Mangshi, a city in Yunnan, boasts a warm climate and Southeast Asian flair, all with fewer crowds and lower prices. It’s perfect for a relaxing getaway filled with delicious food.
This city is the capital of Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, with a history spanning over 2500 years. It borders Myanmar and is a gateway to South and Southeast Asia. It’s also China’s only city with a single-character name, and in the Dai language, it is called “Mengluan,” meaning “City of Dawn.” Legend says that Buddha arrived here at sunrise.
If you visit, it will not disappoint. Here’s why: its strong exotic atmosphere offers a Southeast Asian experience without leaving China. The towering palm trees and various temples and pagodas create scenery often mistaken for Thailand or Myanmar. It has a high happiness index, with lively festivals almost every month. The city’s population is almost half minority ethnicities. You can experience the fun of the Water Splashing Festival, the grandeur of the Munao Zongge Festival, and the joy of the Kuoshi Festival. Plus, it’s a food lover’s paradise. You can taste authentic Southeast Asian snacks and tropical fruits, all for about 30 RMB per person. 
It’s a place of year-round warmth and slow-paced living. Some call it “Little Xishuangbanna”, but it’s more comfortable than bustling Southeast Asia, worth experiencing in its own right. Slow down to savor the sun, the breeze, and the simple joys of life in Mangshi.
Immerse Yourself in Mangshi’s Unique Ambiance
A Southeast Asian Vibe in China
In Mangshi, you’ll find a strong Southeast Asian atmosphere. Palm trees line the streets, motorcycles zip by, and temples and pagodas dot the landscape. The city is perfect for anyone looking for a unique travel experience.
Mengluan Grand Golden Pagoda
The Mengluan Grand Golden Pagoda is a golden landmark, and Asia’s first hollow pagoda, conveying a sense of solemnity.
Meng Huan Silver Pagoda
Nearby, the Meng Huan Silver Pagoda, with its pure white body, is the world’s largest Theravada Buddhist pagoda. It’s a beautiful structure, and the wind chimes make it a great spot for sunset views.
The Tree-Entwined Pagoda
Known as the “Angkor Wat Tree Cave”, this pagoda is engulfed by a 200-year-old Bodhi tree. With its roots and branches surrounding the temple, faith becomes integrated into everyday life.
Wuyun Temple
The Wuyun Temple is Mangshi’s first temple, and home to the first bronze Buddha statue brought from Myanmar. It’s a quiet place, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Tuanjie Street
Tuanjie Street with palm trees, motorcycles, and colorful buildings, perfectly captures the summer vibe. Grab a coffee, explore the “Three Trees” street and enjoy the feeling of being in a small Southeast Asian country, with planes flying overhead.
Discover Off-the-Beaten-Path Treasures
Mengba Naxi Rare Garden
Explore the Mengba Naxi Rare Garden, known for its rare, odd, old, and exotic features. With precious woods, jade, peacocks, and old gardens, it feels like entering a hidden treasure cave.
Heihe Old Slope
Heihe Old Slope, while having an intimidating name, offers a charming pastoral landscape that feels like Switzerland. The mist-covered scenery provides a sense of peace.
Moli Waterfall
The Moli Waterfall has a large drop and fast-flowing water, a truly majestic sight. It is surrounded by lush green forests.
Bie Cai Ba
Bie Cai Ba, is an original high-altitude swamp wetland. The peaceful location is perfect for camping, picnicking, or simply relaxing with the cows and sheep.
Malu Gun Tang
Malu Gun Tang boasts lush grass and free-grazing livestock and is perfect for a deep breath of fresh air.
Shangjingkan
Shangjingkan is a small Dai village where you can enjoy local treats like paoluda and rice noodles. The village is also home to a 460-year-old banyan tree.
Experience Mangshi Like a Local
The Slow Pace of Mangshi
Many locals are Buddhist and live a life far from the hustle and bustle of big cities. To truly experience Mangshi, take it slow and enjoy the warmth of the sun.
Soak in a Hot Spring
Mangshi has over 20 hot springs. While many resorts offer hot springs, you can have a truly local experience at the Rongshudong Hot Spring in Mangbang village. It’s a favorite among locals. For only 3 RMB, soak under a 100-year-old banyan tree in the clear, sun-dappled waters.
Explore the Local Markets
Don’t miss the Mangshi First Comprehensive Market, with its Vietnamese snacks and variety of food. There are also local spices, fruits and a mushroom season during the rainy season.
Baishite Food City is a must-visit. Here, you can get paoluda, egg cakes, shiping tofu and chicken feet for around 30 RMB. You can also explore local village markets, where you can truly experience the region’s vibrant culture.
A Foodie’s Paradise
Some visitors who have traveled throughout Yunnan, say Mangshi has the best food. Not only can you enjoy traditional Yunnan dishes, you’ll discover unique and flavorful treats. Mangshi locals often start their day with a bowl of er si (rice noodles), topped with mint, lemon juice, and chili oil. This rich flavor is addictive.
For lunch and dinner, the area offers endless dishes, including: fragrant grilled fish with lemongrass, the spicy pounded dishes of the Jingpo people, and “over-the-hand rice noodles”, which you eat with your hands! You can also try Dai hand-grabbed rice and the green leaf banquet. Explore unique items, such as: eel, grilled fish in bamboo, fried pork skin, ghost chicken, spring rolls, cold beef, and pickled papaya.
Beyond meals, there are many different snacks. You can find paoluda, pickled chicken feet, poshui baba (sticky rice cakes), pickled papaya, fried beef jerky, rice porridge with condensed milk, rolled noodles, cold noodles, fried snails, grilled pork skins, roasted rice cakes, sauce chicken feet, masangpo salad, and pickled vegetables. If you like spice, try shuashua la chili, a local chili so hot that even locals use it sparingly.
At night, Mangshi’s barbecue scene is legendary. From beef skewers to grilled chicken, and more, almost anything can be grilled, and should be paired with a local pickled vegetable dip.
You will find street vendors selling fresh fruit and juices everywhere you look. You can easily find pineapples, pomelos, and more in every neighborhood.
No matter when you come, Mangshi is a great destination. You can find unique cultural experiences, incredible food, relaxation, sunshine, and nature. It’s a place where you can truly enjoy the peace and beauty of life!
