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Ruili Jiele Golden Pagoda: Located in Jiele Township, Ruili City, this is a sacred Buddhist site of the Dai people. Best visited in the early morning or evening for ideal lighting for photos. Admission is 30 yuan, open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Nearby, you can try Dai-style barbecue and pineapple rice. Mangshi Golden and Silver Pagodas: Situated in Mangshi city, consisting of a golden pagoda and a silver pagoda. The golden pagoda is perfect for sunset photos, while the silver pagoda is more beautiful at night. Admission is 40 yuan (combo ticket), recommended to visit after 4:00 PM. Nearby, you’ll find authentic Guo Shou rice noodle shops. Tengchong Volcano Park: Main attractions include Dakong Mountain and Xiaokong Mountain. Admission is 54 yuan, with an additional fee for the electric cart. The best season is from October to December, when you can also enjoy hot springs. Must-try local dishes include Tuguozi (earthen pot stew) and Tengchong Ersi rice noodles. Puer Mile: The main attraction is the Jiping Mountain Maitreya Buddha, with an admission fee of 30 yuan. Recommended to visit alongside Keyi Town. The local specialty is braised chicken rice noodles, with Mile Shifu being a top recommendation. Red River and Yuxi itinerary suggestion: Day 1: Jianshui Ancient Town (Zhujia Garden, Confucian Temple) – Stay in Jianshui Day 2: Yuanyang Rice Terraces (watch sunrise at Duoyishu) – Stay in Yuanyang Day 3: Fuxian Lake (Luchong Scenic Area) – Stay in Chengjiang Food recommendations: Jianshui grilled tofu, steamed pot chicken, copper pot fish Important notes: 1. Strong UV rays in Yunnan—bring sunscreen. 2. Some attractions require cash for tickets. 3. Respect local customs in ethnic minority areas. 4. Best travel season is from October to April the following year. Transportation suggestions: For Ruili and Tengchong, fly to Mangshi Airport. For the Red River area, take the high-speed train to Jianshui Station. Fuxian Lake in Yuxi is about a 1-hour drive from Kunming. Recommended attractions in Puer city: Meizi Lake Park is free and great for walks. The Ancient Tea Horse Road Scenic Area costs 60 yuan for admission, where you can experience tea-making. Must-try dishes include Puer tea-flavored chicken and sour bamboo shoot fish. Lao Jie Dou Tang Rice Noodle Shop is highly recommended. Xishuangbanna extension (if time permits): Jinghong city: Manting Park (40 yuan), Zongfo Temple (free). At night, visit the Starlight Night Market—try Dai-style wrapped barbecue and pineapple rice. Chinese Academy of Sciences Tropical Botanical Garden: 80 yuan admission, 50 yuan for the electric cart. The eastern area is more primitive, while the western area is better for photos. Additional Red River attractions: Bisezhai Railway Station: Free, a filming location for the movie *Youth*, perfect for nostalgic photos. Mengzi: The birthplace of Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles—recommend Huoshao Fangzi Chrysanthemum Rice Noodles. Around Yuxi: Ailao Mountain: Free natural scenery, with the best spot for sunrise and sea of clouds at Jinshan Pass. Xinping Gasa: A Huayao Dai village where you can experience hot springs. Accommodation suggestions: Tengchong: Stay in a guesthouse within Heshun Ancient Town. Puer: Recommended to stay near the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Red River: Inns within the Yuanyang Rice Terraces for convenient sunrise viewing. Budget reference (7-day trip): Economy: 2,500–3,500 yuan per person Comfort: 4,000–5,000 yuan per person Special tips: 1. Carry your ID in border areas. 2. Some mountain roads are winding—drive carefully. 3. Buy Puer tea from reputable tea factories. 4. Large temperature differences between day and night—bring a light jacket. Transportation details: Ruili to Tengchong: Recommended to hire a car (about 4 hours, 400–600 yuan per vehicle). Tengchong to Puer: Fly (via Tuofeng Airport) or take an 8-hour bus. Puer to Red River: Take the high-speed train via Kunming (about 5 hours total). Unique experiences: 1. Ruili: Swing across the border at the One Village Two Countries scenic area. 2. Tengchong: Grass rafting at Beihai Wetland (seasonal). 3. Puer: Horseback riding at Nakaoli Tea Horse Station. 4. Red River: DIY pottery at Jianshui Purple Pottery Street. Festival dates: Dai Water Splashing Festival: April 13–15 (most lively in Ruili). Yi Torch Festival: 24th day of the 6th lunar month (Red River). Hani Long Street Banquet: November (Yuanyang Rice Terraces). Essential items: 1. Medicine: Stomachache pills, cold medicine, mosquito repellent. 2. Clothing: Sun-protective clothing, comfortable walking shoes. 3. Documents: Driver’s license (if renting a car), student ID (for discounts). 4. Others: Power bank, thermos (hot water is scarce in mountainous areas). Safety reminders: 1. Do not cross borders in Ruili. 2. Follow designated routes in the volcano park. 3. Buy silver and jade from reputable sellers. 4. Avoid intense exercise in high-altitude areas. Food map additions: Tengchong: Xidoufen Ersi (breakfast favorite). Ruili: Paoluda (specialty cold drink). Puer: Chicken tofu (intangible cultural heritage dish). Red River: Caoya rice noodles (unique to Jianshui). Shopping guide: 1. Ruili: Burmese snacks (recommend milk tea powder, coconut candy). 2. Tengchong: Volcanic stone crafts (prices range from 20–100 yuan). 3. Puer: Tea (both raw and ripe Puer—try before buying). 4. Red River: Jianshui purple pottery (tea sets are most popular). Photography tips: Best spots: - Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Sunrise at Duoyishu, sunset at Bada. - Tengchong: Ginkgo Village (golden season in November). - Puer: Jingmai Mountain sea of clouds (requires early rising). - Ruili: Jiegao Port national gate. Family-friendly activities: 1. Tengchong Volcano Park hot air balloon (weather permitting). 2. Puer Red Panda Manor (close encounters with animals). 3. Fuxian Lake beach (great for kids to play in water). 4. Jianshui Ancient Town mini train (retro railway experience). Money-saving tips: 1. Some attractions offer cheaper afternoon tickets. 2. Split costs by hiring a car for groups. 3. Book accommodations outside peak holidays for better rates. 4. Local markets offer fresh and affordable fruits. Rainy season advice (June–September): 1. Carry rain gear. 2. Check road conditions—mountain roads may collapse. 3. Bring waterproof shoe covers. 4. Fog may obstruct views. Unique experiences: 1. Try Dai village weaving workshops. 2. Learn to make Puer tea cakes. 3. Dress in traditional Hani clothing for photos. 4. Explore Heshun Ancient Town’s bar street at night.