Sights in Baoshan

Tengchong is a small yet exquisite city, home to many of Baoshan's attractions, making it a must-see destination. Rich in volcanic geothermal resources, its majestic volcanoes, gushing hot springs, and beautiful wetlands are truly representative of Baoshan. Tengchong's National Cemetery records the tragic history of the Anti-Japanese War in Western Yunnan, where countless heroes of the expedition are buried. Heshun Ancient Town, a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, offers unforgettable scenery. And the century-old ginkgo trees of Gudong Town, adorning the village in golden glory in the autumn, splendidly capture the attention of countless photographers. To fully appreciate this small city's charm, spend 3-5 days there to fully experience Tengchong's charm.

Taibao Park is named for its location on Taibao Mountain, a mountain blessed with natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. Over 700 steps ascend the park's summit, offering breathtaking views. Nearby, ancient buildings such as the Jade Emperor Pavilion and the Jade Buddha Temple, nestled amidst lush greenery, are resplendent with carved beams and painted rafters. The Baoshan City Museum is also located here. The park's summit platform houses the Wuhou Shrine, the second largest in Southwest China, built during the Yuan Dynasty. Other structures include the Wangcheng Tower, a stage, and the Songyuan Pavilion. From the summit, visitors can admire the magnificent scenery of Baoshan City, where "the sound of pine waves echoes from the heavens, and the lights of thousands of homes dance on the earth."

Yiluo Pond, primarily composed of a pond, a pavilion, and a pagoda, is surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, creating a tranquil and beautiful scene. Located at the foot of Jiulong Mountain, Yiluo Pond was originally known as Jiulong Pond, also known as Longquan Lake. "Jiulong" was the name of the first monarch of the Ailao Kingdom before the Han Dynasty. Legend has it that it was later renamed Yiluo Pond in honor of the Ming Dynasty general Deng Zilong, who defended the country from the border. A pavilion originally stood in the center of Yiluo Pond, known as the "Zhuoying Pavilion," bearing a couplet inscribed by the Ming general Deng Zilong: "Returning from a hundred battles, with white hair on my temples." However, this pavilion was later destroyed, prompting locals to rebuild a pavilion in its place. This pavilion echoes the Wenbi Pagoda, atop the green hills to the west of the pond. Built in the Tang Dynasty, the Wenbi Pagoda, also known as the Ziyun Ancient Pagoda, was damaged during the Cultural Revolution and subsequently restored to its original appearance. After the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, many soldiers who died in the Battle of Western Yunnan were buried by the Yiluo Pond. People built the "Western Yunnan People's Anti-Japanese War Memorial" here to commemorate them. Although the tragic history has passed, this place continues to carry the great spirit of perseverance, loyalty and bravery of the Chinese nation, and is remembered by future generations.

Gaoligong Mountain, nestled on the west bank of the Nujiang River, is a key component of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site. Gaoli is a transliteration of the name of a Jingpo clan. "Gong" means "mountain" in the Jingpo language, making Gaoligong "the mountain of the Gaoli clan." From north to south, the Gaoligong Mountains span Gongshan, Fugong, and Lushui counties in Nujiang Prefecture, as well as Tengchong County and Longyang District in Baoshan. Spanning five latitudes, the Gaoligong Mountains are the only region on Earth to maintain a large-scale transition from humid tropical forest to temperate forest. The area is home to a diverse array of rare flora and fauna and is home to Yunnan's eight famous flowers. A large tree azalea, known as the "King of the World's Azalea," blooms over 40,000 flowers annually, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Furthermore, Gaoligong Mountain, dotted with cascading waterfalls, springs, and snow-capped mountain lakes, is also home to volcanic hot springs. Its breathtaking scenery makes it a paradise for photographers and hikers.

