Off-the-Beaten-Path Fun: A 4-Day 3-Night Family Guide to Mushroom Foraging & Tea Picking in Pu'er

Leaving Pu'er left us wanting more! Even though this was our second visit, four days and three nights still didn't feel enough. Day 1: Arrived at Asia-Pacific Forest Network base located within Pu'er Botanical Garden (excellent environment). Joined nighttime insect observation activity and firefly release. Day 2: Morning mushroom foraging adventure with hiking - experienced the joy of wild mushroom picking! Bountiful harvest - our guide helped sort edible varieties which the hotel cooked for free at lunch. Afternoon visit to Xiaowazi Coffee Estate (🎫¥60/adult, kids free). Professional coffee knowledge tour followed by unlimited tasting of 8 coffee varieties (kids enjoyed free fruit peel tea). Evening stroll along Daijia Lane. Stayed at Deting Hotel (highly recommended! Includes 3 meals daily with exceptional service - truly Pu'er's shining star). Day 3: Sun River National Park: Rainforest hike and red panda feeding (main highlight for our panda-loving family). Jungle Flight: After park visit, played Jungle Flight at entrance (MUST-DO with kids!!! Amazingly fun and thrilling). Tip: Buy tickets onsite (¥128/person vs online ¥155) - we only paid ¥240 total for three people. On return trip, stopped at tea plantation for picking/processing experience. Chose Tea Field Farm near Tea Expo Garden (¥59.9/person) - includes tea picking, processing, and cake making. They mail your finished products home (great value for groups!). Impeccable service at this charming, authentic farm. Day 4: Nakeri - a small town en route to Kunming (mediocre attraction, wrapped up in 30 mins) before heading to Fuxian Lake.