Menghuan Grand Golden Pagoda is located on the summit of Leiyarang Mountain by Peacock Lake in the southeast of Mangshi, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. As a national 4A-level tourist attraction, it stands as a classic structure in Theravada Buddhist pagoda temples. The scenic area covers approximately 16,000 square meters, with the core Golden Pagoda standing at 76 meters in height and 50 meters in base diameter. Composed of a pedestal, tower body, and finial, the main structure features a steel framework pasted with gold foil, utilizing 1.3 tons of gold. Glittering in the sun, it is hailed as the "No. 1 Golden Buddha Pagoda in China" and the "No. 1 Hollow Buddha Pagoda in Asia." The area integrates Dai religious culture, architectural art, and natural landscapes, offering a panoramic view of Mangshi from the summit.
Historical Culture
The history of Menghuan Grand Golden Pagoda dates back to the Qing Dynasty, with the original pagoda built in 1803 and later destroyed by war. The current pagoda was reconstructed in 2004 under the design leadership of Ven. Dao Shuren, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Buddhist Association, and completed in 2007. "Menghuan," a Dai term meaning "City of Dawn," echoes Mangshi's nickname, reflecting the Dai people's pursuit of light and hope. Serving as a vital religious venue for the Dai in Mangshi, the pagoda hosts prayer and Buddhist offering ceremonies during festivals like the Dai Water-Splashing Festival and Out-Wax Festival, embodying profound ethnic culture and religious beliefs.
Main Attractions
Main Body of the Golden Pagoda
The main body of the Golden Pagoda reaches 76 meters in height, with its finial—comprising a treasure vase, canopy, and apex—standing 23 meters tall. The bell-shaped tower body features a small pagoda on each of its four sides, symbolizing the Buddhist "Four Noble Truths." The hollow interior houses sacred Buddhist relics such as Sakyamuni statues and palm-leaf scriptures. The pagoda base is surrounded by 16 exquisite Buddha reliefs depicting Buddhist stories and Dai cultural elements. Constructed with 1.3 tons of gold and over 200 tons of copper, it exemplifies the fusion of Dai architectural art and Buddhist culture.
Sightseeing Platform
A circular sightseeing platform at the pagoda's base covers about 3,000 square meters, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Mangshi's urban area, Peacock Lake, and surrounding mountains. At dawn or dusk, visitors can witness the magnificent scenes of golden sunlight bathing the pagoda at sunrise and sunset glow dyeing its body, making it an ideal photography spot for enthusiasts.
Buddhist Culture Square
The Buddhist Culture Square at the scenic area entrance spans approximately 5,000 square meters. A 9-meter-tall Four-Faced Buddha statue stands at its center, surrounded by Dai-style octagonal pavilions and corridors. The corridors display Theravada Buddhist murals and cultural materials about the Dai people, allowing visitors to learn about Buddhist doctrines and Dai history.
Food
Sapian
A traditional Dai dish, Sapian comes in "bitter Sapian" and "sour Sapian" varieties. Made with cattle or pig offal, it is seasoned with bitter intestine juice or lemon water, chili, and coriander, offering heat-relieving benefits. Available at "Best Food City" in Mangshi and restaurants around the scenic area, a small portion costs about 20 yuan, and a large portion 40 yuan.
Burmese Crispy Pancake
Influenced by Burmese cuisine, this snack is made from flour, eggs, and milk, served with sweet fillings like chocolate sauce or bananas, or savory ingredients like minced meat and onions. Sold at snack stalls near the scenic area and Mangshi Street Heart Garden Night Market, each portion costs 10-15 yuan.
Paoluda
A Southeast Asian-style beverage mixed with sago, coconut shreds, condensed milk, and breadcrumbs, offering a sweet and rich taste. Available at "Mengbanaxi Food City" in Mangshi and nearby cold drink shops, each cup costs 8-12 yuan, with ice added in summer.
Dai-style Barbecue
Meats and vegetables marinated with lemongrass, chili, and garlic, with signature dishes including grilled chicken, beef brisket, and eggplant. For an authentic experience, visit "Tuanjie Street Barbecue Night Market" in Mangshi, with an average cost of about 50 yuan per person.
Tickets
Free admission to the outer area; 40 yuan per person for entering the pagoda. Prices are subject to change. As of May 19, 2025, no official WeChat public account for the scenic area has been found.
Opening Hours
Open year-round from 07:30 to 21:30 (entry closes at 21:00). The pagoda remains open until 21:30 at night, illuminated for visitors to enjoy the night view. Opening hours may adjust during special religious events; check scenic area notices before visiting.
Tour Routes
Classic half-day route: Arrive at 09:00 and start by visiting the Buddhist Culture Square (09:00-09:30) to learn about Dai Buddhist culture. Then climb to the main Golden Pagoda via stairs (09:30-11:00) to view its interior statues, reliefs, and enjoy the panoramic view from the top. Head to the Sightseeing Platform at 11:30 (11:30-12:00) for photos of the pagoda and cityscape. End the tour at 12:30 and taste Dai dishes like Sapian and Paoluda near the scenic area.
Transportation
- Bus: Take Bus No. 3 from downtown Mangshi to "Menghuan Grand Golden Pagoda" stop, then walk 5 minutes to the entrance. Fare: 2 yuan/person. First bus: 06:30, last bus: 18:30.
- Taxi: A 15-minute drive from Mangshi Airport or Railway Station costs about 20-30 yuan.
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Menghuan Grand Golden Pagoda," driving about 3 km along Menghuan Road from downtown Mangshi. The scenic area has a parking lot (5 yuan/day for cars).
Must-See Attractions
- Main Body of the Golden Pagoda: A 76-meter golden-foil pagoda, the essence of Buddhist culture and architecture. Suggested visit: 1.5 hours.
- Sightseeing Platform: The best spot for panoramic views of Mangshi, ideal for photography during sunrise/sunset. Suggested stay: 30 minutes.
- Buddhist Culture Square: A window to learn about Theravada Buddhism and Dai culture. Suggested visit: 30 minutes.
Tour Tips
- Wear comfortable sneakers: Climbing about 200 steps to the pagoda requires non-slip shoes; avoid high heels.
- Sun protection: Mangshi has strong sunshine—bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses. Carry mosquito repellent in summer.
- Off-peak visiting: Visit before 08:00 on weekdays or after 16:00 to avoid crowds and high temperatures.
- Respect religious customs: Remove shoes before entering the pagoda, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and refrain from loud noises or using flash photography.
Notes
- Safety warning: The pagoda base platform has no guardrails—stay away from the edge when taking photos.
- Cultural relic protection: Touching or carving reliefs and Buddha statues is prohibited, with fines of 200-500 yuan for violations.
- Religious etiquette: Maintain distance during religious ceremonies and do not photograph believers without permission.
- Property security: Keep an eye on belongings at the entrance and along the climbing path due to high foot traffic.
- Night safety: Use caution on stairs at night; while the scenic area is well-lit, it is recommended to visit in groups.