Mangshi Ancient City: A Borderland Tapestry of Culture and History

As the first rays of dawn kiss the banks of the Ruili River, the ancient border city of Mangshi awakens from the mist, gently caressed by time. Here, there are no bustling tourist groups, no over-commercialized clamor, only the golden roofs of Theravada Buddhist temples shimmering among palm trees, and the air is filled with the fragrance of lemongrass and tropical fruits. Mangshi Ancient City, a historical and cultural city located on the extreme southwestern edge of China, awaits every traveler eager to discover "another China" with its unique "border, emotion, green, and treasure" charm.

Mangshi, known as "Meng Huan" in the Dai language, means "City of Dawn." As the capital of the Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, it is located in western Yunnan Province, bordering Myanmar, and was an important station on the ancient Southern Silk Road. The core area of the ancient city covers approximately 3 square kilometers and is situated in a basin with an average altitude of about 900 meters. The climate is warm and humid, with evergreen vegetation throughout the four seasons. Although not yet listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its status as an important birthplace and preservation site of Chinese Dai culture gives it a very high rating among cultural travelers. Mangshi's unique selling point lies in its vibrant cultural symbiosis: Han-style city towers, Dai bamboo buildings, and Burmese pagodas coexist harmoniously. In the morning markets, Dai women wearing "筒裙"(traditional skirts), Jingpo men adorned with silver ornaments, and merchants from Myanmar stand side-by-side. The chanting of Theravada Buddhism, the ringing of church bells, and the bustling sounds of the market intertwine to create a unique border symphony. When you come here, you are not only visiting an ancient city, but also experiencing a living, breathing, and growing multicultural ecosystem.

1.The history of: Mangshi is an epic of border ethnic migrations, integration, and development. As early as the 4th century BC, the "Dian Yue" people, the ancestors of the Dai ethnic group, lived here. During the Tang Dynasty, it was under the jurisdiction of the Yongchang Jiedushi of the Nanzhao Kingdom. In the Yuan Dynasty, Mangshi Circuit was established. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the central dynasty implemented the Tusi system here, and the Mangshi Pacification Office (known as "Meng Huan Zhaofa" in the Dai language) was inherited for generations, ruling for more than six hundred years until the mid-20th century. This ancient city has witnessed the comings and goings of caravans on the Tea Horse Road and the flames of war on the Yunnan-Burma Road during the Anti-Japanese War, making its historical layers exceptionally rich.

The soul of the ancient city is deeply rooted in its diverse and symbiotic religious culture. Mangshi is an important center of Theravada Buddhism in China, with numerous temples, the most famous being the Meng Huan Great Golden Pagoda and the Meng Huan Silver Pagoda. Interestingly, Buddhism coexists harmoniously with Christianity and indigenous religions here. Every year during the Dai New Year (Water Splashing Festival), the whole city erupts in revelry, and people wish each other blessings by splashing water. The Jingpo ethnic group's "Munao Zongge" festival is a spectacular scene of tens of thousands of people dancing together, known as the "Dance of Paradise." A fascinating cultural detail is the "Tree-Wrapped Pagoda" spectacle – the Tiecheng Pagoda, located next to Baobo Road, is slowly wrapped and integrated by the roots of a Bodhi tree. This is regarded as a natural symbol of the Buddhist doctrine of "life cycle" and a vivid reflection of the Dai people's reverence for nature and their firm belief. This profound and still active cultural tradition is the core charm that distinguishes Mangshi from other antique "ancient towns," making every visit a deep cultural dialogue.

2.The Meng Huan Great Golden: Pagoda stands as Mangshi's landmark and spiritual symbol, perched atop Mount Leiya Rang. Rising 76 meters high with a base diameter of 50 meters, it proudly holds the title of China's First Golden Buddhist Pagoda. Its architectural style harmoniously blends Dai, Burmese, and Southeast Asian influences, with sixteen smaller pagodas encircling the main tower, creating a majestic presence. Ascending to the viewing platform around the tower offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Mangshi basin and the distant, rolling mountains of Myanmar. Inside, the pagoda houses large Buddha statues and Buddhist relics, creating a solemn atmosphere. Whether it is the tower bathed in the morning glow at sunrise or illuminated at night like a palace descending from the heavens, it is breathtaking.

