Live Your Best Lives
Explore the volcanic terrains of the Atami Geopark, soak in the natural hot springs of the Rehai Scenic Area, and visit the historic Heshun Ancient Town to experience local culture and architecture.
There are 97 volcanic bodies and several lava terraces in Tengchong Volcano Park. It is one of the four major volcanic groups in my country and is the best destination for exploring volcanic landforms.
The volcanic cones, volcanic caves, lava fields, volcanic lakes, barrier waterfalls and columnar joints in the park are large in scale, concentrated in distribution and well preserved.
Entering the gate of the scenic area, there is a small museum about volcanoes on the right, where you can learn about the formation and structure of volcanoes.
In addition, there are attractions such as Dakong Mountain, Xiaokong Mountain, Heikong Mountain, columnar joints, and Moyu River. You can also take a hot air balloon to view them and experience a different feeling.
1 day
Regular ticket: 40 RMB; electric car: 10 RMB one way / 15 RMB round trip (Monday-Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Hot air balloon ride: NT$200/10 minutes
08:00-18:00 (Monday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st)
Atami Geopark is part of the Tengchong Volcanic Geopark, known for its active geothermal activity. The area has been a significant site for studying volcanic geology and has cultural importance due to its historical towns and natural resources.
Atami Geopark is located in Tengchong County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province. The nearest major city is Baoshan, approximately 500 kilometers from Kunming. You can reach Tengchong by bus or taxi from Baoshan, and local transportation options like buses and taxis are available to access the park.
The park is open year-round. The best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and conducive for outdoor activities.
The entrance fee varies depending on the specific attractions within the park. For example, Heshun Ancient Town charges an entry fee of CNY 55 per person, which includes access to core attractions like the Heshun Library and Ai Siqi's Former Residence. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through local travel agencies.
It's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn). Booking at least a few days in advance ensures availability and may offer discounts.
To fully explore Atami Geopark and its surrounding attractions, allocate 2 to 3 days. This allows time for hiking, soaking in hot springs, and visiting cultural sites.
Key highlights include the volcanic craters in the Tengchong Volcanic Geopark, the geothermal hot springs in the Rehai Scenic Area, and the historical sites in Heshun Ancient Town.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. It's recommended to hire a local guide for a more enriching experience, as English-speaking guides may be limited.
The volcanic craters and geothermal features in the Tengchong Volcanic Geopark offer dramatic landscapes ideal for photography. The hot springs and the traditional architecture in Heshun Ancient Town also provide picturesque settings.
A suggested itinerary includes: Day 1 – Visit the Tengchong Volcanic Geopark and explore the volcanic craters. Day 2 – Soak in the hot springs at the Rehai Scenic Area. Day 3 – Tour the historical sites in Heshun Ancient Town.
Night visits are not commonly available in the park. However, some areas like Heshun Ancient Town may offer evening cultural performances or events during certain festivals.
The park can be crowded during Chinese public holidays and the summer vacation period. To avoid crowds, plan your visit during weekdays in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn).
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and food vendors are available within the park and surrounding areas. It's advisable to carry bottled water and snacks, especially when hiking in remote areas.
The park's terrain includes uneven paths and steep areas, which may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It's recommended to assess individual mobility needs before planning a visit.
While major cities like Baoshan may accept credit cards and mobile payments, it's advisable to carry cash when visiting the park and surrounding areas, as smaller vendors may not accept electronic payments.
There are several local restaurants and cafes in Tengchong and Heshun Ancient Town offering traditional Yunnan cuisine. It's recommended to try local specialties like spicy hotpot and rice noodles.
Vegetarian options are available in many local restaurants. However, halal food options may be limited, so it's advisable to inquire in advance or consider self-catering if you have specific dietary requirements.
There are various accommodations ranging from budget hostels to mid-range hotels in Tengchong and Heshun Ancient Town. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nearby attractions include the Dieshuihe Waterfall, Gaoligong Mountain Nature Reserve, and the Ginkgo Village. These can be visited in a day trip from Tengchong.
Souvenir shops in Heshun Ancient Town and Tengchong offer local handicrafts, jade items, and traditional Yunnan tea.
From Tengchong, you can take buses or taxis to nearby cities like Baoshan or Dali. For longer distances, consider domestic flights or trains from Baoshan.