Longling County, located southwest of Baoshan City, lies within the Nujiang Fault Zone and is known as the "Rain Screen of Western Yunnan." Anciently known as "Mengnong" and "Heishuilong," Longling County, while not as renowned as Tengchong, is equally admired for its rich history and numerous historical sites. The Xiaoheishan Nature Reserve boasts stunning scenery, and the remains of the Songshan Battle, once a major battleground in western Yunnan. Other attractions include the Alsophila spinulosa scenic area, the Sanjiangkou scenic area, and the Mengnuo Xianren Cave, a karst cave. The Banglazhang Hot Springs are renowned. Longling's landscapes are untouched by human intervention, exuding a natural beauty. Enjoy the stunning scenery while soaking in the hot springs to soothe away fatigue. Longling is the perfect place to visit.

Buried here are Chinese soldiers who lost their lives during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Visitors pay tribute not only to the departed but also to a tragic story. Completed in 1945, the cemetery comprises a memorial tower and a martyrs' tomb. The tombstones bear the names, native places, ranks, and positions of the fallen soldiers, who spearheaded the recapture of Tengchong. The Martyrs' Shrine within the cemetery, built in the style of an ancient ancestral hall, houses several stone tablets and historical photographs, chronicling that poignant period.

The Battle of Songshan, also known as the Songshan Meeting or the Battle of Songshan, was part of the Western Yunnan-Northern Burma Campaign and one of the largest battles in southern China. Japanese published war histories describe it as a "kama-smashing" (complete annihilation) in the Asian theater of World War II. Songshan, the highest peak in Longling County, boasts a strategic location, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack, earning it the nickname "Gibraltar of the East." The battle ruins, concentrated on the summits east and west of Dayakou Village in Lameng Township, are among the best-preserved battlefield sites of World War II, with bunkers, trenches, and bomb craters visible throughout. Battlefield sites such as Gunlongpo and Yingdunshan, as well as the remains of Japanese power stations, pumping stations, and comfort stations, have all been preserved. A monument commemorating the fallen soldiers of the Songshan Battle, a martyrs' cemetery, a hero sculpture, and the Huitong Bridge are also located.

Heshun, the birthplace of Yunnan's earliest cross-border trade, is a century-old village deeply influenced by the culture of the Central Plains on the Ancient Southwest Silk Road, which continued westward from here, ultimately connecting West and South Asia. Heshun, formerly known as Yangwentun, was renamed "Heshun" due to a small river flowing through the village, later taking the meaning of "harmony between scholars and people." Generations of Heshun residents have worked as caravans and established businesses, leaving behind many legendary stories. Historic buildings such as Ai Siqi's former residence, the Cun Clan Ancestral Hall, the Wanlouzi (Wanlouzi), and the Heshun Library remain.

Gudong Town was once the economic, cultural, and commercial center of Tengbei. As early as the Yuan Dynasty, when military settlements were implemented, it engaged in trade with the Central Plains, earning it the reputation of "an important town in Tengbei." Gudong Town boasts a long history and rich culture, forming a vital part of Tengyue culture and historically known as the "Ancient Prefecture of Shunjiang." Its shadow puppetry tradition has been passed down for over 600 years, and its Xingyang paper umbrellas and Jiangdong embroidery are nationally renowned. In the golden autumn season (mid-November to early December), the town's ancient ginkgo trees shimmer in golden light, their ancient buildings adorned with a touch of quaintness. The colorful embroidery displayed in every household, set against the golden leaves, creates a unique scene of "embroidered weaving in the apricot forest." Unlike most scenic forests located far from human habitation, the greatest charm of Ginkgo Village lies in its "village within the forest, trees within the homes." 827 households have lived in harmony with over 3,000 ancient ginkgo trees for generations.

The narrow stone road is lined with ordinary farmhouses and dilapidated houses, but after a bend, a vast expanse of land and sky appears. Small bridges, flowing water, ancient trees, and the magnificent buildings with blue bricks, green tiles, and double eaves form a peaceful and harmonious scene.

