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This small yet exquisite county town, with its crisscrossing streets and intertwined old houses and new buildings, is a must-stop on the way from Yunnan to Myanmar, India, and Thailand. Its shimmering emerald green has evoked countless stories of joy and sorrow in this "border town," while its volcanic geothermal resources have earned it international renown, earning it the nickname "hometown of overseas Chinese." It is the final resting place of countless heroes, home to majestic volcanoes, gushing hot springs, and beautiful wetlands. You might never imagine that such a unique and magical place exists in China. This is Tengchong, a beautiful border town in western Yunnan.
Gudong Town is at its most beautiful during autumn. Ancient buildings framed by ginkgo trees add a touch of timeless beauty, while fields, roads, walls, and vegetable patches are awash in golden hues. Strolling through the village alleys, you'll stumble upon a blanket of ginkgo leaves. This captivating scene will tempt you to capture the beauty with your camera.
Tengchong is rich in geothermal resources. The hot spring water here is of excellent quality and has great health benefits. When you come to the steaming Tengchong, how can you miss the experience of soaking in hot springs?
In Tengchong's Volcano Park, you can take a hot air balloon to overlook the entire Tengchong. The spectacular volcanic geological landscape, the gentle and beautiful mountains and rivers, and the residential buildings in the fields will definitely shock you.
Tengchong is home to a high concentration of volcanoes in Asia, boasting numerous volcanoes. It boasts rich geothermal resources, including numerous hot springs and springs. Despite its small size, Tengchong boasts a rich history, rich historical heritage, and numerous cultural landmarks. The Volcano Park, Rehai, the National Cemetery, and the Overseas Chinese Hometown are all must-see attractions. If you visit Tengchong in autumn, a visit to Ginkgo Village is a must; it will leave you breathtakingly surprised.
According to research, Tengchong County was built on solidified lava erupted 900,000 years ago. Tengchong Volcano Park, home to 97 volcanoes and several lava terraces, is one of my country's four major volcanic clusters and a prime destination for exploring volcanic landscapes. The park boasts a large, concentrated, and well-preserved collection of volcanic cones, lava caves, lava fields, volcanic lakes, barrier waterfalls, and columnar joints. Upon entering the park, a small volcanic museum is located on the right, offering insights into the formation and structure of volcanoes. Other attractions include Dakong Mountain, Xiaokong Mountain, Heikong Mountain, columnar joints, and the Moyu River. Hot air balloon rides are also available for a unique viewing experience.
Tips: The hot air balloon operation time is 08:00-11:00. If you want to take a hot air balloon tour, you must go to the scenic area early. The operation time will be unstable due to changes in weather and air flow. It is recommended to check the local weather conditions before going.
Reference time: 1 day
Transportation: 1. There is a special bus to Tengchong County, priced at 5 yuan per person. 2. You can take bus No. 6 to Sanjiaodi, then take a minibus to Volcano Park, priced at 7 yuan. 3. Take a taxi directly to the park entrance, priced at 60 yuan round trip.
Tickets: Regular ticket: 40 RMB, electric car: 10 RMB one way / 15 RMB round trip, hot air balloon: 200 RMB / 10 minutes
Opening hours: 08:00-18:00
Address: Tengchong County and Lianghe County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province
Tengchong Rehai covers an area of approximately 9 square kilometers and boasts over 80 gas springs and hot springs. Ten of these hot spring clusters boast temperatures exceeding 90°C, shrouding the area in a white mist. The sweltering heat can be seen 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 witness the "eggs sold on skewers," one of Yunnan's 18 strange wonders. Rehai also boasts several sanatoriums and bathhouses, offering a truly enjoyable soak in the hot springs.
Reference time: half a day
Transportation: There is a direct bus from Tengchong County's South Ring Road heading south, with a 6-yuan ticket. There is also a mini-bus next to the Yihua Hotel at the intersection of Rehai Road and Jinrong Road, with a 5-yuan ticket and a full-booked departure. A taxi costs 60 yuan round trip.
