Forget Xishuangbanna, Pu'er is the real slow life!

There are so many fun places in Yunnan. Dali, Lijiang, and Xishuangbanna have become popular travel destinations every National Day. But to experience Yunnan’s slow life and feel the culture and beautiful landscapes of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, I definitely recommend this lesser-known city—Pu'er. Especially the Pu'er Ancient Tea Horse Road Ruins Park, which is truly worth a visit!

Just got back, here’s a super detailed guide for exploring the Ancient Tea Horse Road!
📍Address: Pu'er Ancient Tea Horse Road Ruins Park (next to Pu'er Tourism Ring Bridge)
⏰Recommended duration: One day tour
Start by putting on the little mule team vest for an immersive mule caravan experience (remember to get your task card!)
Dingbo Lake:
▪️DIY hand-woven bamboo hat: master craftsmen teach you how to weave a bamboo hat step by step
▪️Horse riding experience: ride around the lake, perfect for photos
▪️Watch the live performance "Mule Caravan Love Song": water dance show + ethnic song and dance
▪️Cormorant fishing show: an amazing intangible cultural heritage skill
▪️Wupeng boat afternoon tea: relax on the boat with tea and snacks when tired, super cozy

Rainbow Cableway:
Overlook the entire tea mountain at an altitude of 1314 meters. The breeze is gentle, not scary at all, kids love it!

Zhongyi Station (big garden party during National Day, a must-go!)
▪️Answer questions and play rock-paper-scissors to win silver tickets
▪️Experience fetching water at Kongming Well
▪️Write a letter to your future self for next year
▪️Receive Pu'er tea seeds + mule caravan certification

🎪【National Day Limited Garden Party · Extra Surprises】
In the afternoon at Zhongyi Station Square in the Ancient Tea Horse Road Ruins Park, enjoy an immersive garden party
NPCs dressed in ancient costumes interact with us
Win “mule caravan silver tickets” through mini-games like pitch-pot and ring toss
Redeem handmade tea cakes and ethnic accessories, totally worth it!

Besides that, visit the petting zoo to see the capybara family and get close to raccoons; press your own Pu'er tea cake to take home as a souvenir; the forest slide is also a hidden gem, definitely worth trying!

💡Travel tips:
✅Wear comfortable sports shoes and bring a light jacket
✅Food prices inside the park are reasonable, no need to carry too much food
✅The “Little Mule Caravan” activity requires advance reservation

Feel the romance and poetry of Pu'er at a slow pace—visiting the Ancient Tea Horse Road Ruins Park is definitely one of the best places to go during National Day!
Trust me, start your trip now!