[2025 Gengma Attraction] Travel Guide for Dongjing Fosi (Updated Apr)

📍Border town of Mengding A journey of ethnic flavors and spiritual exploration🌎 Mengding Town, Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County, Lincang City ▪️Mengding, translated from Dai language as "the dam where people play the qin," is the only county-level town in Yunnan and is located on the China-Myanmar border. Along with Xishuangbanna and Ruili, it is known as one of the "Three Dai Sisters" of Yunnan. With a subtropical monsoon climate and an average annual temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, it has seen few tourists due to its inconvenient transportation. [Travel Guide] Dongjing Buddhist Temple 🙏 Holy Land of Sarira A representative of the Theravada Forest Tradition, and a place where the sarira of Sakyamuni Buddha are enshrined! A resplendent temple + tranquil Zen atmosphere, a journey of spiritual purification. - 🥑Mengding Farmers Market 🥗Sour Meat and Exotic Fruits and Vegetables Sour meat lovers rejoice! Strange and wonderful tropical fruits, wild vegetables, and spices… This is the place with the strongest local flavor. Qingshuihe Border Crossing This is the border between China and Myanmar. Standing at the border gate, you can feel the friendship and peace between the two countries. Take a photo to record this unforgettable moment.📸 🍜 China-Myanmar Street 🚩 A Southeast Asian Culinary Adventure A street where you can enjoy all kinds of Chinese and Myanmar specialties! Spicy and sour chicken feet, Burmese milk tea, Dai-style barbecue… Stroll along China-Myanmar Street and experience the prosperity and vitality of border trade. Here, goods from China and Myanmar gather, dazzling the eyes. Buy some unique souvenirs to commemorate this trip.🌍 🌿 Mangtuan Village The First Village of Ancient Chinese Papermaking The whole village inherits the papermaking techniques of Cai Lun, allowing you to experience the entire process of ancient papermaking from the Eastern Han Dynasty! 🌳 Single Tree Forest (navigate to Dahaitang) A free visit to a 400-year-old sacred tree, the largest banyan tree in Southeast Asia! Xiacheng Dafo Temple✨ Silver Pagoda and Thousand-Hand Guanyin Xiacheng Dafo Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Mengding besides Dongjing Buddhist Temple. It is also filled with a strong religious atmosphere and ethnic cultural characteristics. Here, you can pray, meditate, and experience the tranquility and peace.🙏 🎨 Nanting Art Academy 🌊 A Secluded Dai Courtyard Suspension bridge + bamboo and thatched houses + surrounded by mountains and rivers! Drink coffee, stay in a guesthouse, and experience the slow life. A must-visit for art lovers! 🍜Specialties: Dai cuisine here is even better than in Xishuangbanna! In addition to the common Dai-style barbecue, hand-pilaf, and pounded chicken feet, there are also Mengding specialties such as sour meat, chicken stewed with sour bamboo shoots, lemon ghost chicken, lemongrass grilled fish, and grilled brain flowers wrapped in banana leaves. These delicious dishes will surely satisfy your taste buds. If you are also interested in this tranquil and exotic place, then this small temple in Mengding is definitely worth exploring!🚗

March is the perfect time to travel, with gentle breezes and warm sunshine. If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find a tranquil yet exotic destination, Gengma is an excellent choice. Located in southwestern Yunnan, this small town boasts unspoiled natural beauty, rich ethnic customs, and mouthwatering cuisine. Follow this comprehensive guide to embark on a spring adventure in Gengma! 📍Location Overview Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County is under the jurisdiction of Lincang City, Yunnan Province. Bordering Myanmar with a 47.35 km national boundary line, it is home to various ethnic minorities, including the Dai and Wa people. This blend of cultures creates a unique regional character. Visiting Gengma is like stepping into a grand garden of ethnic cultures, where natural scenery and cultural customs complement each other perfectly. 🚗Transportation Guide - External Transportation: - Airplane✈️: Fly to Lincang Airport, which has flights to and from Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, and other cities. From the airport, take the airport bus to downtown Lincang and transfer to a bus to Gengma (approx. 