s closed on Mondays, so don’t go empty-handed~

🍜Day 2: A Culinary Journey of Rice Noodles
📍 Classic Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles
Recommended spots are "Wu’s Jiawei Garden" and "Qiaoxiang Garden," where you can enjoy a super deluxe set meal for just 30 RMB! The broth is simmered for over 8 hours with chicken, duck, and pork bones. Remember to sip the soup first before adding the ingredients~
📍 Southwest Associated University Mengzi Branch Memorial Hall
A hidden gem in Wenlan Town, featuring a three-story French-style building and a tranquil courtyard, recreating the life of teachers and students in Mengzi back then.

🚗 Transportation Tips:
- High-speed train from Kunming to Mengzi takes 1.5 hours
- It’s recommended to take taxis between city attractions (usually under 10 RMB)
- If you want to shoot the sunrise at Bisezhai, consider staying at a nearby guesthouse

⚠ Practical Advice:
1. Rice noodle shops usually close by 2 PM, so eat early if you want to try them
2. Ultraviolet rays in southern Yunnan are very strong! Sunscreen and hats are a must
3. Fruits at the market are super cheap—loquats and waxberries are sold by the kilogram