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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Dehong [2025]
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Meng Huan Shwedagon Pagoda
4.5
/5
2860 reviews
7.7
From AU$ 10.33
1.7 km from downtown
Phone +8606922116199
Address: Mangshi, Dehong, Yunnan, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
76m hollow stupa & stunning views
Panoramic view of Mangshi
2174 positive reviews10K views in last month
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A sacred site of Theravada Buddhism! The Meng Huan Golden Pagoda is the largest hollow Buddhist pagoda in Asia and a landmark of Mangshi City, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Its octagonal golden roof blends with Dai culture, making it a must-see for tourists visiting Mangshi and highly recommended!
It's definitely worth a visit. The Shwedagon Pagoda is magnificent and its gold coins are dazzling. Especially the modern observation deck added at the back offers panoramic views of the entire city. The steps to the pagoda aren't very high, so it's not difficult to climb.
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One Village, Two Countries
4.3
/5
2867 reviews
7.4
From AU$ 8.39
96 km from downtown
Phone +8606924930777
Address: Manhlyoe, Myanmar (Burma)
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Swing across Myanmar & China
Surrounded by lush rainforest
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This place is the most worthwhile attraction in Ruili, a sanctuary for those seeking "happiness" 😏; the ticket price is reasonable, and there's not much walking involved. It's much better than those shady spots in Tengchong.
Perfect for taking photos, featuring Southeast Asian-style architecture and unique forest and waterscapes.
Special Tips:
1. Do not buy cigarettes sold in Myanmar; they are all counterfeit, not a single one is genuine! They're not even worthy of being called fakes! Extremely low-end knockoffs!
2. Try to avoid buying jade in Mangshi as well; you might end up with a fake if you don't know what you're doing!
3. Near the Water Splashing Square, there's a juice stall run by two young men; prices are arbitrary and tend to be expensive.
Photo Spots:
1. Upstairs on the left side of the entrance;
2. Boundary Marker;
3. One Autumn Leaf Across Two Countries (the gate is closed);
4. Sharing a Well;
5. Sharing a Book;
6. Wishing Stone;
7. A Bridge Spanning Two Countries;
8. Architectural Styles of Various Countries/Villages.
Postal Stamp: Scenic Stamp, the only scenic stamp in Ruili, located in the small post office shop next to the Wishing Stone! No cultural and creative stamps!
There are many tour groups, mostly in waves. If you want to take photos, you can wait until one group leaves to avoid the gaps. Around lunchtime, the crowds thin out as the tour groups go to lunch.
Transportation: With a tour group, take bus route 1 (get off at Yinjing Village). A taxi from the city center will cost approximately 20-30 yuan. "One Country, Two Villages" is a scenic area and requires an entrance fee. There are usually performances in the morning, but it's a matter of luck if you see one!
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Meng Ba Na Xi Garden
4.4
/5
1385 reviews
7.2
From AU$ 8.61
880m from downtown
Phone +8606922121043
Address: Xianchi Rd, Mangshi, Dehong Daizujingpozuzizhizhou, Yunnan Sheng, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 3 hours
Highlights:
Rare petrified wood & gems
Different natural beauty each season
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I originally planned to see the peacocks, but it rained that day, and the peacocks looked like plucked chickens, not very attractive. However, the stones inside are priceless, and there are many rare and precious treasures, making it worth seeing. It's also very close to the Tree Pagoda.
"Rare, unique, ancient, and peculiar" accurately capture the core characteristics of the Mengbanasi Rare Garden. Numerous ancient and renowned trees, rarely seen in China, have taken root and thrived here, while petrified wood and jade, rare worldwide, are quietly displayed, each a work of art crafted by nature and time. It's no wonder that countless visitors are captivated by the sights, captivated and reluctant to leave. Their understanding of Mangshi deepens as they wander the gardens.
No.
4
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Scenic Spots of Menghuan Silver Pagoda
4.5
/5
1552 reviews
6.8
2 km from downtown
Phone +8606923027968
Address: 200 meters west of Xianchi Road, Mang City, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Mangshi's iconic landmark
Sky reflection on glass platform
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It's a beautiful place. If you like taking photos, you must go in and experience it. There are many beautiful women wearing ethnic costumes taking photos. Although they are sweating profusely in the hot summer, they are still very happy and enjoying it.
I like this place very much. The environment is elegant and special, and it is quiet. It gives people a holy feeling. I was reluctant to leave. There were many people queuing up to take pictures. Every angle looks good, and we took a lot of photos.
No.
5
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Moli Tropical Rainforest Scenic Area
4.6
/5
1085 reviews
6.7
From AU$ 7.53
Based on 13 reviews
70.6 km from downtown
Phone +8606924143929
Address: In the Murray Canyon on the 302 National Highway, Mowen Section, northeast of Ruili City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Mori Falls: 200-ft cliff cascade
Dai-style pavilion with carvings
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Moli Tropical Rainforest Scenic Area is a national 4A-level scenic area located in Ruili City, Yunnan Province, at the junction of Luxi City, Ruili City, and Longchuan County, about 5 kilometers northeast of Ruiwan Bridge. The scenic area covers a total area of 7 square kilometers, with a forest coverage rate of over 96%. Its main landscape features a combination of native tropical valley rainforest vegetation and waterfalls, boasting over 1,500 species of wild plants, as well as Buddhist-related landscapes such as Buddha footprints, Dai-style pagodas, and the Great Buddha Temple.
