Back from Mangshi, and my spending habits have been shattered.

🌅In February, when most places are still chilly, Mangshi is already warm and sunny, making it the perfect time to travel. This small southwestern city is full of exotic charm, with its unique ethnic culture, stunning natural scenery, and mouth-watering food. Are you ready to join me on this exciting journey to Mangshi?🧳 3-day itinerary🗺️ Day 1: Explore Mangshi City • Morning: After arriving in Mangshi, check in to your hotel and take a short break. The first stop is the landmark of Mangshi, the Menghuan Golden Pagoda. This golden pagoda stands on the top of Leiyaran Mountain, exuding a sacred and solemn atmosphere under the sunlight. Climb the steps from the foot of the mountain and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mangshi City along the way. • Noon: Enjoy authentic Dai cuisine at a restaurant near the pagoda, such as lemongrass grilled fish🐟, pineapple rice🍍, and Dai-style salad. • Afternoon: Head to the Mengbanaxi Exotic Garden, which echoes the Menghuan Golden Pagoda. This is a unique park that combines rare plants, ethnic customs, and garden landscapes. Stroll through the park and feel like you're in a magical plant kingdom, with all kinds of exotic flowers and trees🌳. You can also see many exquisite root carvings and experience the perfect combination of nature and art. • Evening: Visit the bustling Mangshi Square, a popular place for locals to relax and have fun. There are many food stalls and night markets around the square, where you can taste various local snacks and experience the lively atmosphere of Mangshi. I recommend trying the Paluda🥤, a crispy bread soaked in sweet coconut milk, with a rich taste that will make you feel happy with every bite. Day 2: Discover Hidden Gems • Morning: Head to Peacock Lake, a natural oxygen bar with dense forests and clear waters. Walk along the boardwalk by the lake, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You might even see peacocks playing in the woods🦚. • Noon: Have lunch at a farmhouse near Peacock Lake and try some local dishes, such as chicken stew with mushrooms and wild vegetable omelets, made with fresh ingredients and original flavors. • Afternoon: Visit the Silver Pagoda, which has a completely different architectural style from the Golden Pagoda. The white pagoda with exquisite decorations looks especially pure against the blue sky. It's a great place to take photos, especially at sunset when the golden light shines on the pagoda, creating a beautiful picture. • Evening: Return to the city and continue your food exploration at Best Food City. Here you can find various Mangshi specialties, such as Dai-style barbecue, Dai-style hot pot, and bamboo rice, to satisfy your taste buds. Day 3: Enjoy Rural Scenery • Morning: Head to Fengping Town, where you can see large rice fields and traditional Dai villages. Rent a bike and ride along the country roads, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the rural scenery. You can also visit local Dai villages to learn about their traditional culture and customs. • Noon: Try the local specialty, Dai-style hand-grabbed rice🍚, at a restaurant in Fengping Town. Various dishes are served on banana leaves, with bright colors that will whet your appetite. Grab some rice and side dishes with your hands and enjoy a unique dining experience. • Afternoon: Prepare for your return trip according to your schedule and end your pleasant journey in Mangshi. Photo Spots📸 • Menghuan Golden Pagoda: Stand in front of the pagoda and take a full-body photo with the entire pagoda as the background. The golden pagoda against the blue sky and white clouds makes for a great photo. You can also take panoramic photos of Mangshi City from the pagoda's observation deck. • Mengbanaxi Exotic Garden: Take photos in front of exotic flowers and trees and get close to nature. In the root carving art area, choose some uniquely shaped root carvings as the background and take artistic photos. • Silver Pagoda: The white pagoda is a perfect photo background. Wear bright ethnic costumes and take photos in every corner of the pagoda for beautiful pictures. Especially on the stairs of the pagoda, take a back photo with the sky as the background for a poetic effect. • Peacock Lake: Take photos with peacocks by the lake or capture reflections in the water for fresh and natural photos. Must-Try Foods🍜 • Dai Cuisine: You must try the Dai cuisine in Mangshi, such as lemongrass grilled fish, pineapple rice, Dai-style salad, and Dai-style barbecue. Dai cuisine is mainly sour and spicy, with a unique taste that will leave you wanting more. • Paluda: This is a unique dessert, with crispy bread soaked in sweet coconut milk, plus sago, purple rice, condensed milk, and other ingredients, for a rich and sweet taste. • Dai-style Hand-Grabbed Rice: Various dishes are served on banana leaves, including rice, grilled meat, vegetables, and dipping sauce. Grab some rice and side dishes with your hands and enjoy a unique dining experience. • Sapie: This is a traditional Dai dish with various flavors, such as lemon sapie and bitter sapie. The main ingredients are beef tripe, liver, and meat, paired with a special dipping sauce for a refreshing taste and unique flavor. Accommodation Tips🏠 • Mangshi City: There are many accommodation options in Mangshi City, with relatively affordable prices. I recommend staying near Mangshi Square, which is convenient for transportation and has many food and shopping places nearby. You can choose some budget hotels or homestays for good value. • Near Menghuan Golden Pagoda: If you want to enjoy the night view of the pagoda, you can also choose to stay at a hotel or homestay near the pagoda. The accommodation here is relatively quiet, and you can enjoy beautiful mountain views. • Near Peacock Lake: If you like being close to nature and want to enjoy a peaceful vacation, you can choose to stay at a resort hotel or homestay near Peacock Lake. The air here is fresh, and the environment is beautiful, making it perfect for a relaxing vacation. That's the complete guide to traveling in Mangshi in February. I hope this guide helps you have a wonderful holiday in Mangshi🎉. Come and experience the unique charm of this small city!