Things to do in Mangshi

I climbed Leiya Rang Mountain at 5 PM. The 108 steps were flanked by golden dragons cascading down the slope, and I arrived at the pagoda just in time for sunset. The 76-meter-high Meng Huan Golden Pagoda is gilded, and the setting sun cast a golden glow, enhancing its shimmering quality. Walking clockwise around the prayer wheel along the prayer corridor, the wind chimes on the pagoda's roof jingled in the breeze, a sound that could be heard throughout half of Mangshi. Standing on the viewing platform for a 360° panoramic view was truly exhilarating—below me stretched the terraced houses of the Dai ethnic minority in the Mangshi plain, while in the distance, mountain mists clung to the border. Turning my head, I could even frame the pure white Meng Huan Silver Pagoda across the valley; the gold and silver pagodas facing each other across the valley created a much more photogenic scene than photographing just one pagoda alone. The 7 PM lighting was a hidden climax, transforming the entire pagoda from golden to a warm orange, as if someone had lit a fire inside it. Looking back on the way down, the golden pagoda floated in the night, instantly capturing the slow-paced, borderland spirit of Mangshi. A word of caution: the towers are extremely reflective during the day, so be sure to go in the evening; you need to take off your shoes before entering the main hall, and wearing sandals is the easiest way; allow 2 hours for visiting both the Gold and Silver Towers.

Definitely worth a visit! The reflection of the Silver Pagoda in the water makes for great photos, but the queue is long and moves quite quickly, with a 5-minute time limit per person. Near the Silver Pagoda, there's a viewing platform offering a panoramic view of the Golden Pagoda opposite; it's breathtaking at sunset – don't miss it!

Rare plants, petrified wood, and free-roaming peacocks make this a perfect spot for a half-day getaway and photo opportunities. 🌟 Key Highlights • Ecology and Wonders: A natural oxygen bar with dense ancient trees and lush shade; rare petrified wood and silicified timber dating back hundreds of millions of years; abundant unique stones and root carvings. • Interactive Experiences: Peacocks roam freely without fear, with a high chance of witnessing them display their plumage; the Zhou Enlai Memorial Pavilion holds historical significance. • Photography and Family Fun: Bougainvillea, banyan trees, and bamboo groves offer stunning photo opportunities; ideal for family walks, approximately a 2-hour visit.

Located east of Mangshi City, the Dai Ancient Town is modeled after the palace of the ancient Dai chieftain. It features pagodas and temples, creating a magnificent atmosphere filled with rich Dai ethnic customs. Intangible cultural heritage workshops and local delicacies are found throughout the town, attracting many tourists.

On January 7, 2026, I finally visited this tree-encased pagoda attraction that I'd been wanting to see for so long. Admission is free. The area is quite small, and new residential buildings, all 20 stories high, are under construction nearby. I imagine they'll affect the view when they're finished. The tree is enormous; it's a Bodhi tree, and the pagoda is nestled within its trunk. The tree and pagoda are tightly integrated, completely merging into one—a truly rare spectacle. Five to ten minutes is enough for a visit and some photos.

The architectural style of Mangshi Square is unique, integrating the traditional cultural elements of the Dai and Jingpo ethnic groups. The roofs of the buildings in the square are all glowing with golden light, and the entire square presents an exotic Burmese style. These buildings are not only beautiful and generous, but also carry rich historical and cultural connotations. A good place for citizens to relax and have fun. Citizens will do morning exercises here early in the morning, and it will be more lively in the evening. Citizens will play chess and cards, dance square dances, etc. here, enjoying a leisurely time. Unlike the square dances that everyone knows in the mainland, there is no annoying noise here, but dancing to the beautiful folk music. It is not only a kind of appreciation, but you will definitely have the desire to join if you are there. There are flame trees planted around the square, and the flame flowers in autumn are really beautiful; there are also coffee shops and restaurants; there are all kinds of local delicacies in the residential area not far away, and you can eat happily in the morning or in the evening.

It's huge, covering an entire mountain. There are shuttle buses to and from the mountain. The jungle adventure is also good, with a particularly long walkway. The package ticket includes a slide down the mountain, which is quite nice. You can get up close to the peacocks in the peacock garden, and you can buy feathers at the small shops nearby. They're cheaper than other places! 👍🏻 Apparently, there are over 10,000 peacocks inside. I saw enough on my first day; afterwards, I got tired of seeing peacocks at other attractions. 😂 It's definitely worth it. Getting a taxi is also quite convenient.

I went in to visit it. It is one of the oldest temples in Mangshi. The temple is not big, but it is named after the big Bodhi tree in front of the temple. The roof of the Buddha Hall in the middle adopts the Han style of Xieshan, and the bottom is the Dai stilt loft building. You need to take off your shoes when entering the Buddha Hall, and you cannot wear short skirts or shorts. The Buddha Hall is covered with carpets and the statue of Sakyamuni is magnificent. There are also a precept hall and a scripture building next to it. When I came back, there were even aunties dancing square dance inside.

A fun and worthwhile hidden gem! You can challenge yourself on the glass walkway, sample cave-aged wine, and enjoy stunning mountain and cave views. It's a truly unique place, with an underground river inside the cave that even raises koi fish – a great spot for making a wish.