1.5 hrs). - Bus🚌: Most major cities in Yunnan have long-distance buses to Gengma. While the journey is longer, you can enjoy the scenery of western Yunnan along the way. - Internal Transportation: - Public Bus🚌: Gengma County has extensive bus routes covering major areas, with fares ranging from CNY 1 to 2, making it an economical option. - Taxi/Ride-hailing🚕: Convenient and fast, with fares within the county generally under CNY 10. Negotiate fares with drivers in advance for trips to surrounding attractions. - Car Rental🚗: A good option for larger groups or those seeking flexibility, allowing you to stop at scenic spots at your leisure. 🌟Must-Visit Attractions 1. Jingge White Pagoda🎐: Gengma's landmark, known as "Guangmu Jingge" in Dai language, meaning "Pagoda of Jingge City." Built during the Qing Dynasty, it consists of a main pagoda and eight smaller ones. Its unique shape, snow-white bas-reliefs, and the backdrop of the blue sky create a sacred and solemn atmosphere. The exquisite carvings and paintings on the pagoda tell the history and culture of the Dai people. 2. Mengding Dongjing Buddhist Temple🕍: One of the three ancient Theravada Buddhist temples in Yunnan. The temple's architecture blends Dai and Southeast Asian Buddhist styles, creating a resplendent appearance. Inside, a giant Buddha statue is surrounded by vibrant murals depicting Buddhist stories, offering a serene and spiritual experience. 3. Mangtuan Scenic Area🎨: Known as the "Hometown of Chinese Folk Art," it is where the Dai handmade papermaking technique is preserved. Visiting Mangtuan is like traveling back in time. Observe traditional Dai dwellings and watch Dai women demonstrate the entire papermaking process, from soaking bark and steaming to pulping, sheet forming, and drying. Each step embodies centuries of wisdom. You can even try papermaking yourself and take home a unique souvenir. 4. Banxing Village🏡: A charming Wa village with thatched-roof houses. It preserves authentic Wa traditional architecture, built with bamboo and wood and topped with thatch. The hospitable Wa people will invite you to taste their homemade rice wine and enjoy lively Wa dances. In the evening, the rising smoke from cooking fires creates an idyllic scene. 5. Qingshuihe Port🚩: An important port on the China-Myanmar border, full of exotic charm. Witness cross-border trade and browse a variety of unique goods. Standing at the national gate, experience the cultural exchange between the two countries. You can also apply for temporary exit permits to visit Qingshuihe City in Myanmar for a brief glimpse of a different culture. 6. Sifang Well🌊: Located in the center of Gengma County, this ancient well has crystal-clear water that remains cool in summer and warm in winter. The surrounding buildings feature typical Dai architecture with grey tiles, white walls, and upturned eaves. Relax here, listen to the elders share stories of Gengma's past, and experience the town's slow-paced life. 7. Gandong Park🌳: A favorite leisure spot for locals, with lush trees and a sparkling lake. It features a children's playground, fitness area, and pavilions for relaxation. In spring, the park's colorful flowers are in full bloom, making it a perfect spot for photos. 8. Mengsa Hot Springs♨️: Unwind at Mengsa Hot Springs after a day of exploring. The high-quality spring water is rich in minerals beneficial to the body. Relax in the steaming hot spring pools, admire the surrounding countryside, and let your fatigue melt away. 🍜Food Recommendations 1. Dai Cuisine🍋: Gengma's unique Dai cuisine is a must-try. Lemongrass Grilled Fish, wrapped in lemongrass and grilled over charcoal, has crispy skin and tender, juicy flesh infused with the distinct aroma of lemongrass. Pineapple Sticky Rice, steamed with purple sticky rice and pineapple, is sweet, soft, and refreshing. Dai-style cold dishes, seasoned with lime and chili, offer a spicy and appetizing mix of vegetables and meats. 2. Wa Chicken Porridge🍚: A traditional Wa dish, shredded chicken is cooked with rice into a porridge-like consistency and seasoned with spices. It's soft, nutritious, and delicious, with the savory chicken blending perfectly with the spices. 