Southeast Asia Travel Guide Without Leaving the Country

Today, let's explore the "Southeast Asia without leaving the country"—Gaozhuang Xishuangjing! 📍Located in the heart of Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, right next to the Lancang River, it is a national 4A-level cultural tourism scenic spot that combines Dai culture, exotic charm, and night market vibrancy. Famous nationwide for its "Starlight Night Market," it is hailed as "China's Most Beautiful Night Market." The entire park is built to resemble the ancient Mengle Royal City, with golden pagodas, flying eaves corridors, and lotus water features complementing each other. It is tranquil and picturesque by day, and dazzlingly lit at night, as if instantly transported to Chiang Mai or Luang Prabang. The most enchanting moment is at sunset: when the setting sun dyes the Lancang River red, the golden pagoda shines brilliantly in the afterglow, Dai-clad girls carry lanterns along the stone paths, and the air is filled with the sweet aroma of pineapple rice and the smoky scent of grilled meat. After nightfall, thousands of star lights illuminate simultaneously, turning Gaozhuang into a dreamy sea of light and shadow✨🍢. Strolling here, you can buy handmade silver jewelry, ethnic tie-dye, tropical dried fruits, and capture exotic photos that will blow up your social media. Itinerary: 1-day highlights tour | Night market stroll + climb the golden pagoda + Dai-style photo shoot + authentic local cuisine Total budget: under ¥400 (about ¥380 per person) Transportation｜¥0 Walk or use shared bikes from Jinghong city center, free entry! Tickets｜¥25 Golden Pagoda Temple observation deck ¥25 (outside free｜worth it for panoramic views from the top) Experience｜¥99 Dai costume experience for 1 hour (including makeup + one outfit rental) ¥99 (average price at popular shops) Dining｜¥250 Lunch: Mango sticky rice + grilled pork belly + coconut jelly ¥60 Dinner: Pineapple rice + baked chicken + Laotian iced coffee ¥80 Street snacks: pounded chicken feet, puluda, grilled pork neck, fried beef skin ¥80 Fruit supply: small pineapple + watermelon cup ¥30 Shopping｜Optional Tie-dye handkerchief ¥20｜sachet pendant ¥15 (paid from remaining budget) ✅ Total expense breakdown: Transportation ¥0 + Tickets ¥25 + Costume ¥99 + Dining ¥250 = ¥374 (budget precisely controlled, ¥26 flexible use left) Best time: 17:00–22:00 (avoid midday sun, hit the night market’s peak moments) Essentials: sunscreen, selfie stick, power bank, comfortable shoes Off-the-beaten-path tips: Take photos of the golden pagoda’s reflection at 7 AM when no one is around; rent a scooter to ride around the river. When the starlight lights up the night market, the entire southern land sparkles just for you.