Ticket price: 60 yuan
Opening hours: 8:03-17:30
Address: Liujiazhai Village, Tengchong County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province
Buried here are Chinese soldiers who lost their lives during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Visitors mourn not only the departed but also a tragic chapter of history. 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.
Reference time: 2 hours
Transportation: There are buses from the county town, the fare is 1 yuan, and taxis are 5 yuan. If you live nearby, you can walk there.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 8:03-17:30
Address: Southwest of Tengchong County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province
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. Because a small river flows through the village, it was renamed "Heshun," later meaning "harmony between scholars and the 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 Village, and the Heshun Library remain. The popular Chinese television series "Beijing Love Story" was also filmed here.
Reference time: 1 day
Transportation: You can take a van or bus No. 6 from Tengchong County, or walk or take a taxi.
Ticket price: 80 yuan (including Heshun Library, Yuanlong Pavilion, Ai Siqi's former residence, Wenchang Palace, Wanlouzi Folk House Museum, Dianmian Anti-Japanese War Museum, and Heshun Alley)
Opening hours: 07:30-19:30
Address: 3km southwest of Tengchong County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province
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." With its long history and rich culture, Gudong Town is a vital component of cross-cultural development, 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. During the golden autumn season (mid-November to early December), the town's ancient ginkgo trees shimmer in golden light, adding a touch of quaintness to the ancient buildings. The colorful embroidery displayed in every household, set against the golden leaves, creates the unique scenery of the "Xinglin Embroidery Workshop." The film "Wuxia," starring Donnie Yen, was filmed here. Unlike most scenic forests located far from residents, the charm of Ginkgo Village lies in its "village within the forest, trees within the home." 827 households have lived in harmony with over 3,000 ancient ginkgo trees for generations.
Reference time: half a day to 1 day
Transportation: Take a minibus from Tengchong Northwest Bus Station to Gudong. Buses run every 15 minutes from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. After arriving in Gudong Town, transfer to a minibus to Jiangdong for 7 RMB one-way. Alternatively, get off at Xinhe Village (signposted on a large road) and transfer to another bus. Alternatively, take a shuttle bus to the Volcano Park first, then take a minibus to Ginkgo Village. Near Ximen Station, there are minibuses to Ginkgo Village for around 20 RMB per person.
Tickets: 40 yuan per person
Opening hours: Open all day
Address: Jiangdong Ginkgo Village, Gudong Town, Tengchong County, Baoshan City
The Beihai Wetland Reserve is surrounded by mountains on all sides, and the large areas of land floating on the water are like a giant colorful flower carpet, gorgeous and magical.
From mid-April to May each year, the Beihai orchids bloom, marking the most beautiful season in the Beihai wetlands. The air is filled with the fragrance of grass leaves, the quacking of wild ducks echoes from the reeds, and the delighted cries of tourists stepping onto the rafts for the first time echo across the lake. In autumn and winter, despite the withered vegetation, flocks of migratory birds fly by, creating a spectacular spectacle of hundreds of thousands of birds. Boating on the lake feels like being on a prairie, except this "prairie" is floating on water.
Reference time: 2-3 hours
Transportation: There is no direct bus service in Tengchong County. You can take a taxi to the scenic area (taxi prices are higher); or take a van from Ximen Bus Station for 5 yuan, which takes about 20 minutes; you can also drive to the scenic area, which takes about 20 minutes.
Ticket price: 78 yuan per person
Opening hours: 09:00-18:00
Address: Beihai Wetland Scenic Area, Shuanghai Village, Beihai Township, Tengchong County
Tips: The scenic area has now banned grass raft tourism. Tourists can play on grass rafts outside the scenic area, but do not adopt this unenvironmentally friendly way of travel.
Tengchong cuisine is unique in Yunnan. It is completely different from Dian cuisine. It is oily but not greasy, moderately sour and spicy, fragrant and refreshing. Tuguozi, Dajiujia, etc. are all famous local delicacies that must be tried.
