Back from Xishuangbanna, and I have to say, think twice before you go!

I've just returned from Xishuangbanna, and it was quite a journey. Here are some of my travel tips and real experiences: . 1. Attractions: 1⃣Manting Park: 1. Buy a Dai outfit at Starlight Night Market the night before. It looks great in photos. 2. I recommend booking tickets in advance on "Travel Yunnan." Combo tickets are cheaper. 2⃣Wild Elephant Valley: 1. It's very hot at noon, and there are lots of bugs. Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and an umbrella. 2. You can book a direct bus from Gaozhuang to Wild Elephant Valley on "Banna Haoxing." 3. I recommend the 10 am Rainforest Show. It's not as hot. 3⃣Tropical Botanical Garden: 1. Lazy option: Buy a ticket and a West Zone shuttle ticket to enjoy the flowers and trees. 2. Leisure option: After ticket inspection, walk around the West Zone at your own pace. 3. Influencer option: Buy a ticket, bring beautiful clothes, picnic props, and photography skills, and fill your social media with beautiful photos. 4⃣Dai Park: 1. I recommend going in the afternoon. After the Dai Show, you can join the Water Splashing Festival. 2. You will get wet at the Water Splashing Festival, so wear cool clothes and sandals, and bring a change of clothes. 5⃣Primitive Forest Park: 1. There are 7 peacock releases every day, each lasting about 10 minutes. 2. Remember to apply sunscreen before going out, and bring an umbrella if necessary. 6⃣Starlight Night Market: 1. Enter through the small gate on the west side of the Ten Golden Pagodas. You can take a side view of the night market from the steps. . 2. Transportation: ✈Arriving in Xishuangbanna ✔Plane: Jinghong Gasa International Airport, transfer in Kunming → Banna. You can transfer at Kunming Changshui Airport or take a high-speed train. ✔High-speed train: Kunming Station/Kunming South → Xishuangbanna, about 3 hours, CNY 170–220. A convenient way to travel from Kunming to Banna. . 3. Food: 📍Chonburi Very popular Dishes: Lemon Sugar Chicken Wings, Grilled Tofu, Cold Squid Salad, Shaved Ice 📍Mamalao Lao BBQ Sticky Rice Dishes: Sticky Rice, Beef Patty, Pork Belly, BBQ Bun, Spring Eggplant, Cold Chicken Salad 📍Yuntai Jinwan · Dai Peacock Feast Dishes: Peacock Feast (delicious and photogenic) . 4. Group Tour Tips: ① If you have plenty of time, I recommend a self-guided tour. Just book tickets and plan your itinerary in advance. ② My experience: I was short on time and didn't want to book a car, so I chose a small group tour with six people. I did a lot of research and chose one with all Wyndham 5-star hotels and a driver-guide. There was no shopping, so no wasted time, and the itinerary wasn't rushed. ③ Group tour tips: Make sure it's a local tour with no shopping. Avoid cheap tours and shopping tours. Compare carefully!