Live Your Best Lives
Visit the Tengchong Volcanoes to explore the geothermal activity and volcanic landscape. You can hike around the volcanic craters, visit the nearby hot springs, and enjoy scenic views. Don't miss the geothermal park where you can learn about the region's volcanic history.
The Tengchong volcanic group is located in Tengchong County on the west side of Gaoligong Mountain in the southern section of the Hengduan Mountains. The volcanoes are famous for their complete types, large scale, concentrated distribution and relatively complete preservation. It is known as the "Natural Volcanic Geological Museum".
The cluster of volcanoes, large and small, high and low, concentrated in the Heshun and Mazhan areas, forms a vast volcanic landscape. This is a typical Quaternary volcano and one of China's most famous volcanic concentrations. Tengchong boasts 97 dormant volcanoes, 23 of which have relatively well-preserved craters.
Tengchong County is located on the lava flowing out of the Laifeng Mountain volcano. Volcanoes are concentrated near Mazhan Village, more than 10 kilometers northwest of the county. The Heikong Mountain and Dakong Mountain volcanic groups are arranged in a straight line from north to south, and are a national scenic spot.
The tropical monsoon climate combines the advantages of continental and maritime climates. Winter and spring are sunny and warm, while summer and autumn have a mix of sunny and rainy weather and are cool and pleasant. All four seasons are suitable for travel.
Dakong Mountain, Xiaokong Mountain, and Heikong Mountain, where pristine volcanic landscapes are easily glimpsed, are a popular destination for many tourists. These three volcanoes, each named "Kong," stand proudly in Mazhan Township, over 10 kilometers west of Tengchong County. From a distance, they resemble three giant, inverted bowls, each about 500 to 600 meters apart. They stretch from north to south, facing Daying Mountain, majestically situated to the southwest. Heikong Mountain, located in the north, rises approximately 200 meters, and is shrouded in dense pine forests, creating a vibrant, dark green. A belt of black rock stretches for miles across its east and west sides—this is cooled, solidified lava from underground.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
35 yuan/person
08:00-18:00
The Tengchong Volcanoes are part of the active volcanic belt in southwestern China. The region is geologically significant due to its volcanic activity, including hot springs and geothermal phenomena. These volcanoes have played a key role in the local ecosystem and culture.
The Tengchong Volcanoes are located in Tengchong County, Yunnan Province, near the border with Myanmar. The easiest way to reach the area is by taxi or private car from Tengchong City, which is approximately 40 minutes away.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the volcanic scenery is at its most spectacular.
The entrance fee is around ¥60-80. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and some tickets may be available for purchase online in advance through local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn) to avoid long queues. Booking at least 1-2 days ahead is advisable during these times.
It takes about 2-3 hours to explore the main volcanic areas, including walking around the craters and visiting the hot springs. If you're interested in hiking, you might want to allow for 4-5 hours.
The must-see highlights include the volcanic craters, geothermal springs, and the Tengchong Hot Spring Park. The area also offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and can be arranged on-site. Audio guides in English may be available for some of the exhibits or areas, but it's best to confirm availability before your visit.
The best viewpoints are from the volcanic craters and the surrounding hills. The Tengchong Hot Spring Park also offers great photography opportunities, especially with the steam rising from the geothermal springs.
Start by visiting the volcanic craters, then head to the hot springs for a relaxing experience. Take time to explore the geothermal park and enjoy the surrounding landscape, which offers multiple scenic spots for photography.
Night visits are not available at the Tengchong Volcanoes, and there are no light shows or special tours. However, the area is great for daytime exploration, with geothermal activity and volcanic landscapes visible throughout the day.
The site can be crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially in spring and autumn. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays.
Basic facilities such as toilets and water stations are available at the site. There are also small shops for souvenirs and snacks, but for a full meal, you may want to visit nearby restaurants in Tengchong.
The site is generally accessible, but there are some steep paths and uneven terrain around the volcanic areas. It may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors, but children can enjoy the areas with caution.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are more commonly used, especially for smaller purchases like souvenirs or snacks. Credit cards may be accepted at some locations.
Nearby restaurants in Tengchong offer local Yunnan cuisine, including hot pot and rice noodles. You can also find small cafes serving tea and snacks near the site.
Vegetarian options are available in Tengchong, as Yunnan cuisine includes many plant-based dishes. Halal options are limited, but you may find a few restaurants catering to Muslim dietary needs.
There are several hotels in Tengchong, ranging from budget options to mid-range hotels. Some of the closest include the Tengchong International Hotel and local guesthouses that provide convenient access to the volcanic sites.
Nearby attractions include the Heshun Ancient Town, known for its traditional architecture, and the Tengchong Hot Springs. These can be easily combined with a visit to the volcanoes in one day.
There are souvenir shops near the site selling local handicrafts, volcanic rocks, and Yunnan tea. Traditional clothing and jewelry are also available as souvenirs.
After visiting the volcanoes, taxis and buses are available to take you back to Tengchong. You can also rent a car for more flexibility if you plan to visit other attractions in the region.