Historically, Banqiao Town was an important post station on the Meihua Ancient Ferry, the second ancient ferry from Lanjin Ferry into Baoshan on the Southern Silk Road. Merchants and scholars flocked here, and the area flourished. Its unique geographical location made it a transportation fortress in western Yunnan, a historically contested location for military strategists. It has been known as the "Meihua Ancient Ferry," "Beijin Smoky Willows," and "Banqiao Passage." Strolling through the ancient town, including Qinglong Street and Beijin Street, you'll encounter ancient buildings such as the ancient road nail shop, the Wan Family Ancestral Hall, the Ma Family Courtyard, old teahouses, old horse inns, ancient theaters, and traditional dwellings. The town's traditional craft of baking cakes in oak charcoal ovens is a unique art form in western Yunnan and even throughout Yunnan. After exploring the ancient town, you can also visit nearby attractions such as the Yunya Reclining Buddha, the Dragon King Pond Waterscape Garden, and the Xizhuang Temple.

Jinji Ancient Town is said to be the hometown of Lü Kai, a descendant of Qin Prime Minister Lü Buwei and the prefect of Yongjing County. Ancient buildings such as the Lü Gong Temple, Jinji Temple, Woniu Temple, and an ancient theater can still be seen in the town. The two main streets intersect in a Y-shaped pattern at the heart of the village. Traditional-style residential buildings are scattered throughout the town, forming an orderly pattern. The town's pickled cauliflower and honey bee salad is a must-try delicacy, which can be sampled at local farmhouses or small restaurants.

Yaoguan Ancient Town was once an important post station on the ancient Southern Silk Road. Within the town, there are historical sites such as the Deng Zilong Anti-Burmese Rebellion Garrison Site, Qingping Cave, Xuzhong Shrine, Wanrengang, and Xijia Bridge, as well as scenic natural landscapes such as Guishan Mountain and Yaoguan Basin. Yaoguan Town is primarily populated by the Bulang ethnic group, and boasts a rich ethnic customs. The town, brimming with rivers and streams and surrounded by verdant mountains, boasts beautiful scenery, earning it the nickname "Highland Water Town." In summer, blooming lotuses blanket the river, stretching as far as the eye can see. Wild ducks swim, egrets soar, and fish and shrimp can be spotted. Willow trees sway along the banks, creating a captivating backdrop of mountains and water, creating a captivating landscape of rural beauty.

Houqiao Town, bordered by mountains and rivers from Myanmar, is a small Lisu village in southwestern China. The Binglang River flows through the town, and Danza Village to the north is a picturesque place. Every winter and spring, the surrounding peaks are capped with snow, while the embankment's green crops and golden rapeseed flowers complement each other. The Binglang River's banks are lined with canyons, and the river is dotted with bizarre rocks, creating a natural sculpture garden. The Daogan Festival, held annually on the eighth day of the second lunar month, showcases unique Lisu customs. Visitors can enjoy performances such as "climbing the Daogan and descending into the sea of ​​fire," as well as folk songs and dances such as "Tiaoga," "Sanxian dance," "kouxian," and "folk songs." The Houqiao Port within the town is a major port in southwestern China, and crossing through it leads to Myanmar.

The ancient Southwestern Silk Road, also known as the Southwest Silk Road, was a trade route that began in Sichuan, passed through Yunnan, Myanmar, and finally reached India. The Bonan Ancient Road is an ancient route on the Southwest Silk Road. The route continues westward across the Lancang River and joins the Yongchang Ancient Road in Baoshan.

Standing by the Lancang River, one can see the precipitous peaks of Bonan Mountain and Luomin Mountain facing each other. Nearby, the Lanjin Ancient Ferry, a must-pass on the Yongchang Road, boasts the Jihong Bridge, China's oldest known iron chain bridge. In ancient times, this area was bustling with merchants and horses crossing the bridge. Deep horse hoof prints still etch the post road, a testament to its prosperity. Located in Yongping County, the Bonan Ancient Road stretches over 100 kilometers, dotted with temples and numerous historical sites, including the Qudong Mosque, Huaqiao Ancient Post Station, the Bonan Mountain Stele, Fengming Bridge, the ruins of Yongguo Temple, Wansong Nunnery, Yuhuang Pavilion, and the cliff carvings along the Lancang River.

