Ruili is stunning, but I honestly don’t recommend going in August because.............

Ruili Travel Guide (with Price Reference): Exotic Charm and Natural Secrets at the China-Myanmar Border
Ruili, a border town located in southwestern Yunnan, blends rich Southeast Asian vibes with unique ethnic cultures due to its proximity to Myanmar. From dense tropical rainforests to dazzling jewelry night markets, from solemn border checkpoints to lively Dai villages, Ruili attracts travelers with its diverse experiences. Below is a practical guide covering attractions, transportation, food, and accommodation, with all prices based on 2023 market conditions.

1. Preparation Before Travel: Documents and Season Choice
Documents: Ruili borders Myanmar, so an ID card is required; if you plan to visit attractions on the Myanmar side like "One Village, Two Countries," you need to apply for a border pass in advance (free, can be obtained with an ID card at the Ruili border or government service center).
Season: Ruili has a South Asian tropical monsoon climate, warm and humid year-round. The best travel time is from November to April (dry season, temperatures 15-25°C); May to October is the rainy season, so bring rain gear.
Budget Reference: 3 days 2 nights self-guided trip, about 1500-2500 RMB per person (including transportation, accommodation, meals, and tickets).

2. Transportation Guide: How to Get to Ruili
By Air: Ruili has no airport; you must first fly to Mangshi (Dehong Mangshi International Airport), then take a bus or car: Mangshi → Ruili: bus about 1.5 hours, ticket 35-50 RMB; carpool 50-80 RMB per person.
Self-driving: About 8 hours (650 km) from Kunming, tolls about 400 RMB; about 5 hours (400 km) from Dali, tolls about 200 RMB.
Local Transport: Ruili city is small, taxi starting fare 6 RMB; you can rent electric scooters (30-50 RMB/day) or charter cars (200-300 RMB/day) between attractions.

3. Must-Visit Attractions and Ticket Prices
1. One Village, Two Countries (Ticket 30 RMB)
Highlight: Silver Well Village next to the No. 71 boundary marker on the China-Myanmar border connects with Mangxiu Village in Myanmar, forming the "One Village, Two Countries" wonder. Experience the "swing across two countries," step on the border line, and visit Myanmar-style pagodas.
Tip: You can exchange Myanmar kyat inside the scenic area (1 RMB ≈ 300 kyat) to buy Myanmar snacks and handicrafts; it’s best to visit in the morning to avoid tour group crowds.

2. Jiegao Port (Free)
Highlight: Yunnan’s largest border trade port, featuring the national gate, China-Myanmar Street, and duty-free shops. Take photos at the national gate and browse the China-Myanmar specialty market (jade, rosewood, Myanmar medicines, etc.).
Shopping Tip: Be cautious bargaining at the jade market on China-Myanmar Street; ordinary jade pendants cost about 100-500 RMB, high-end items are recommended for knowledgeable buyers.

3. Moli Tropical Rainforest (Ticket 35 RMB)
Highlight: A 17 km distance from the city, this pristine rainforest features a 6.6 km trail to waterfalls, ancient trees, and wild macaques. The core attraction, Zhado Waterfall, has a 60-meter drop and is spectacular during the rainy season.
Gear Suggestion: Wear non-slip shoes and bring mosquito repellent; you can buy Dai-style grilled sausages (10 RMB each) inside the park for energy.

4. Wanting Bridge (Free)
Highlight: The famous starting point of the "China-Myanmar Highway" during the War of Resistance, the existing steel bridge commemorates the construction by the Expeditionary Force. Nearby is the Nanyang Mechanical Workers Memorial Hall (free), ideal for history enthusiasts.
Transport: About 20 minutes by taxi from Ruili city center (fare 30 RMB).

5. Ruili Night Market (Free)
Recommended Spots: Caiyun City Night Market, Fortune Plaza Night Market.
Experience: Myanmar milk tea (8-15 RMB/cup), Sapie (Dai-style cold salad, 20-30 RMB/serving), Puluda (coconut milk sago, 10-15 RMB), insect feast (bamboo worms, bee pupae, etc., 30-50 RMB/small portion).