3. Falooda🥥: A dessert combining various ingredients. Crispy breadsticks are soaked in sweet coconut milk, served with sago, purple rice, shredded coconut, and condensed milk. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a popular street food in Gengma. 4. Rice Noodles🍜: A Gengma breakfast staple. Smooth rice noodles are served with savory meat sauce, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a spoonful of hot bone broth, creating a fragrant and satisfying meal. 🏠Accommodation Guide 1. Gengma County: - High-end🏨: Hotels like the Gengma Golden Peacock Resort offer comprehensive facilities and attentive service, with comfortable rooms and leisure amenities, priced between CNY 400 and 800. - Budget-friendly💰: Chain brands like Hanting Hotel and 7 Days Inn offer affordable options between CNY 150 and 300, with convenient locations. 2. Mengding Town: - Boutique🌴: Mengding Dai Palace Hotel features a strong Dai style, with beautifully decorated rooms offering a unique ethnic experience, priced between CNY 300 and 600. - Budget-friendly💴: Small guesthouses are available for budget travelers, priced between CNY 80 and 200. ❗Important Notes 1. Respect Ethnic Customs: Gengma is a multi-ethnic community. Respect the customs of ethnic minorities like the Dai and Wa people. For example, remove your shoes before entering temples and refrain from touching Buddha statues. 2. Border Management: Observe border regulations at Qingshuihe Port and do not cross the border illegally. Obtain necessary permits in advance for any cross-border travel. 3. Weather and Sun Protection: Gengma has a subtropical monsoon climate with abundant sunshine and strong UV rays. Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and rain gear. 4. Food Safety: Choose clean and hygienic restaurants and avoid consuming unclean food to prevent stomach upset. Gengma in March offers perfect sunshine and gentle breezes. Pack your bags and experience the charm of nature and culture. You're sure to fall in love with this enchanting town!

Yunnan self-driving tour found a small town in southwest Yunnan This town is not small at all. It is the only county-level town in Yunnan. Been to many places Mengding is bigger than some counties. Because it borders Myanmar, the town has both ethnic minorities and Southeast Asian customs, so we walked around for two days. These places are worth visiting ⭕️China-Myanmar Street A commercial street with the China-Myanmar Street sign at the entrance. Feel the local life atmosphere. If you feel sleepy, you can buy Luckin Coffee☕️ ⭕️Mangtuan Village A typical Dai village, where you can see the original papermaking craft, a national intangible cultural heritage, and various paper products are displayed in the exhibition hall! ⭕️Nanting Art Academy When I went there, some places were still under renovation. It was a creative community with ethnic characteristics, coffee shops, bookstores, pottery, studios, etc. There is a farm outside where you can take a break and take some photos. ⭕️Dongjing Buddhist Temple and Xiacheng Buddhist Temple In every Dai village, there is a temple, a white or golden pagoda and Buddha statues. The two temples in Mengding are both white pagodas. ⭕️A single tree makes a forest You need to drive outside the town to get there. Almost no one comes, but I like it very much. It is the largest fine-leaved banyan tree in Southeast Asia. It is very spectacular. I seem so small Go to here for navigation 🧭Dawantang, you can go directly up the mountain to the top and you can see it ⭕️Qingshuihe National Gate This is the fourth of the Nine National Gates that I have seen! Check in here as a souvenir 🟢Mengding Located in Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County, Lincang, Yunnan This small town is suitable for self-driving travel 🟥Recommended two-day itinerary: Day 1: Mangtuan Village 👉 Dongjing Buddhist Temple 👉 Nanting Art Academy 👉 China-Myanmar Street Day 2: Xiacheng Buddhist Temple 👉 A single tree in the forest 👉 Qingshui River National Gate 🏠You can choose to stay near the China-Myanmar Street, which is convenient for food and accommodation. ✅Food Tips 1. Locals like to eat rice noodles for breakfast, and there are several good restaurants. 2. We went to Liangliang Private Kitchen. The food was good, but a bit salty.