3.In harmonious contrast to the Great Golden: Pagoda stands the pure white Meng Huan Silver Pagoda. Its pristine white exterior embodies the pursuit of purity and serenity in Buddhism. The Silver Pagoda scenic area is exquisitely designed, with mirror-like blessing platforms, winding paths, and meticulously arranged gardens, making it an excellent spot for capturing stunning reflection photos and enjoying the sunset. The Silver Pagoda focuses on showcasing the fusion of Buddhist art and natural landscapes, offering a tranquil aesthetic experience that differs from the Golden Pagoda's grandeur.

4.To experience the most authentic Dai: Buddhist daily life, a visit to the Bodhi Temple is a must. This ancient temple is known as "Zang Xiang" in the Dai language, meaning "Gem Temple." Its architecture is a typical Dai-style stilt structure, with exquisite Buddha statues enshrined in the hall and intricate patterns and mythological stories carved on the beams and pillars. It is a place of great religious activity, where you can often see devout believers chanting prayers and monks walking peacefully. The atmosphere within the temple is serene, allowing you to instantly calm down and observe and experience the real-life interactions between monks and laity.

5.Centered around the Mengba Naxi Rare Stone: Garden, the Mangshi Plaza and the Dai Ethnic Ancient Town area are scattered with restored traditional Dai stilt buildings. It is not only a leisure center for citizens but also a window to experience the blend of modern life and traditional culture in Mangshi. In the evening, locals gather here to stroll and dance, creating a lively atmosphere. The nearby streets are home to many authentic Dai restaurants and cold drink shops.

The "Tree-Wrapped Pagoda" spectacle, located next to Baobo Road, is a miracle that perfectly combines nature and humanity, a living fossil of Mangshi's history. The pagoda was built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. Over hundreds of years, a Bodhi tree seed fell into the cracks of the tower, and the roots that grew out gradually wrapped around and lifted the tower, forming a symbiotic spectacle of "a tree in the tower and a tower in the tree." It silently tells the story of the power of time, the tenacity of faith, and the inclusiveness of nature, making it an excellent subject for philosophical reflection and photographic creation.

For deep history enthusiasts, exploring the palace ruins of Mangshi's past Tusi (Dai kings) can touch the political memory of this land. The Fengping Pagoda, located in the suburbs, dates back to the Yongzheng period. Its architecture is simple and majestic, and the surrounding villages are peaceful, making it a great place to avoid mainstream tourists and experience the rural Buddhist atmosphere.

6.The best time to visit is from: October to April of the following year, when the weather is dry and cool, avoiding the hot and humid rainy season. Among them, November to February has the most comfortable climate. If you want to experience grand festivals, the Water Splashing Festival during the Dai New Year (around mid-April in the Gregorian calendar) and the Jingpo ethnic group's Munao Zongge Festival (around the fifteenth day of the first lunar month) are the top choices, but you need to book accommodation in advance and prepare for crowds. In a day, early morning and evening are the best times to visit, with soft light, suitable temperature, and the opportunity to observe the religious and daily life of the locals. If you travel during the rainy season (May-September), be prepared with rain gear, but the vegetation is the most lush and the fruits are abundant at this time, offering a unique charm.

When exploring the ancient city, it's best to take your time and allocate 2-3 days. Taking a stroll through the local vegetable market (such as Hongli Market) in the early morning is a shortcut to quickly integrate into local life, where you can taste various tropical fruits and local snacks that you've never seen before. When tasting food, don't miss the Dai-flavored "Sa Pie," the Jingpo's "Ghost Chicken," and the Paoluda cold drink. Many Buddhist temples require you to take off your shoes before entering, and you should dress appropriately. You may want to learn a few simple Dai greetings, such as "Shu Zao Li" (Hello), which will bring you closer to the locals. If you have enough time, rent a bicycle or electric bike to travel through the streets and alleys of the ancient city and the surrounding villages, you will find many landscapes and surprises not recorded in travel guides.