It's definitely worth a visit! The rainforest scenery is very unique and has generally retained its natural state, especially the last waterfall, which has a large drop, abundant water volume, and a shocking momentum, far exceeding the waterfalls in ordinary scenic spots! The staff are also very enthusiastic and there is no forced consumption. Highly recommended! The journey takes about 1.5 hours
No.
6
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Near No.301 Provincial Road
4.6
/5
33 reviews
6.3
2.9 km from downtown
Phone +8606922109999
Address: 环城东路傣族古镇勐焕王宫
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Enjoy Dai song and dance performances up close
Participate in a Dai handicraft making activity
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A Nighttime Stroll Through Mangshi Dai Ethnic Town: Half Fireworks, Half Buddhist Kingdom
As car headlights pierce the night in Mangshi, Dehong Prefecture, a gilded archway with upturned eaves suddenly comes into view—the night in this Dai ethnic town glows.
Just past the archway, the aroma of the food street wafts over: the sour and spicy flavors of "sa pie" mingled with the sweet fragrance of "pao lu da," roasted pork skin sizzles on charcoal, and women in sarongs pound chicken feet with a resounding pounding. Copper pots for Burmese milk tea flasks line the roadside carts, and mangoes piled higher than bowls are piled on top of ice jelly—even the evening breeze carries the joy of "carb freedom."
But around a bend, the sweet aroma in the wind suddenly mingles with the soft tinkling of Buddhist bells.
By day, the gilded pagodas are bathed in a warm yellow hue at dusk, their spires piercing the clouds like cradling a half-moon. The copper bells on the eaves sway in the wind, their intricate carvings in the play of light and shadow imbued with the gentle grace of Theravada Buddhism. Even the Dai houses lining the streets are nestled among flowers: bougainvillea climbs the wooden fences, and hanging chairs sway on the terraces, as if the brightness of Southeast Asia has been blended into the courtyards.
The most enchanting aspect of this ancient town is the tranquility of a Buddhist kingdom that appears the instant you step out of the bustling city.
No need to deliberately seek out attractions; just stroll along the cobblestone streets: to your left, tourists munching on pauluda (a type of Tibetan pastry); to your right, an elderly person turning a prayer wheel; having just snagged the last skewer of pork skin at a barbecue stall, you look up to see the golden roof of the pagoda bathed in moonlight.
Mangshi's Dai Ancient Town isn't just a "replica of the ancient," but a fusion of Dai life, border vibrancy, and the leisurely pace of Buddhist temples, all cooked into a heartwarming "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" of everyday life.
Don't forget to bring a bag of Burmese flatbread when you leave—after all, carrying its sweet aroma in your bag makes this trip to this "half-fireworks, half-Buddhist kingdom" truly worthwhile.
Would you like me to add a must-try food list for Dai ancient towns?
The Dai Ancient Town, located in Mangshi, Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, is a national 4A-level scenic area. Opened in January 2020, it covers a total planned area of approximately 2,500 mu (about 167 hectares). The layout of the scenic area retains the characteristics of an original village, with a main axis connecting five cultural landmarks and four themed clusters. The architecture highlights Dai ethnic features, including the White Elephant Square and the Nanhan Palace. It also offers intangible cultural heritage experiences, local delicacies, and the Wanduan Starlight Night Market, and has been successively recognized as a Yunnan Provincial Tourism and Leisure Street and a Nighttime Cultural and Tourism Consumption Cluster.
No.
7
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Hehua Hot Spring
4.5
/5
530 reviews
5.9
From AU$ 38.29
56.3 km from downtown
Phone +8608755893888
Address: 5 kilometers from Hehua Township, 28 kilometers towards Tengchong County, Baoshan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
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There are more than 20 hot spring pools with various types and good service. There are more people than usual during the Spring Festival holiday, but the organization is still in order and the facilities are complete. It is a good hot spring experience. There are many people eating and dining. Going a little later can reduce the queue and find a seat. People with inconvenience in legs and feet should consider it carefully. The hot spring pools are layered and you can't avoid going up and down stairs. It feels like you need to climb 7 or 8 floors of stairs from the lowest restaurant to the upper dressing room.
The initial positioning was very high-end, and the initial design was also good. After a few years of operation, the service and operation have become a bit lagging. The hot spring resources are good, and the supporting facilities are a bit behind, but overall it is still ranked fourth after Bailian, Banyan Tree, and Yugu.
No.