The Stilwell Road, part of the Burma Road, was built by the Chinese Army in 1944 after their victorious counter-offensives in western Yunnan and northern Burma. It runs from Ledo in northeastern India to Kunming in Yunnan, China, and is known as the "lifeline of the Anti-Japanese War." From Ledo, India, to Myitkyina, Burma, the Stilwell Road splits into two routes: the southern route, which passes through Bhamo and Namkham in Myanmar, to Wanding in China; the northern route, which passes through Ganbaidi in Myanmar, through the Houqiao Port in China, and on to Longling via Tengchong. Both routes eventually connect with the Burma Road. The most striking feature of the road is the 24 180-degree turns that rise to the top of the mountain. This remarkable feature is considered a world-class road wonder, and the "24 turns" have become a key landmark on both the Burma Road and the Stilwell Road.

Lihuawu, also known as the Big Pear Garden, is a sacred Buddhist site in Baoshan. Its terrain is concave on all sides and convex in the middle, and the area is home to numerous pear trees. In spring, the pear blossoms bloom, resembling snow-white from afar. This is how the area got its name. Within the Lihuawu scenic area lies a large temple complex dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The main building, Ciyun Pavilion, towers tall and majestic, boasting a simple and solemn style. Other ancillary buildings include the Sutra Library, the Painting Reading Tower, the Drunken Moon Tower, the Bodhi Tower, the Yangyun Pond, the Rain Flower Pavilion, and the Ruixueling Ridge. A gurgling stream flows before the temple, and the temple is a vibrant haunt. Every February and March, the blooming pear blossoms adorn the area with even greater beauty. The temple's vegetarian banquets are highly praised by pilgrims. The Guanyin Festival in Lihuawu takes place on February 29th, June 19th, and September 19th of the lunar calendar, attracting a constant stream of visitors and a vibrant atmosphere.

The main scenic area of ​​Laifeng Mountain Park is a shield-shaped volcanic cone, resembling an elephant. Legend has it that a phoenix landed there, earning its name. Over time, the area where the lava erupted and the earth rose has now become home to towering ancient trees. "Laifeng Qinglan," one of Tengchong's twelve scenic spots, refers to this area. At the summit stands the Wenbi Pagoda, built during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty.

On the mountainside lies Laifeng Temple, Tengchong's most renowned Buddhist sanctuary. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it houses the only white jade ancestral temple in China. April, July, and November are the best times to visit. In the early mornings of winter and spring, or after rain in summer and autumn, mist rises from the mountains, forming a white silk thread that winds along the mountainside or cascades down to the summit, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle.

According to research, Tengchong County was built on lava that solidified after an eruption 900,000 years ago. Tengchong Volcano Park, home to 97 volcanic bodies and numerous lava terraces, is one of my country's four major volcanic clusters. The park comprises Dakong Mountain, Xiaokong Mountain, the Columnar Joints, and the Heiyu River Scenic Area. The park boasts a large, concentrated, and well-preserved collection of volcanic cones, lava caves, lava fields, volcanic lakes, dammed waterfalls, and columnar joints.

Tengchong Hot Spring covers an area of ​​about 9 square kilometers and has more than 80 gas springs and hot spring groups, of which 10 hot spring groups have water temperatures exceeding 90°C. The hot air shrouds the area in a white mist, and hot springs can be seen gushing everywhere.

The most iconic spring in Rehai is the Big Boiling Pot, while others include the Spectacle Spring and the Beauty Pool. Each spring has its own name and story. Here, you can also see the "eggs sold on skewers," one of Yunnan's 18 strange things. Rehai also boasts numerous sanatoriums and bathhouses, offering a truly enjoyable experience of bathing and soaking in the hot springs.