Mengzi was disappointing, I've returned. Sisters who plan to go should think twice.

With warm sunshine, gentle breezes, and blooming flowers, Mengzi in March is the perfect time for a getaway. This charming southern Yunnan town holds countless wonders. Follow this guide to embark on a spring adventure in Mengzi🎈 📍Location Mengzi City is located in the southeast of Yunnan Province. It is the capital of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture and sits on a low-latitude plateau, with the Tropic of Cancer running through it. Its unique geographical location endows it with distinct natural scenery and cultural charm. 🚗Getting There • By air: Fly to Honghe Mengzi Airport. Many routes are currently available, with direct flights from cities such as Kunming, Chongqing, and Hangzhou. The airport is close to the city center, about a 20-minute taxi ride costing around CNY 30. • By train: Mengzi has Mengzi Station and Mengzi North Station. There are many bullet trains from Kunming to Mengzi, with a journey time of about 2 hours and fares around CNY 75. Transportation is very convenient. • By bus: From surrounding cities, you can take a long-distance bus to Mengzi. Buses are available from various passenger stations. Travel time and fares vary depending on the departure point. 🗺Suggested Itinerary Day 1: Bisezhai Dian-Yue Railway Theme Park → Mengzi Cross-Bridge Rice Noodle Town Morning: Visit the French-style Bisezhai Dian-Yue Railway Theme Park, experience the historical charm, and take photos. Lunch: Enjoy local snacks near Bisezhai. Afternoon: Go to Mengzi Cross-Bridge Rice Noodle Town, learn about the culture of cross-bridge rice noodles, and savor authentic dishes. Evening: Stroll around the town and enjoy the night view. Day 2: Mengzi Nanhu Park → Yuhuang Pavilion → Nisu Town Morning: Take a walk in Nanhu Park, admire the lake and mountains, and experience the laid-back local lifestyle. Late Morning: Visit the historically and culturally significant Yuhuang Pavilion. Lunch: Enjoy Mengzi rice cakes, thin bean powder, and other local delicacies in the city center. Afternoon: Go to Nisu Town, experience the Yi ethnic customs, and admire the unique architecture. 🌟Must-See Attractions • Bisezhai Dian-Yue Railway Theme Park ◦ Address: Bisezhai Village, Caoba Town, Mengzi City ◦ Admission: Free ◦ Opening hours: All day ◦ Highlights: The filming location of the movie Youth, the French architecture complements the Dian-Yue Railway, creating an artistic atmosphere. Here, you can see the century-old train station, water tower, and railway tracks, as if traveling back in time. It's a great place for taking photos📷 • Mengzi Nanhu Park ◦ Address: Nanhu South Road, Wenlan Town, Mengzi City ◦ Admission: Free ◦ Opening hours: All day ◦ Highlights: A landmark attraction in Mengzi, with clear lake water, pavilions, and lush vegetation. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake in the morning or evening. You can also see locals exercising and playing chess by the lake, experiencing the vibrant local life. • Yuhuang Pavilion ◦ Address: Cheng'en Street, Mengzi City ◦ Admission: Free ◦ Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00 ◦ Highlights: Built in the Ming Dynasty, it blends Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist architectural styles. With exquisite craftsmanship, brackets, cornices, carved beams, and painted rafters, it is an important resource for studying ancient architecture and religious culture. • Nisu Town ◦ Address: Xin'an Town, Mengzi City ◦ Admission: Free ◦ Opening hours: All day ◦ Highlights: A characteristic town with rich Yi ethnic customs, featuring white-walled and gray-tiled Yi dwellings, unique ethnic cultural displays, various folk activities, and handicraft shops. Here, you can gain a deeper understanding of Yi culture and customs and taste Yi delicacies. • Mengzi Cross-Bridge Rice Noodle Town ◦ Address: Intersection of Beijing Road Extension and Honghe Avenue, Mengzi City ◦ Admission: Free ◦ Opening hours: All day (business hours vary for some shops) ◦ Highlights: Integrates cross-bridge rice noodle cultural experiences, food tasting, and leisure activities. The town has numerous rice noodle restaurants where you can taste the most authentic cross-bridge rice noodles, watch the noodle-making process, and learn about the cultural stories behind it. 🍜Must-Try Foods • Cross-bridge rice noodles: Mengzi's signature dish, with delicious soup and rich ingredients. Recommended restaurants: Qiaoxiangyuan, Juhuacun Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles. Be sure to try the most traditional large bowl of cross-bridge rice noodles and experience the magical process of the boiling chicken soup instantly cooking the raw meat and vegetables. • Mengzi rice cakes: Made with glutinous rice, brown sugar, and other ingredients. They are soft, glutinous, and sweet but not greasy. Available in various flavors such as original and rose, they can be steamed, fried, or baked. You can find them in pastry shops on the streets. • Thin bean powder: Made from pea flour and boiled into a paste. Served with fried dough sticks, baba, and other foods. It has a smooth texture and a fragrant aroma. It is a favorite breakfast among Mengzi locals and is sold at many breakfast stalls. • Sour pomegranate juice: Mengzi's pomegranates are famous. The juice squeezed from fresh sour pomegranates is sweet and sour, rich in vitamin C, and can be found at stalls throughout the streets and alleys. • Grilled tofu: Tofu grilled over charcoal until golden brown, served with a special dipping sauce. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it is full of bean flavor. You can find it at night markets or snack streets. 🏠Accommodation • City center: Recommended to stay near Nanhu Park, which offers convenient transportation and is close to many restaurants and shopping areas. For example, Honghe Guanfang Hotel, a four-star hotel with comfortable surroundings and prices ranging from CNY 400 to CNY 800. There are also budget hotels and guesthouses available, with prices ranging from CNY 150 to CNY 300, offering great value for money. • Around Cross-Bridge Rice Noodle Town: If you want to easily enjoy the food and experience the town's atmosphere, you can choose to stay in guesthouses near the town, with prices ranging from CNY 200 to CNY 500. Some guesthouses also have charming courtyards, providing a pleasant living experience. 📌Tips • The sun is strong in Mengzi in March, so remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. • When tasting cross-bridge rice noodles, be careful of the high temperature of the soup to avoid burns. First, put the raw meat and vegetables into the soup and mix well. Wait a moment before eating. • For taking photos in Bisezhai, it is recommended to wear retro-style clothing to better blend in with the scene. • When visiting Nisu Town, respect local ethnic customs and habits to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. • When buying local products, choose reputable merchants, carefully check the quality, and avoid buying inferior products. I hope this guide will help you have a wonderful spring time in Mengzi and enjoy the unique charm of this small town💖