Great Attractions around Tengchong

Ancestral halls and memorial archways built during the Ming and Qing dynasties can be found everywhere in Heshun. Though the town has a history of more than 600 years, its architectural style from the Ming and Qing periods has been perfectly preserved, just like a legendary paradise on earth. Since the Qing Dynasty, numerous local residents went overseas to do business, so it is also known as a hometown of overseas Chinese.

With blue skies, towering volcanoes, winding rivers, murmuring brooks, exquisite pavilions, towering ancient trees, waterwheels beside rice paddies, blooming lotus flowers and playing wild ducks, together with wooden buildings covered with grey tiles, this ancient town is simply irresistible.

Do not miss the Yunnan-Burma Anti-Japanese War Museum in Heshun. More than 6,000 precious cultural relics are on display here. They vividly reproduce the fierce and solemn Yunnan-Burma battlefield more than 60 years ago, filling visitors with deep respect for the heroic Chinese Expeditionary Force.

Address: Heshun Town, Tengchong County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province Ticket: 80 RMB per person (The ticket covers Heshun Library, Wenchang Palace, Yunnan-Burma Anti-Japanese War Museum, Wanlouzi, Heshun Alley, Liu Ancestral Hall, Yuanlong Pavilion and the Former Residence of Ai Siqi.) Opening Hours: All day long

Transport: A taxi from downtown Tengchong costs 15 RMB. Shared minivans on Feicui Road opposite Tengchong No.1 Middle School charge only 2 RMB per passenger.

Tips: If you only want to wander freely in the ancient town without visiting paid scenic spots, book an inn in advance and ask the host to pick you up, or take a shared minivan directly into the town.

There are altogether 97 volcanic cones inside the park. The main geological relics include volcanic bombs, volcanic breccia, volcanic ash, pumice and scoria. Volcanic bombs take various shapes: spindle-shaped, loaf-shaped and twist-shaped. Various volcanic cones, craters, lava plateaus and barrier lakes formed by lava flows form magnificent volcanic landscapes.

Address: Spanning Tengchong County and Lianghe County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province Ticket: 40 RMB per person Opening Hours: 08:00 – 19:30

Transport: Take a bus bound for Gudong from the Northwest Bus Station in downtown Tengchong and get off at Mazhan Stop (5 RMB). Walk east for 10 minutes to reach the park gate.

Beihai Wetland is a highland volcanic barrier lake ecosystem. Large floating meadows stretch across the water, just like a colourful giant flower blanket. Dense aquatic plants weave their roots together year after year, forming whole floating grasslands that look like countless small grass islands. If you take off your shoes and step onto these islands barefoot, it feels just like walking on soft sponges.

Address: About 12 kilometres east of Tengchong County Ticket: 30 RMB per person; boat fare: 15 RMB per person Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

Transport: Take a medium bus from Tengchong West Bus Station for 5 RMB; the ride takes 20 minutes.

Tips: Large stretches of purple irises bloom here from April to May.

The scenic spot boasts diverse geothermal wonders: the Big Boiling Pot, Dragon Embracing Pearl, Drumming Spring, Pearl Spring, Spectacles Spring, Conception Well, Immortal Bathing Pool, Lion Hot Spring, Toad Mouth Waterfall and Bird Well. The most famous attraction is the Big Boiling Pot, a hot spring with a diameter of 6 metres churning with thick steam, presenting a spectacular view. Vendors sell eggs nearby — one of Yunnan’s Eighteen Oddities: eggs are sold strung on sticks. A string of 5 eggs costs 10 RMB. Put them into the hot soil, and they will be fully cooked in about 20 minutes. The egg white solidifies while the yolk stays tender, creating a unique flavour.

Address: Qingshui Township, 15 kilometres south of downtown Tengchong Tickets: Entrance ticket: 60 RMB per person; Rehai Bath Valley: 268 RMB per person; Beauty Pool swimming: 80 RMB per person. Opening Hours: All day long

Transport: Shared minivans depart when full from the crossroads of Rehai Road and Wenbi Road in the county town, charging 5 RMB per person; the fare may rise if you want an immediate departure. Return vans to downtown are available in the scenic area parking lot. A direct taxi from town to Rehai costs roughly 30 RMB.

The valley gets its name from wild cherry trees covering the hillsides. Recreational activities include hot spring bathing in primeval forests, river zip-lining, high suspension bridges, Longjiang river rafting, rock climbing, caravan experiences and giant swings. Complete with restaurants and accommodation, it is an eco-tourism zone combining sightseeing and outdoor adventure.

Address: Tengchong County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province Ticket: 30 RMB per person Opening Hours: All day long

Transport: Direct shuttle buses depart from downtown at 08:30 and 14:00. One-way fare: 30 RMB; return trip: 50 RMB. Shared minivans from the West Bus Station cost 80 RMB one way and 120–150 RMB for a round trip.

The main highlight of Yunfeng Mountain is the panoramic view from its peak. Perched on a solitary cliff stands Yunfeng Taoist Temple, the best viewing platform. The Gaoligong Mountains stand towering in the east, and the surrounding scenery is breathtaking. Spend one night at the temple (Xu Xiake once stayed here in ancient times). You can enjoy stunning sunrise and sunset, and you may even catch a sea of clouds with good weather.

Address: Ruidian Township, Tengchong County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province Ticket: 30 RMB; round-trip cableway: 80 RMB Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

Transport: Take a bus bound for Gudong from the Northwest Bus Station for 10 RMB. Small private cars to the scenic spot wait in Gudong Bus Station parking lot for 8 RMB; prices are negotiable for immediate departure.

Ginkgo Village is famous for its unique scenery: “the village lies inside the forest, and the forest grows within the village”. There are more than 3,000 ancient ginkgo trees in the village, including over 50 trees aged more than 500 years and more than 70 trees over 400 years old. These precious century-old trees lend the small village a simple, quiet and ancient charm. In late autumn and early winter, thousands of ancient ginkgo trees turn golden. When the wind blows, golden leaves flutter down like countless butterflies dancing in the air.

Address: Gudong Town, Tengchong County, Baoshan City Ticket: Free of charge Opening Hours: All day long Best viewing season: September to mid-December

Transport: Take a coach for Gudong and transfer locally in Gudong Town, or alight at Xinhe Village (marked with a large sign) and change vehicles. You can also visit the volcanic geopark first and then hire a minivan to the village.

Tips: The Tengchong Volcanic and Geothermal National Geopark is nearby. There are many inns and farm homestays inside the village, but dining prices are relatively high, so confirm costs before ordering meals.