4. Accommodation Recommendations: From Budget to Unique Homestays
Budget Hotels: Such as Hanting, 7 Days Inn, priced 150-250 RMB/night, suitable for budget backpackers.
Unique Homestays: Dai-style bamboo houses (200-400 RMB/night) with private courtyards, offering traditional Dai breakfasts (rice noodles + pineapple rice).
High-end Option: Ruili Jingchengdi Sea Hot Spring Resort Center (500-1000 RMB/night), with hot springs, swimming pools, suitable for family vacations.

5. Food Map: Enjoy Border Flavors for 50 RMB per Person
Must-try Dishes: Lemongrass Grilled Fish: tilapia wrapped in lemongrass, crispy outside and tender inside, 30-40 RMB each.
Ghost Chicken: shredded black chicken mixed with lemon and chili, sour and spicy, 25-35 RMB per serving.
Bamboo Tube Rice: glutinous rice steamed with coconut milk, 10-15 RMB per tube.
Recommended Restaurants: Myanmar-Thai specialty restaurants, about 50 RMB per person, recommended Myanmar tea leaf salad and pineapple fried rice.
Mengmao Banquet: about 80 RMB per person, featuring Jingpo ethnic hand-grabbed rice, suitable for sharing.
Snack Street: Ruili Farm Workers Market, with Dai-style sticky rice cakes (5 RMB each) and Myanmar fried cakes (8 RMB per serving) in the morning.

6. Itinerary Planning: Classic 3 Days 2 Nights Route
Day 1: Border Culture Experience
Morning: Arrive in Ruili, check into hotel, then visit Jiegao Port and stroll China-Myanmar Street.
Afternoon: One Village, Two Countries scenic area, try the cross-border swing and take photos.
Evening: Caiyun City Night Market, taste Myanmar milk tea and Sapie.

Day 2: Nature and History Tour
Morning: Hike in Moli Tropical Rainforest, visit Zhado Waterfall.
Afternoon: Wanting Bridge and Nanyang Mechanical Workers Memorial Hall to learn about war history.
Evening: Fortune Plaza Night Market, try the insect feast and Puluda.

Day 3: Slow Life and Shopping
Morning: Breakfast at Ruili Farm Workers Market, buy Myanmar snacks as souvenirs.
Afternoon: Visit Jewelry Street (shop carefully), then return.

7. Notes: Avoid Travel Traps
Jade Shopping: Non-professionals are advised not to buy high-priced jade; many stalls around the scenic area sell tourist souvenirs.
Sun and Mosquito Protection: Ruili has strong UV rays, bring SPF50+ sunscreen; the rainforest has many mosquitoes, mosquito repellent is essential.
Respect Customs: Avoid touching Buddha statues or stepping on thresholds in Dai villages; remove shoes before entering temples on the Myanmar side.
Currency Exchange: You can exchange kyat on China-Myanmar Street but only for small transactions; use RMB for large purchases.

8. Budget Summary (Per Person)
Transportation: Round-trip flight to Mangshi 800-1500 RMB (depending on departure) + local transport 100 RMB = 900-1600 RMB.
Accommodation: 2 nights budget hotel 300 RMB + unique homestay 200 RMB = 500 RMB.
Meals: 100 RMB per day × 3 days = 300 RMB.
Tickets: One Village, Two Countries 30 + Moli Rainforest 35 = 65 RMB.
Others: Souvenirs and emergencies 200 RMB.
Total: About 1965-2665 RMB (flexible).

Ruili’s charm lies in its "border feeling"—the novelty of standing in two countries at once, the coexistence of rainforest and pagodas, the fusion of Dai and Myanmar flavors. Whether you are a history buff, nature explorer, or food hunter, you will find your own travel memories here. Take this guide and start your border adventure!