Day 1: Arrival in Xishuangbanna
Pack your bags and set off alone to stay at the Man Jingfa Dai Family Garden Bungalow in Xishuangbanna. Search for the lost memories of Man Jinglan and immerse yourself in the Dai lifestyle. In the evening, enjoy wine and ponder life at a barbecue stall in the village. If you have any worries, head to the Myanmar-style temple in the village to listen to monks chanting scriptures – everything can be let go...
Day 2: Jinuo Village - Wild Elephant Valley One-Day Tour
Wake up at 7 am, bid farewell to the kind Dai "Bo Tao" and "Mi Tao," and continue your journey to explore the Jinuo Village, China’s only original ecological tourism spot that comprehensively showcases Jinuo culture. Learn about the last ethnic minority recognized in China – the Jinuo people. The Jinuo Village integrates the rich ethnic customs, history, mysterious primitive religion, simple production methods, unique Jinuo dwellings, and beautiful natural scenery into one harmonious whole. Afterward, head to the Wild Elephant Valley. Once the crowds of tour groups disperse, the forest regains its natural tranquility. Stay at the Tree Lodge and observe wild elephants from the elevated walkways. Before the elephants arrive, sip a beer at the Forest Bar and reflect quietly. Even if the wild elephants don’t show up, the peaceful and refreshing environment is enough to wash away the restlessness and fatigue of worldly life.
Day 3: One-Day Tour of Mengle Park in the City Area
After returning from Wild Elephant Valley, rent a bike and head to Mengle Cultural Park located 4 km along the road from Jinghong to Ganlanba. The park sits within the site of the ancient Mengle Palace. Let the tourist buses fly by under the guidance of their tour guides; you won't feel lonely as you'll encounter foreign cyclists along the way, aside from being the only Chinese person. Mengle, the ancient name for Xishuangbanna, features a comprehensive cultural park showcasing the history and culture of Xishuangbanna, including the Mengle Museum reflecting the region's history, the ancient ruins of the Mengle Palace, religious relics, and rare primates from the tropical rainforest. Visit ancient ruins, reflect on the great changes of life, and learn about human evolution.
In the evening, stay in the city area and dine at the Thai restaurant "Cai Chunqing" on Man Jinglan Street. With the hot weather, head to the nearby legendary "Mei Mei Coffee House" for a cup of coffee and daydream until late into the night... (Mei Mei Coffee House: Three consecutive Aini族 female owners were courted by foreign visitors to bars and ended up marrying foreigners in Europe.)
Day 4: Ganlanba - Botanical Garden - Dai Ethnic Village One-Day Tour
Rise early and take a bus from the Fanti Factory Passenger Station to the 27km mark on the Jinghong to Mengla route. Join locals at the Ganlanba market ("Gan Ba"), visit the Dai Ethnic Village, and admire the tropical scenery while tasting and purchasing various tropical fruits. Continue the trip to Menglong. Cross the Luosuo River suspension bridge on foot (about a 10-minute walk) to reach the Tropical Botanical Garden, where you can view various tropical plants and enjoy the scenic views of the Luosuo River. Avoid traveling with large tour groups to avoid loudspeakers making it feel like a bustling market; start with the rainforest area first. After leaving the botanical garden, head to the Dai Ethnic Village. Participate in water splashing activities, visit the home of Yan Yue featured on CCTV by Cui Yongyuan, and pay respects at the Manchunman Buddhist Temple. In the evening, return to Jinghong and enjoy authentic Dai cuisine at the Lovers' Bridge Dai Restaurant. Then take a night bus back to Kunming to continue your next leg of the journey.
Cost Arrangement (calculated for 4 people):
Accommodation:
Man Jingfa Dai Family Garden Bungalow: 80 yuan per standard room
Wild Elephant Valley Tree Lodge: 50 yuan per person per standard room
Wangjiang Biye Hotel (Three-star): 180 yuan per person per standard room
Transportation: Take public buses or rent taxis.
Entrance Fees:
Botanical Garden: 80 yuan per person
Wild Elephant Valley: 65 yuan per person
Dai Ethnic Village: 100 yuan per person
Mengle Park: 80 yuan per person
Jinuo Village: 120 yuan per person
Meals: Choose dishes at restaurants (hard to estimate costs). It's recommended not to eat at group dining spots but rather find local restaurants and order à la carte.
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