What to Do and How to Travel in Tengchong
Walking on Knife Blades and Crossing a Bed of Burning Coals
The Lisu people were once a nomadic tribe constantly on the move. The towering and biodiverse Gaoligong Mountains became their home. Fire and long knives were their tools to survive and conquer nature, so they hold deep reverence for both. The ritual of “walking on knife poles and crossing burning coals” is their way to pray for divine blessings.
Venue: Lisu bonfire parties are held on weekends at Yuquan Garden in Tengchong, where you can watch this breathtaking stunt performance.
Address: North of Tengyue Cultural Square, next to the West Bus Terminal.
Ancient Dongjing Music
Dongjing is a time-honored traditional culture in Tengchong. Its scriptures are profound, and its tunes are solemn, elegant and melodious. It is regarded as a noble and auspicious symbol. Enjoyed by refined scholars and ordinary folk alike, Dongjing music is an indispensable part of folk ceremonies and has taken root in every household in Tengchong.
Cultural Experiences in Heshang Alley
Visit the hometown of the King of Jadeite in the alley and experience the jade culture embodied in the saying: “Jadeite is mined in Tengyue and shipped from Heshun.”
You can watch demonstrations of numerous folk handicrafts: ancient papermaking, wood carving, spun sugar, earthenware liquor making, blacksmithing, weaving, Dongjing music and shadow puppetry, alongside displays of antiques from old Heshun. Folk shows including caravan weddings and caravan singing festivals are also staged here.
Caravan Singing Festival
Time: 10:00–11:00 and 16:00–17:00 daily in Heshun Alley.
Highlights include Harmony Under Heaven, the grand finale performed at the 2005 CCTV Awards Ceremony for China’s Most Charming Towns, as well as passionate singing and dancing shows by the local Lisu ethnic group.
Tea Ceremony Performance
On the stage in Heshun Alley, the Heshun Art Troupe puts on two tea ceremony shows every day: traditional Chinese essence and ethnic tea art. You can get a profound taste of the time-honored Chinese tea culture.
Tengchong Shadow Puppetry
Tengchong shadow puppetry is a long-standing and widely popular folk art on China’s Yunnan border, commonly known as leather puppet shows or lamp shadow plays.
It was introduced from central China during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty more than 600 years ago. After continuous integration with local culture, it developed into two major schools: the West Tune and the East Tune. It features rich vocal styles, abundant plays and witty dialogue, and is deeply loved by local residents and ethnic minorities in neighboring areas.
Hot Spring Bathing
Tengchong is one of China’s most famous volcanic regions, with 97 Cenozoic volcanoes and 139 hot springs. Few places in China or even across the globe combine volcanoes, geothermal heat and hot springs in such concentration.
Rehai and Cherry Blossom Valley are the most well-known hot spring resorts here. Steam rises continuously from the mountains, shrouding the hills like clouds and mist, creating a fairyland scene. Accommodation is available after your hot spring soak.
Tips for Hot Spring Bathing
- Those with weak physical condition or organic diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart and other organs should avoid hot spring bathing.
- Do not use overly hot water or soak for too long. Keep the water temperature between 38℃ and 40℃. Get out and rest for a while after every 10 to 15 minutes of soaking.
- Replenish water scientifically. Drink plain boiled water, lemon water or light salt water at 20℃–25℃ to prevent dehydration.
Groups Not Suitable for Hot Spring Bathing
- People suffering from severe arteriosclerosis, hypertension or cardiovascular diseases (even mild cases should not enter the pool casually).
- Visitors with open wounds or allergies to hot spring water.
- Patients with cancer, leukemia or any acute illnesses.
- Severe diabetic patients with vascular complications.
- Women during menstruation, early pregnancy and late pregnancy.
- Do not bathe when exhausted, heavily drunk, on an empty stomach or overly full.
- People with eye problems, such as allergic conjunctivitis, dry eyes, chronic conjunctivitis, insufficient tear secretion or incomplete eyelid closure, should not enter a steam room directly after soaking. Mineral content in sweat may irritate eyes and cause inflammation or corneal damage due to excessive tear evaporation.
Solution: Wash your face and body thoroughly with clean water first. Cover your eyes with a clean towel while in the steam room to keep mineral-laden sweat away from your eyes.
Hot Air Balloon: Bird’s-eye View over Volcanic Craters
At the Volcanic Geopark, hot air balloon rides are available before 10:30 every morning.
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Price: Around 180 RMB per person
Glider flights are also offered at 300 RMB per person.
From the balloon, you can enjoy a clear panoramic view of the magnificent volcanic landforms.
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