5-day winter tour of Lincang, with tea fragrance and ancient charm under the warm sun. Don't miss this amazing guide! . 📅Itinerary: D1: Asian Microfilm Museum Explore the fusion of film and art, and experience the charm of microfilms. D2: Jingkang - Hulu Town Stroll through Jingkang and experience the beauty of nature; then visit Hulu Town and enjoy the unique folk customs. D3: Wengding Primitive Tribe Travel through time and explore the ancient culture and lifestyle of the Wengding Primitive Tribe. D4: Mengding Dongjing Buddhist Temple Visit Mengding Dongjing Buddhist Temple and experience the tranquility and solemnity of Buddhist culture. D5: Shidong Temple Visit Shidong Temple and enjoy the magical craftsmanship of nature and the mysterious fusion of religion. . **Travel Essentials: 🎒Lincang travel, don't forget these items!** 👗 Clothing: The temperature difference between morning and evening in Lincang in December is large, so it is recommended to bring a thick coat and sweater. You can wear light long-sleeved clothes during the day for easy activities. 🎩 Accessories: Hats and sunglasses are essential for sun protection and fashion. Don't forget to bring an umbrella in case of sudden rain. 📄 Documents: ID card, student ID, and other discount documents. If you are driving, you also need to bring your driver's license and vehicle license. 🔋 Electronics: Mobile phone, charger, and power bank to capture beautiful moments. Camera enthusiasts can also bring a DSLR. 🧴 Daily necessities: Sunscreen and moisturizing masks are essential. The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong, so protect your skin. Mosquito repellent is also recommended to prevent mosquito bites. . Lincang, a beautiful place you won't want to leave once you arrive. With this guide, your journey will be unforgettable!

unexpected surprise Although Meng Ding is not big But the exotic characteristics are very strong Checked in to Dongjing Buddhist Temple It’s just in the town. It’s relatively small so you can take photos as a souvenir. Lunch at Liangliang Chef If no one recommends and navigates Can't find it at all When you enter the courtyard, you feel very Southeast Asian. Many special dishes are also delicious

Mengding Town, which belongs to Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County, Lincang, Yunnan, borders Myanmar and is a small border town. Coming to Mengding was a chance encounter, but it gave me far more than I expected. I hope more people come here to experience its vibe! First, let me introduce where to go Downtown Big Buddha Temple: Temples are usually solemn, but here it is very relaxed, and I even want to describe it as cute. There are elephant sculptures painted with pink nail polish, several tall and sturdy bodhi trees and coconut trees, dendrobium flowers of different colors, many flowers whose names cannot be told, as well as a dozen peacocks and bamboo rats, swans, turtles and small fish. It is a temple, as well as a small botanical garden and a small zoo. I like this place better than Dongjing Buddhist Temple! Mangtuan Papermaking Village: There is a complete papermaking process that you can visit, and there is also a museum. The craftsmen rely on their experience to put more polished bark on it, so each piece of paper made is different. Lover's Lake: A newly developed scenic spot, still under construction. The lake water is not clear enough, and the mountains in the distance are gray and hazy. It seems more like a place for locals to relax on weekends, and it seems less attractive to tourists from afar. However, there is a village called Mangkeng nearby, where there are craftsmen who make props for the elk dance. Fences are prohibited in this village, and every household uses plants and flowers as barriers. There are mango trees and star fruit trees, as well as spices that are often used in cooking here, and some that I can't name, waiting for you to explore. Nanting Art Academy: You can see paintings, spider webs, chairs, and weeds in the abandoned house. When I went there, I met a group of educated youth from Sichuan taking photos, and also met an educated youth from Shanghai discussing development strategies with the owner of a souvenir shop. There is a Burmese temple opposite the entrance of the painting academy. There is a tree that looks like an umbrella near the temple. If you are interested, you can go and have a look. Other places to visit in Mengding: Dongjing Buddhist Temple is famous for its buried relics. The main buildings are a temple and a pagoda. Personally, I think it’s optional to go. From Princess Mountain, you can overlook the entire Mengding. The visibility was so poor when I went there that I could only see the dolls playing in the playground below. If you want to go, choose a day with good visibility, but it's okay not to go. Transportation: There is only one taxi in the whole town. There are buses, but the only place that can go to these attractions is the Big Buddha Temple in the Lower Town. Driving by yourself is the most convenient. What should people who can't drive do? Don't hesitate to ask! There are cars at the bridgehead of the farmers' market, the intersection of Zhongmian Road and Aiye Avenue. Just agree on the price and go! Motorcycles are also available.