Tengchong Travel Guide: Volcanoes, Hot Springs, Border Cuisine, and Affordable Accommodation Recommendations

Tengchong, a small border town in western Yunnan, is located at the foot of the Gaoligong Mountains and is famous for its volcanoes, hot springs, ancient towns, and cuisine. The climate here is pleasant, with spring-like weather all year round. It offers magnificent natural landscapes as well as unique cultural customs. If you plan to travel to Tengchong, this guide will help you enjoy Tengchong to the fullest—eat well, have fun, and stay affordably! Where is Tengchong? Tengchong is located in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, near the Myanmar border, about 650 kilometers from Kunming (1 hour by plane / about 5 hours by high-speed train plus car). Due to its unique geothermal resources and volcanic landforms, it is known as the "First City on the Extreme Border." Recommended Must-Visit Attractions 1. Tengchong Volcano Geological Park (Ticket: 35 RMB) Why visit: One of China’s four major volcanic clusters, you can hike up to Dakong Mountain or Xiaokong Mountain to overlook the volcanic crater and experience geological wonders from millions of years ago. Activities: Horse riding (about 50 RMB), hot air balloon rides (weather permitting, about 200 RMB). Best time: Early morning or evening, when the light is soft and perfect for photography. 2. Rehai Scenic Area (Ticket: 50 RMB, hot springs extra) Why visit: Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources, featuring the boiling "Big Boiling Pot" (water temperature up to 96°C) and natural hot springs. Must-try: Boiled eggs (5 RMB per skewer), soaking in hot springs (recommended Bath Valley Hot Spring or Beauty Pool). Tips: There is a lot of walking in the scenic area, so wear comfortable shoes. 3. Heshun Ancient Town (Ticket: 55 RMB, some guesthouses offer free entry) Why visit: A 600-year-old overseas Chinese hometown, quieter than Dali or Lijiang, perfect for slow travel. Highlights: Heshun Library (China’s largest rural library) Ai Siqi Former Residence (philosopher’s home) Wild Duck Lake (beautiful with morning mist) Tips: The ancient town has many cafes and small shops, great for relaxing. 4. Beihai Wetland (Ticket: 55 RMB, boating extra) Why visit: Yunnan’s only volcanic dam lake wetland, with flower seas in spring and summer, and migratory birds in autumn and winter. Activities: Grass raft boating (about 60 RMB), bird watching, photography. 5. National Martyrs Cemetery & Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall (Free) Why visit: Learn about the history of the Yunnan-Burma War and pay tribute to the expeditionary army soldiers; very educational. 6. Yunfeng Mountain (Ticket + cable car about 160 RMB) Why visit: A famous Taoist mountain, with Yunfeng Temple built on a cliff at the summit, offering panoramic views of Tengchong. Tips: Hiking is tiring; cable car is recommended. Must-Try Foods in Tengchong 1. Dajiujia (Stir-fried Erkuai) Recommended shop: Cun Dama Doufen Restaurant in Heshun Ancient Town Features: Chewy erkuai (rice cake) with egg, tomato, and greens, sour and spicy, very appetizing. 2. Clay Pot Hotpot Recommended shop: Chaowei Halal Copper Ladle Beef Hotpot Features: Tengchong specialty hotpot, stewed beef and vegetables in a clay pot, with a delicious broth. 3. Xidoufen (Pea Flour Porridge) Recommended shop: Yang Dama Xidoufen (open 6-10 AM) Features: Porridge made from ground peas, served with fried dough sticks or erkuai, a local favorite breakfast. 4. Copper Ladle Beef Hotpot Recommended shop: Ma Dong Halal Copper Ladle Beef Features: Charcoal copper pot cooking tender beef, dipped in spicy sauce. 5. Songhua Cake Recommended: Street stalls in Heshun Ancient Town Features: A sweet made from pine pollen, fragrant and mildly sweet, 3 RMB per piece. Affordable Accommodation Recommendations Tengchong accommodations are mainly concentrated in Heshun Ancient Town and the city center. Staying in the ancient town is recommended for a better atmosphere. 1. Inside Heshun Ancient Town (150-300 RMB/night) Recommended guesthouses: Yanjixiangxue Holiday Courtyard (artistic courtyard, great value) Yunli Shiguang Wuyou Panorama Inn (good view rooms) Heshun Alley Inn (quiet, friendly owner) 2. City Center (100-200 RMB/night) Recommended hotels: Tengchong Airport Sightseeing Hotel (near Rehai, clean and comfortable) 7 Days Inn (Tengchong Pedestrian Street Branch) (convenient transportation) Transportation Suggestions By plane: Direct flights to Tengchong Tuofeng Airport from Kunming, Chengdu, and Chongqing. By high-speed train: Take the train to Baoshan, then transfer to a car (2 hours) to Tengchong. Local transport: Taxi (starting fare 8 RMB), car rental (about 200 RMB/day), bus (some attractions accessible). Best Travel Time March to May: Warm spring, ideal for hiking and viewing rapeseed flowers. September to November: Clear autumn weather, Ginkgo Village turns golden (most beautiful in November). December to February: Best season for hot springs, fewer tourists and beautiful scenery. Tips 1. Tengchong is at 1600 meters altitude, generally no altitude sickness, but UV rays are strong, so use sun protection. 2. Bring your own swimsuit for hot springs, as rentals in scenic areas are expensive. 3. Heshun Ancient Town tickets are valid for 7 days with multiple entries allowed. Tengchong is a city perfect for slow travel. Whether it’s volcanoes, hot springs, historic towns, or authentic local food, you will experience a unique borderland charm.