The most exclusive banquet in Heshun Township is reserved for important guests. Three Drops of Water encompasses the flavors of Tengchong. The first drop comprises snacks and appetizers, such as dried fruits and cold dishes; the second, the Eight Great Bowls, features Tengchong's signature dishes, such as fire-baked bread and pocket-shaped tofu; and the third, desserts, such as sweet white wine and fruit. However, authentic Three Drops of Water are rare these days, and those that do are often modified to suit modern tastes, but still lack the original flavor.
A typical medicinal food with strong nourishing properties, in Heshun, a hometown of overseas Chinese in Tengchong, there's a local custom of eating "toa tadalafil" (Baitou) on the second day of the first lunar month. When a son-in-law visits his mother-in-law's home to pay New Year's greetings, his mother-in-law prepares a specially prepared dish for him, symbolizing a year of intelligence, respectability, and wisdom, and a happy and prosperous life for the couple. This dish is now also available in some local restaurants in Heshun Town.
Tuguozi (earthen pot) is a very important type of Tengchong cuisine, with a unique cooking method. In addition to being served in local people's homes, you can also enjoy authentic Tuguozi in Tengchong hotels and restaurants, but it requires about 10 people to dine together to finish it.
When eating earthenware pot, pay attention to the order in which the ingredients are placed. The bone broth is made with chicken and fresh spare ribs. First, add the cooked vegetables, seasonings such as salt, MSG, and tsaoko noodles, and place them in the earthenware pot. Next, add the crispy pork, bamboo shoots, and kumquats, layering them evenly. Finally, add the egg rolls and garnish with chopped green onions. The delicious earthenware pot is ready. The earthenware is baked in Tengchong's local clay, allowing it to absorb the aroma of the ingredients and retain its original flavor.
Legend has it that during the late Yuan Dynasty, a minister was sent to Tengchong to guard the border. Upon arriving at the border, he noticed that the food delivered to the soldiers each day was always cold. He wondered how he could ensure the soldiers could have warm meals. He instructed local craftsmen to make earthenware pots for cooking, a convenient and hassle-free method for ensuring warm meals even during long journeys. From then on, earthenware pots became a Tengchong specialty.
Thin bean flour is typically made by slurrying pea flour. The slurry is made into two types: a clear slurry and a thick slurry. A Bite of China, Season 4, discusses how to prepare thin bean flour. After cooking, thin bean flour should be consumed immediately. It can be mixed with rice noodles or rolled with rice noodles, or by slicing pieces of simmered rice balls or fried dough sticks into the thin bean flour. When preparing simmered rice balls (or fried dough sticks), seasonings are added first, while those mixed with rice noodles or rolled with rice noodles are added last. The seasonings include: bright red chili oil, emerald green cilantro, light yellow ginger juice, brine, MSG, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
The legend of Tengchong's "Da Jiujia" (a type of rice dumpling) goes something like this: "Legend has it that during the Yongli reign of the Ming Dynasty, an emperor fled to Tengchong, Yunnan. Hungry and thirsty, he encountered a farmer begging for help. Seeing his eagerness, the farmer immediately fried a plate of fried rice cakes and served them to the emperor. The emperor ate it and praised it, saying it had saved him. From then on, it became known as Tengchong's "Da Jiujia" (a type of rice dumpling). Da Jiujia is made from premium rice that is washed, steamed, rinsed, and kneaded. It is delicious and has an excellent texture."
This border town is like a paradise. Its proximity to Myanmar has made it a heartland of simple-minded overseas Chinese. The Yunnan-Burma Expeditionary Force also commemorated this place with a unique poetic legacy, a perfect blend of volcanic geothermal wonders and idyllic rural life. Its beauty is subtle, seemingly revealing only to those willing to slowly open it. In late autumn, Ginkgo Village is awash in golden yellow, its landscape and ginkgo trees complementing each other. Sitting beneath the trees, chatting, savoring ginkgo-stewed chicken, sipping tea, and enjoying home-cooked dishes, is a warm and cozy experience.
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