8
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Jiegao Port
4.4
/5
55 reviews
5.7
86.2 km from downtown
Address: Deer Road, Ruili City, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–5 hours
Highlights:
Experience the special border trade zone - domestic, outside customs
Myanmar Dance Performances: Feel Exotic Charm
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The terrain of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau determines the thrilling high speed here, but the one-hour drive from Mangshi to Ruili is very flat and smooth, with flowers all the way to welcome every guest. When you come to the border, how can you not take a look at the port? It is close to Myanmar, so you naturally want to take a look at the jade. Then you are in the right place. Unlike the huge jade market in Ruili City, the things in the jewelry store here are really for ordinary people to see, and the shopkeepers' offers will not immediately reject you. As long as you do your homework in advance, I believe you will find the jade that suits you. You must remember to know yourself, see things clearly, avoid greed, and have a peaceful mentality. The port is naturally a place for exchanges between the two countries. It is crowded with people. You can see Burmese people all over the ground. They look no different from Indians. They are all busy and have no time to look around. You can also go around the Sino-Myanmar market, but I believe most of the things inside are unfamiliar. Just take a look. Anyway, there will be a big obstacle to language communication. You might as well try their snacks and take a few sneak shots. There are other ports in Ruili. Jiegao Port should be the largest one with the most convenient transportation. If you are interested, especially jadeite, you may come a few times, take a look, and then make a decision until you are satisfied.
The port is majestic and magnificent. Long live the motherland. This is one of the must-see attractions for every tourist who comes to Ruili. Myanmar is opposite the port. You can drive directly to the port square. There is free parking on the roadside, and there are many places to visit around it.
No.
9
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Shubao Tower
4.6
/5
100 reviews
5.7
224m from downtown
Address: Debo Dai, Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Manbo City
Recommended sightseeing time: 5–10 minutes
Highlights:
Pagoda wrapped by ancient trees
Bodhi roots envelop the stupa
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The "Tree-wrapped Pagoda" is located in the middle of the pedestrian street in Mangshi. It is a Dai-style pagoda, originally named "Iron City Pagoda". Because it was built in the former Jielie Village, it is called "Guangmu Jielie" in Dai language, which means "Iron City Pagoda". The pagoda was built in the mid-18th century during the tenure of Fang Zuofan, the 15th Tusi of Mangshi (1741-1770) to commemorate a victorious war.
The "Iron City Pagoda" is a brick and stone structure with an octagonal base and a beaded cone body, about ten meters high. Later, Jielie Village was destroyed in the war, and the residents fled and did not return, leaving the pagoda unattended. As cracks appeared in the pagoda body over time, dust gradually accumulated in the wind. A banyan seed was brought to the crack of the pagoda by the wind or a bird, and the spring rain watered it, and the seed took root and sprouted. About a hundred years ago, a banyan tree grew in the cracks of the tower. After several storms, the tangled roots gradually wrapped around the tower, forming the current wonder of "tree wrapped tower". The ancient tower was gradually wrapped by the banyan tree. Now the tree on the top of the tower is more than 30 meters high, and the canopy covers nearly 1,000 square meters. The tower wraps the tree, and the tree wraps the tower, forming a strong community.
The "tree wrapped tower" is regarded as a "love tower" by the Dai people. The thick trunk tightly wraps the tower body, and the tree wall falls like a waterfall, bathing the tower base. The tree wraps the tower, and the tower embraces the tree, interdependent and complementing each other, forming a unique tree wrapped tower wonder, which is famous in western Yunnan and Southeast Asia.
|Tree-wrapped Pagoda^Also known as Tiecheng Pagoda, as the name suggests, is a tree wrapped around a pagoda. It was built in the 53rd year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1778) and has a history of more than 200 years.
"Tiecheng Pagoda" is a brick and stone structure. A banyan seed was brought into the crack of the pagoda by the wind or a bird. Over the past 100 years, a banyan tree has grown in the crack of the pagoda. After several storms, the tangled roots of the tree gradually wrapped around the pagoda, forming the wonder of the "tree-wrapped pagoda".
Today, the tree-wrapped pagoda has been listed as one of the provincial key cultural relics protection units and is also a local landmark in Mangshi. It is regarded as a "love tower" by the Dai people.
The tree wraps the pagoda, and the pagoda embraces the tree. They are interdependent and complement each other. The unique tree-wrapped pagoda wonder is famous in western Yunnan and Southeast Asia.
No.
10
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Dehong Xianfo Cave Scenic Area
4.6
/5
69 reviews
5.4
From AU$ 14.62
13.5 km from downtown
Phone +8606923068555
Address: Wind-blown slope in Luojia Town, Mangshi, Dehong Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Dai Dance Performance: Experience Cultural Charm
Explore Primeval Karst Wonders
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It is worth going here. 1 From the top of the mountain, children like to explore caves. 2 Although there are many caves in Yunnan, this kind of various categories have concentrated, small and exquisite. This is the first one. 3 There is also a glass bridge hanging outside to take pictures. It is a very worthwhile attraction. I personally think it is more fun than the net red attractions, I am very recognized, I think 7 points are there
I was amazed at the magic of nature, which left such a beautiful scenery. The overall temperature in Mangshi is relatively high, but it is very cool when you walk into the Xianfo Cave, as if you are not in Mangshi. The scenic area is very beautiful, but the road from the city to the Xianfo Cave is not easy to walk.
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