Yunnan Tengchong: Quieter than Lijiang, more comfortable than Dali, this hidden gem city can no longer be kept secret!

Tengchong Travel Guide: The Hot Springs and Autumn Fairy Tale of the Frontier's First City

> Volcanic geothermal boiling, slow-moving ancient town time, ginkgo trees turning golden everywhere

Tengchong, a border town in western Yunnan, is famous for its unique volcanic geothermal features, ancient town culture, and natural scenery. Whether you want to relax in hot springs, explore historical traces, or immerse yourself in natural wonders, Tengchong can meet your expectations.

✔️ Preparation before travel:
Tengchong enjoys spring-like weather all year round, but there is a large temperature difference between day and night, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket. The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential. The best travel seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to December), especially the golden ginkgo village in mid to late November.

✨ Must-visit Attractions

1. ✔️ Heshun Ancient Town: A 600-year-old caravan town with cobblestone streets, Ming and Qing dynasty ancestral halls, and a picturesque mix of rice fields and lotus ponds. Be sure to check in at China’s largest rural library—the Heshun Library—and watch egrets flutter by Wild Duck Lake. The ancient town is especially peaceful and beautiful in the early morning or evening.

2. ✔️ Rehai Scenic Area: One of China’s three major geothermal areas. Witness the 97°C “Big Boiling Pot” hot spring erupting, enjoy the fun of boiling eggs in the hot springs, and soak in a natural sulfur hot spring to instantly relieve travel fatigue.

3. ✔️ Volcano Geological Park: Home to 97 volcanic cones. You can hike the Xiaokong Mountain volcanic crater, and on clear days, take a hot air balloon ride (280 RMB/person) in the morning to overlook the breathtaking “Earth’s Eye” landscape.

4. ✔️ Beihai Wetland: A highland volcanic dam lake wetland with different scenery in every season. Try riding a grass raft (a local water activity) through the reed beds and observe water birds such as egrets and mandarin ducks.

5. ✔️ Gudong Ginkgo Village (Autumn only): From mid-November to early December every year, over 3,000 ancient ginkgo trees turn the entire village golden, like a fairy tale world. You can also taste specialty dishes like ginkgo stewed chicken.

🗓️ Suggested Itinerary

Classic 3-day tour:

Day 1: Explore Heshun Ancient Town in the morning, then head to Rehai Scenic Area in the afternoon to experience boiling eggs in hot springs and soak in the hot springs.
Day 2: Visit Volcano Geological Park in the morning (hot air balloon rides depend on weather), then choose to go to Beihai Wetland for grass rafting and bird watching or visit Ginkgo Village (if in autumn).
Day 3: Visit the Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall (National Martyrs Cemetery) to remember history, then enjoy free time for shopping or tasting local cuisine.

🍜 Food Recommendations

Don’t miss Tengchong’s specialty foods: Dajiujia (stir-fried rice cakes), clay pot dishes (volcanic stone pot stews), and thin bean noodles (served with fried dough sticks). Copper ladle beef hot pot and mushroom hot pot are also worth trying. In Heshun Ancient Town, try Madam Lin’s pine flower cake.

💡 Practical Information

Transportation: You can fly to Tengchong Tuofeng Airport, or first arrive at Baoshan or Mangshi and then transfer by bus. Attractions are scattered around the city, so it is recommended to rent a car with a driver (about 300-400 RMB/day) for touring.
[Bed] Accommodation:
Multiple guesthouses in Heshun Ancient Town are perfect for experiencing a slow lifestyle.
For hot spring experiences, choose Lotus Hot Spring Resort Hotel or Angsana Tengchong Hot Springs Village.
⚠️ Notes:
Hot air balloon rides are highly weather-dependent; it is recommended to book in advance and schedule for early morning.
Be cautious when purchasing jade; only buy from reputable dealers with certification.
Respect local culture and maintain silence when visiting temples and memorial halls.

Tengchong is a city where you need to slow down and savor every moment. We hope this guide helps you leave wonderful memories in this “frontier’s first city”! Tengchong Rehai Scenic Area Tengchong Angsana Hot Springs Village