7 Days Dehong Family and Education Tour

Morning:

• Arrival and Transfer to Hotel: Upon your arrival in Mangshi, the capital of Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide. The family will be transferred to your hotel to rest after your journey.

• Settling In: Take time to refresh and relax after your trip. You’ll be introduced to your surroundings, a peaceful town nestled in the vibrant Yunnan Province.

Afternoon:

• Leiya Mountain (雷牙让山): Start your journey by heading to Leiya Mountain. This is a family-friendly destination perfect for a leisurely hike. The children will enjoy walking through lush greenery while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s an educational experience as you talk about local wildlife and natural landscapes along the way.

• Mangshi Museum (德宏州博物馆): Visit the Mangshi Museum, where kids can learn about the history and cultural heritage of Dehong, a region rich in ethnic diversity. The museum features interactive exhibits that delve into the lives of the Dai, Jingpo, and other local communities, making it a fun and informative stop for the entire family.

• Dai Pottery Workshop (傣陶体验): Engage in hands-on learning by trying out traditional Dai pottery. This craft is deeply rooted in local culture, and children will enjoy making their own pieces of art, learning about the materials and techniques used by the Dai people for centuries.

• Dai Paper Cutting Workshop (傣族剪纸): After pottery, participate in a paper-cutting workshop. The intricate patterns typical of Dai culture will introduce your children to the artistic heritage of the region. The designs are often inspired by nature, such as flowers, birds, and landscapes, making it a fun, creative activity.

Evening:

• Stay in a Dai Village (傣族古镇): Spend the night in a Dai-style village. Here, your family will enjoy traditional Dai hospitality and meals while staying in a cozy homestay setting. Enjoy a local dinner, featuring fresh fish, herbal rice, and other Dai delicacies, followed by some cultural entertainment.

Morning:

• Menglhuan Grand Golden Pagoda (勐焕大金塔): Start the day with a visit to the Menglhuan Grand Golden Pagoda, one of the most iconic landmarks of Mangshi. Here, your children can learn about the Buddhist architecture and the importance of pagodas in Dai culture. The views from the top are breathtaking and provide an excellent photo opportunity.

• Menglhuan Silver Pagoda (勐焕银塔): Continue your exploration with a visit to the Silver Pagoda, another beautiful religious site. Walk around the pagoda and share the story of how these pagodas symbolize the spiritual balance between nature and humans in Dai culture.

Afternoon:

• Peacock Valley (孔雀谷): Visit Peacock Valley, a lush forest park where your family can interact with free-roaming peacocks. This place is perfect for introducing your children to wildlife conservation and the beauty of natural habitats. Take a guided walk through the forest and learn about the local plants and animals, including unique bird species.

• Menglhuan Exotic Garden (勐巴娜西珍奇园): This ecological park offers both recreational and educational experiences. It’s home to rare plants, ancient trees, and a variety of educational displays about the local flora and fauna. Walk through its themed gardens, including the Fossil Exhibition and the Tree Fossil Hall, to learn about ancient ecosystems.

• Visit Local Markets: Visit Ruili’s markets, where you can shop for handicrafts, local produce, and souvenirs. It’s a great opportunity for children to experience the local culture through traditional crafts and try some of the region's fruits.

Evening:

• Family Dinner in a Local Restaurant: Dine at a local Dai restaurant where your family can taste a wide array of authentic dishes, including grilled fish, sour bamboo shoots, and herbal rice. Discuss the cultural significance of these foods and how they are prepared using traditional methods.

Morning:

• Yizhailiang Country (一寨两国): Your family will start the day by visiting Yizhailiang Country (One Village, Two Countries), which straddles the border between China and Myanmar. Children will have the unique opportunity to stand with one foot in each country. Visit the border market and take photos that show your family straddling two nations. This is an excellent spot to teach kids about the cultural exchange between the two countries.

• Jiegao Port (姐告口岸): Visit Jiegao Port, an active border town where cross-border trade happens. Learn about the significance of this location in China-Myanmar relations while shopping for local goods and trying out Myanmar street food such as noodles and fresh crab.

