Lancang was underwhelming, sisters who plan to go should think twice.

Lancang, a hidden gem in Yunnan, exudes a unique charm in March 🌼. With pleasant sunshine and gentle breezes, it's the perfect time to set foot on this land and experience its unique charm. 📍Location Lancang Lahu Autonomous County is located in the southwest of Yunnan Province, at the southern end of the Hengduan Mountains. It is a county under the jurisdiction of Pu'er City. Bordering Myanmar, it boasts rich ethnic minority customs and a unique geographical location, making you feel like you are in a mysterious border world. 🚗Transportation Guide - External Transportation: - Airplane ✈️: You can first arrive at Pu'er Simao Airport, and then take a shuttle bus from the airport to Lancang, which takes about 2.5 hrs. You can also take a taxi from the airport to Lancang, which is more expensive but more convenient. - Long-distance Bus 🚌: There are long-distance buses to Lancang from surrounding cities such as Kunming and Xishuangbanna. Although the journey is long, you can enjoy the scenery along the way. It takes about 10 hrs from Kunming and about 3 hrs from Xishuangbanna. - Internal Transportation: - County Bus 🚌: The county bus lines cover a wide area, making travel convenient and affordable. They can take you to major attractions and commercial areas. - Taxi/Ride-hailing 🚕: It is also very convenient to take a taxi in the county. Ride-hailing platforms are also widely available, so you don't have to worry about transportation. - Car Rental 🚗: If you want to explore Lancang more freely, renting a car is a good option, allowing you to stop at scenic spots at any time. 🗺️Itinerary - Day 1: Arrive in Lancang → Check in to hotel → Stroll through the old streets and experience local life - Morning: After arriving in Lancang, check in to your hotel and take a break to recover from the journey. - Afternoon: Stroll along Lancang Old Street, where old houses stand in a charmingly irregular pattern 🏠, blending traditional Lahu architectural style with modern elements. You can visit small shops along the street and buy some unique souvenirs 🎁. - Evening: Enjoy various local snacks on the old street and experience the local atmosphere. - Day 2: Jingmai Mountain → Nuogan Ancient Village → Wengji Ancient Village - Morning: Head to Jingmai Mountain, home to the world's largest ancient tea tree forest 🌳. The rolling mountains and swirling clouds create a scene reminiscent of a fairyland. You can visit the ancient tea forest and learn about the planting and production process of Pu'er tea. - Noon: Enjoy local farmhouse dishes at a farmhouse restaurant on Jingmai Mountain, featuring fresh ingredients and authentic flavors 🥗. - Afternoon: Visit Nuogan Ancient Village and Wengji Ancient Village in turn. These two ancient villages preserve well-preserved traditional Lahu architecture and folk culture. Walking on the stone-paved roads of the ancient villages feels like traveling back in time. - Evening: Stay at a guesthouse on Jingmai Mountain and fall asleep to the scent of tea and the chirping of insects. - Day 3: Laodabao → Return to the county seat - Morning: Visit Laodabao, a Lahu village famous for its music and dance 🎶. Here, you can enjoy authentic Lahu song and dance performances and learn to sing Lahu songs and dance the Lusheng dance with them. - Noon: Enjoy Lahu specialties such as barbecue and bamboo rice in Laodabao 🥘. - Afternoon: Return to the county seat and prepare for your departure, concluding your pleasant Lancang trip. 🏠Accommodation Guide - County Accommodation: - Budget Hotels: [Hotel Name 1] is recommended for its affordable price, convenient location, and proximity to many restaurants and supermarkets. - Comfortable Hotels: [Hotel Name 2] offers an elegant environment, well-equipped rooms, and attentive service, providing you with a comfortable stay. - Jingmai Mountain Accommodation: - Guesthouses: Jingmai Mountain has many guesthouses, such as [Guesthouse Name 1], which offer unique room styles, beautiful mountain views, and opportunities to experience local folk culture. - Resort Hotels: [Hotel Name 3] offers comprehensive facilities and high-end services, suitable for tourists seeking quality. 🍱Food Recommendations - Lahu Barbecue: This traditional Lahu dish features fresh pork marinated with unique spices and grilled over charcoal. The outer layer is golden and crispy, while the inside is tender and juicy, with an enticing aroma 🥩. - Spicy Ant Egg Salad: This is a unique dish. Ant eggs are rich in protein and have a sour and spicy taste. Seasoned with chili, coriander, and other spices, it offers a distinctive flavor 🐜. - Bamboo Rice: Glutinous rice and other ingredients are placed in fresh bamboo tubes and slowly roasted over charcoal. The rice has a subtle bamboo fragrance and is soft and glutinous 🍚. - Pu'er Coffee: Lancang is one of the major producers of Pu'er coffee. The coffee here has a rich taste and strong aroma. Order a freshly ground coffee at a street-side cafe and enjoy a leisurely afternoon ☕. 🎉Must-do Experiences in Lancang - Participate in a Lahu bonfire party: As night falls, a bonfire is lit 🔥, and Lahu people sing and dance around it. You can also join them and experience their passion and joy. - Make Pu'er tea yourself: At a tea factory on Jingmai Mountain, learn the process of making Pu'er tea from tea farmers, from picking, fixing, rolling to drying, and experience the joy of making a cup of Pu'er tea yourself 🍃. - Enjoy Lahu song and dance performances: The Lahu people are known for their singing and dancing. Their performances are full of rich ethnic characteristics and are truly captivating 🎵. Lancang is a place full of surprises and charm. Whether you like natural scenery, folk culture, or food, Lancang has something for you. Pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous trip to Lancang!