Two Days and One Night in Tengchong! A Journey to the Hidden Gem | Explore the Borderland Pearl Under 1000 RMB

✅Tengchong, nestled on the border of Yunnan, is where volcanoes meet wetlands and ancient towns preserve centuries of charm. With a two-day, one-night itinerary and a budget under 1000 RMB, you can immerse yourself in history and nature alike. Here’s your ready-made plan!
🌟 **Day 1: In Heshun Ancient Town, Read a Living History Book**
✅**Morning | Stroll Through the Timeless Charm of the Hometown of Overseas Chinese**
Depart from Dali (about a 3-hour drive) and head straight to **Heshun Ancient Town**—a free-entry "Top 10 Charming Ancient Towns in China." Its cobblestone streets weave tales of centuries past.
**Must-Visit Route**: Ai Siqi’s Former Residence (philosopher’s legacy) → Longtan Pond (emerald waters reflecting ancient bridges) → Yuanlong Pavilion (eaves whispering Zen) → Heshun Library (century-old scholarly aura) → Yunnan-Myanmar Anti-Japanese War Museum (touching wartime memories). The blend of Chinese and Western architecture makes every shot a masterpiece—slow down to savor it.
✅**Lunch | Savor Local Flavors at Zhang Family Courtyard**
A time-honored eatery in the town, specializing in Tengchong dishes like the mildly spicy earthen pot stew and fragrant stir-fried rice cakes (*Dajiujia*). Also try Dai and Jingpo ethnic snacks—50 RMB per person for a hearty meal.
✅**Afternoon | Unwind at Donghu Park**
A 10-minute walk post-lunch takes you to Donghu Park, where European-style buildings frame serene lakes and trees. Sit back, soak up the sun, and snap some dreamy photos—all for free.
🏠**Stay | Sleep Amidst the Town’s Warmth**
Choose a courtyard guesthouse (200-300 RMB/night) with wooden charm. Fall asleep to crickets and wake to birdsong.

🌿 **Day 2: Step into Nature’s Wonderland**
✅**Morning | Discover the Floating Mat at Beihai Wetland**
Start early to visit China’s only volcanic barrier-lake wetland (55 RMB entry). Walk on 2-meter-thick grassy "rafts," with skies and clouds mirrored in the water, and waterbirds skimming past—pure serenity.
✅**Noon | Quick Bite Before Volcano Adventure**
Grab a bowl of Tengchong rice noodles (15 RMB) nearby, then head to **Volcanic Geopark** (35 RMB entry).
✅**Afternoon | Double Delight: Volcanoes and Underground Rivers**
• **For a bird’s-eye view**: Opt for a hot-air balloon ride (200-300 RMB, seasonal; check weather). Soaring above cone-shaped craters is unforgettable.
• **Prefer ground exploration?** Hike up Xiaokong Mountain to touch volcanic relics and feel Earth’s pulse.
✅**Next Stop: Black Fish River (Free)**
This 18°C underground river dazzles with crystal-clear springs and lush banks. Cool off by the water and marvel at the hexagonal basalt columns (a volcanic wonder).
✅**Dinner | Feast Before Heading Back**
Return to the city for authentic BBQ (60 RMB/person)—skewers, grilled enoki mushrooms, and local beer. Depart with a heart full of nature and nostalgia.

💰 **Budget Breakdown (Per Person)**
🚗Transport (Dali round trip): ~200 RMB
🏠Accommodation: 200-300 RMB
🥘Food: 50 + 15 + 60 ≈ 125 RMB
💰Tickets & Experiences: 55 (wetland) + 35 (volcano) + 200-300 (balloon, optional) ≈ 290-390 RMB
**Total**: ~815-1015 RMB (adjust optional activities to stay under 1000 RMB).

✅Tengchong’s beauty lies in its unhurried rhythm. Two days may be short, but they’re enough to remember—its volcanic might, wetland serenity, and ancient town warmth.