Mengzi

Mengzi (蒙自; Méngzì) is a county-level city in southern Yunnan Province, about 260 km south of Kunming. It is the capital of the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture. Mengzi has a rich history as a treaty port opened to French trade in the late 19th century, and was one of the first places in Yunnan to experience Western influence via the French-built Yunnan–Vietnam Railway. The most iconic landmark is the Bisezhai Railway Station (碧色寨), a well-preserved French-colonial train station that is now a popular film location. Mengzi is also famous as the birthplace of Yunnan's signature dish, crossing-the-bridge noodles (过桥米线). The city has a mild weather year-round. The best time to visit is October–April.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), 260 km north (3 hr by car). Direct flights from all over China.

By Train

Mengzi Railway Station and Mengzi North Railway Station serve the city. High-speed trains from Kunming take about 2.5 hours (¥100–140).

By Car / Road

Mengzi is on the G8011 Kaihe Expressway, 260 km south of Kunming (3 hr drive). Buses from Kunming's South Bus Station run regularly (¥70–100, 3.5 hr).

Mengzi city is manageable by taxi (¥8 flagfall). The bus system covers the city and surrounding areas. Bisezhai station is 15 km northeast (¥30 by taxi).

• Bisezhai Railway Station (碧色寨) — The most famous French-colonial railway station in Yunnan, built in 1909. The mustard-yellow building with its clock tower and arched windows has been featured in many Chinese films. Free.

• Mengzi South Lake (南湖) — A large, scenic lake in the city centre with walking paths, gardens, and a pavilion. The birthplace of crossing-the-bridge noodles. Free.

• French Concession Architecture — Several French-colonial buildings remain in the city centre, including the Former French Consulate and the French Hospital.

• Mengzi Museum — Covers the city's history as a treaty port and its role on the Yunnan–Vietnam Railway. Tue–Sun 9AM–5PM, free.

• Changqiao Hai — A large former French airfield, now a park with historical exhibits about the Flying Tigers (WWII). Free.

• Photograph Bisezhai Station — The yellow French station is the most photogenic spot in southern Yunnan.

• Eat authentic crossing-the-bridge noodles — Visit the original restaurant beside South Lake, where the dish is said to have been invented.

• Walk the French Concession — Explore the colonial-era buildings and streets.

• Boat ride on South Lake — Pedal boats for hire. ¥30–50 per hour.

• Learn about the Yunnan–Vietnam Railway — The Bisezhai station has a small museum about the railway's history.

• Crossing-the-bridge noodles (过桥米线) — The definitive version, served with a bowl of boiling chicken broth and a tray of raw ingredients. ¥30–80.
• Mengzi grilled tofu — Small blocks of tofu grilled over charcoal and served with dipping sauce. ¥10–20.
• Hani smoked meat — Smoked pork and sausage from the Hani people. ¥30–60.
• Yunnan coffee and pastries — Several French-style bakeries in the city.

• Yunnan coffee — Locally grown arabica coffee.
• Pu'er tea — Available throughout Yunnan.
• Bottled water — tap water is not recommended.

• Budget: Guesthouses near the bus station (¥80–150).
• Mid-range: Hotels in the city centre (¥150–300).
• Upscale: Mengzi Grand Hotel (¥300–500).

• Yunnan coffee — Mengzi is in a coffee-growing region. Buy local beans.
• Crossing-the-bridge noodle kits — Packaged noodle sets to take home.
• Hani and Yi embroideries — Textiles from the local minority groups.

• Yuanyang Rice Terraces (2 hr south) — UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces of the Hani people.
• Gejiu (30 min north) — Historic tin-mining city with French-colonial architecture.
• Jianshui (1 hr east) — Confucius Temple, Zhu Family Garden, and Shuanglong Bridge.
• Hekou (2 hr south) — Border crossing into Lao Cai, Vietnam.
• Shiping County (1.5 hr north-east) — The Yi Village of Shiping with traditional architecture.