Back from Tengchong, I really don't recommend visiting in July-August because...

Tengchong, this border town in southwestern Yunnan, is like a hidden pearl in the depths of time. It boasts spectacular volcanic clusters, misty hot springs, and ancient towns, each exuding unique charm. July-August in Tengchong offers pleasant weather and picturesque scenery, making it the perfect time to visit. Here's your guide:

🚌【Transportation Guide】:
Flight: From Kunming Changshui International Airport, take a direct flight to Tuofeng Airport (about 1 hour). From Tuofeng Airport to downtown, a taxi takes about 30 minutes and costs around 50 yuan.✈️
High-speed rail + bus: Take the high-speed rail from Kunming South Station to Baoshan Station (about 2 hours), then carpool or hire a car to Tengchong downtown (about 1.5 hours, fare around 60 yuan).🚄
Local transport: Taxis in Tengchong start at 8 yuan. Buses cover major attractions but have limited schedules, so renting a car or hiring a driver is recommended.🚖🚌

🏠【Accommodation Recommendations】:
Heshun Ancient Town homestays: Stay in unique homestays within Heshun Ancient Town, priced around 150-300 yuan/night. The town is tranquil at night with beautiful lanterns.🏡🌙
-Recommended homestays: Heshun Yunqi Courtyard, Flower Inn·Tengchong Heshun Ancient Town Inn
Hot spring hotels: Tengchong is rich in hot springs. Stay at a hot spring hotel to enjoy a soak. Prices around 400-800 yuan/night.♨️
-Recommended hotels: Tengchong Yuechun Hot Spring Village, Tengchong Heshun Banyan Tree Hotel
Downtown hotels: Affordable and convenient, priced around 200-400 yuan/night.🏨
-Recommended hotels: Tengchong Kaichen Hotel, Tengchong Century Golden Source Hotel

🚗【Itinerary】:
Day 1: Arrive in Tengchong - Heshun Ancient Town🏯
-After arrival, check into a Heshun homestay and stroll through the ancient town.🏡
-Enjoy local cuisine and night views in the town.🌙🍽️
Day 2: Rehai Scenic Area - Hot Spring Experience🌋♨️
-Visit Rehai Scenic Area in the morning to see geothermal wonders like the Big Boiling Pot, Frog's Mouth, and Pearl Spring.🌋
-Try hot spring-boiled eggs for lunch.🥚
-Return to downtown in the afternoon for a hot spring soak.♨️
Day 3: Beihai Wetland - Volcanic Geopark🦆🌋
-Visit Beihai Wetland in the morning, take a grass raft or boat tour.🦆
-Lunch at the wetland park.🍱
-Explore volcanic relics like Dakongshan and Xiaokongshan in the afternoon.🌋
Day 4: Ginkgo Village - Yunfeng Mountain🍂⛰️
-Visit Ginkgo Village in the morning to see golden leaves.🍂
-Enjoy farmhouse cuisine for lunch.🍲
-Hike Yunfeng Mountain in the afternoon.⛰️
Day 5: Tengchong Museum - Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall🏛️
-Visit Tengchong Museum in the morning.🏛️
-Lunch downtown.🍽️
-Visit the Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall in the afternoon.⚔️
Day 6: Lotus Hot Spring - Dieshuihe Waterfall♨️🏞️
-Relax at Lotus Hot Spring in the morning.♨️
-Lunch at the hot spring hotel.🍱
-Visit Dieshuihe Waterfall in the afternoon.🏞️
Day 7: Departure🛬
-Depart according to your flight or train schedule.✈️🚄

🍽️【Food Recommendations】:
Dajiu Jia: Tengchong's specialty snack, similar to stir-fried rice cakes.🍲
Tuguozi: Traditional hot pot with a flavorful broth.🍲
Xidoufen: A breakfast staple, served with fried dough or rice cakes.🥣
Songhua Cake: A traditional dessert, sweet but not cloying.🍰
Paoluda: A Burmese dessert with coconut milk, bread, and coconut flakes.🥥

⚡【Must-Visit Spots】:
1. Heshun Ancient Town: Experience its tranquility and culture.🏯
2. Rehai Scenic Area: See geothermal wonders and try hot spring eggs.🌋
3. Beihai Wetland: Take a grass raft or boat tour.🦆
4. Volcanic Geopark: Explore volcanic relics.🌋
5. Ginkgo Village: Admire golden leaves.🍂
6. Yunfeng Mountain: Hike for stunning views.⛰️
7. Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall: Learn about wartime history.⚔️

📌【Tips】:
Sun protection: Tengchong can be hot in summer; bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.🌞🧢
Comfortable shoes: Wear sturdy shoes for hiking.👟
Cash: Some remote areas may not accept digital payments.💵
Respect local culture: Be mindful of customs and heritage sites.🙏
Book ahead: July-August is peak season; book hotels and tickets early.⏰
Safety first: Some sites are at high elevations; hike cautiously.⚠️