Afternoon:

• General Buddhist Temple (总佛寺): Head to the General Buddhist Temple, an important Buddhist site in Ruili. It’s an ideal location to teach your children about Buddhist traditions and explore the region’s spirituality. Enjoy a tranquil walk and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

• Local Markets and Cross-Border Culture: After visiting the temple, stroll through Ruili’s markets. Kids can interact with local vendors and experience cross-border cultural influences.

• Myanmar Cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to try Myanmar-style crab, a regional delicacy that is fresh and flavorful.

Evening:

• Enjoy a family-friendly evening with a local dinner and a stroll through Ruili, immersing yourself in the ambiance of the China-Myanmar border town.

Morning:

• Mori Waterfall (莫里瀑布): Visit the breathtaking Mori Waterfall for a morning filled with fresh air and stunning natural beauty. The waterfall is a great place for kids to explore nature, learn about the ecology of the area, and witness the forces of water shaping the landscape.

• Anti-Japanese Migrant Worker Memorial (南洋华侨机工回国抗日纪念馆): After the waterfall, visit the Anti-Japanese Migrant Worker Memorial, an educational site that teaches children about the contributions of migrant workers during World War II. It’s an important stop to learn about the history of Dehong and its place in China’s wartime history.

Afternoon:

• Longchuan Forest Park (陇川森林公园): Take a family walk in Longchuan Forest Park and discuss the local biodiversity. Children can learn about the various species of plants and animals that thrive in the area.

• Baoxin Bay (泊心湾): Visit Baoxin Bay for a peaceful family boat ride. This serene spot is perfect for relaxation and family bonding.

• Cultural Exploration: Take time to learn about local traditions and ethnic cultures at the Longchuan Cultural Center, where children can participate in fun and educational activities related to local crafts and ethnic music.

Evening:

• Enjoy a peaceful evening, relaxing at your accommodation in Longchuan or taking a stroll around the town.

Morning:

• Dai Cultural Park (盈江傣文化园): Start the day with a visit to the Dai Cultural Park in Yingjiang, where you can immerse your family in Dai traditions through interactive activities. Kids can participate in traditional games and crafts.

• Xiang’e Lake (香额湖): Next, take a boat ride on Xiang’e Lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery and teaching your children about the importance of wetlands and water ecosystems.

Afternoon:

• National Wetland Park (云南盈江国家湿地公园): Explore the National Wetland Park for a family nature walk. This park offers plenty of opportunities to observe local wildlife, including migratory birds and plants unique to the region.

• Yunyan Tower (允燕塔): Visit the Yunyan Tower and enjoy panoramic views of Yingjiang while discussing the historical significance of the site.

Evening:

• Family Dinner in Yingjiang: Wrap up your day with a traditional Yingjiang dinner, savoring local specialties like sour bamboo shoots and herbal rice.

Day 6: Yingjiang to Lianghe (盈江-梁河)

Morning:

• Lianghe Hulusi Experience (葫芦丝体验): Start the day with a family Hulusi music workshop, where kids will get hands-on experience with this traditional instrument. They can also try their hand at playing simple tunes.

• Jiubao Ancient Town (九保古镇): Afterward, explore Jiubao Ancient Town, known for its old architecture and traditional shops. This charming town offers plenty of opportunities to talk about local heritage and history.

Afternoon:

• Nan Dian Historical Site (南甸宣抚司署): Visit the Nan Dian Historical Site, which teaches kids about the historical influence of the Dai and Jingpo peoples in Lianghe.

• Tea Garden Visit (万亩茶园): Explore a local tea garden, where children can learn about tea cultivation, its importance in the region, and how the leaves are processed to make high-quality tea.

Evening:

• Enjoy a leisurely dinner and reflect on your educational journey through Dehong. Discuss all the exciting family experiences and new knowledge gained throughout the day.

Morning:

• Leisure Morning: After breakfast, enjoy some free time to pack and relax. Depending on your departure time, you might have the chance to explore the town one last time or visit a local market for souvenirs.

Afternoon:

• Departure: Transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey, filled with memories of a fun and educational family vacation in Dehong.