Low-key Baoshan｜"Falling in Love with a City Because of One Street"

High-end travel guide for Baoshan, Tengchong, and surrounding areas, covering the essence of Yiluochi, Tengchong Qingshui Village, museums, Qinghuahai Guanfang Garden, Ailao Mountain, and Yongchang culture, helping you deeply explore the charm of western Yunnan. --- ## **1. Baoshan Yiluochi: A Tranquil Blend of History and Nature** **Highlights:** - **Wenbi Pagoda and Scenic Lake Views:** Yiluochi (also known as Jiulongchi) has clear waters reflecting the Wenbi Pagoda, suitable for all seasons, especially photogenic at dawn or dusk. - **Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial:** Learn about the history of the anti-Japanese war in western Yunnan and Baoshan’s strategic role in WWII. - **Leisure Walks:** The lakeside trail is shaded with trees, perfect for relaxing and photography; 1-2 hours is enough for a visit. **Nearby Recommendations:** - **Taibaoshan Park:** 1.2 km away, accessible by foot or taxi, offers panoramic views of Baoshan. - **Baoshan City Museum** (free): Within walking distance, showcasing Ailao culture, western Yunnan’s anti-Japanese war, ideal for culture enthusiasts. **Accommodation Recommendations:** - **Qinghuahai Guanfang Garden Hotel** (luxury): Adjacent to the wetland park, offers hot springs, lake-view rooms, and upscale dining, perfect for vacations. --- ## **2. Tengchong Qingshui Village: The Secret Wa Ethnic Village and Tea Sea Camping** **Highlights:** - **Simola Wa Ethnic Village:** "Happy Place" in Wa language, preserves original Wa architecture and culture, with experiences like wooden drum dance and Wa painting. - **Earth Tea Sea Camping Base:** Camp amid vast tea gardens, taste the intangible cultural heritage Lei Xiang tea, great for photography and experiencing the history of the Ancient Tea Horse Road. - **Hot Spring Experience:** Recommended **Tengchong Yuebo Banshan Hot Spring Resort Hotel**, volcanic geothermal hot springs with health benefits. **Food Recommendations:** - **Copper Pot Potato Rice, Roasted Black Mountain Goat Leg** (Ailao Mountain specialties). - **Wa Ethnic Cuisine:** Such as chicken rice porridge and Wa King Banquets. **Accommodation Recommendations:** - **Earth Tea Sea Camping Base** (glamping tents) or **Banshan Hot Spring Hotel** (high-end resort). --- ## **3. Baoshan City Museum: The Essence of Western Yunnan Culture** **Visitor Guide:** - **Free Admission** (reservation required), permanent exhibitions include Ailao culture, western Yunnan anti-Japanese war, Gaoligong Mountain ecology, etc. - **Recommended Exhibitions:** "Baoshan in the War of Resistance" and "Yongchang Culture Exhibition" for an in-depth understanding of Baoshan’s history. **Opening Hours:** Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). --- ## **4. Qinghuahai Guanfang Garden Hotel: A Luxurious Vacation Choice** **Highlights:** - **Hot Spring SPA:** Natural silicate fluoride springs with medical and health benefits, relieving travel fatigue. - **Lake-view Rooms:** Overlooking Qinghuahai Wetland, some rooms have private courtyards. - **Upscale Dining:** - **1860 German Craft Beer Restaurant** (German-Italian fusion cuisine) - **Lanyun Chinese Restaurant** (combining Yunnan and Cantonese cuisine). **Suitable For:** Business, vacation, honeymoon trips. --- ## **5. Ailao Mountain: Pristine Forest and Terraced Field Secrets** **Best Seasons:** May to October (spectacular waterfalls), November to April (clear weather ideal for hiking). **Core Attractions:** 1. **Shimen Gorge:** Stream canyon, suitable for light hiking. 2. **Ancient Tea Horse Road (Southern Section):** Explore thousand-year-old wild ancient tea trees. 3. **Yuanyang Terraces (Nearby):** Can be visited if time allows (3-hour drive). **Accommodation Recommendations:** - **Jiasa Hot Spring Hotel** (well-equipped) or **Jinshan Primitive Forest Farmstay** (close to nature). --- ## **6. Yongchang Culture: Intangible Heritage Lantern Festival and Historical Depth** **Recommended Experiences:** - **Yongchang "Swastika" Lantern Festival** (during Lantern Festival): National intangible cultural heritage, 361 lanterns forming a formation symbolizing good fortune. - **Baoshan Ancient City:** Explore historical relics of the Southern Silk Road. --- ## **Suggested Itinerary (5 Days 4 Nights)** **Day 1:** Baoshan - Morning: Yiluochi + Taibaoshan - Afternoon: Baoshan City Museum - Overnight: Qinghuahai Guanfang Garden Hotel **Day 2:** Tengchong Qingshui Village - Simola Wa Ethnic Village + Earth Tea Sea Camping - Overnight: Banshan Hot Spring Hotel **Day 3:** Ailao Mountain - Shimen Gorge Hiking + Ancient Tea Horse Road Exploration - Overnight: Jiasa Hot Spring Hotel **Day 4:** Tengchong Rehai / Heshun Ancient Town - Rehai Hot Springs + Heshun Library - Overnight: Boutique Homestay in Heshun Ancient Town **Day 5:** Return or extend to Yuanyang Terraces. --- ## **Travel Tips** - **Transportation:** Baoshan Airport / Tengchong Airport, car rental or self-driving recommended (mountain roads with many curves). - **Clothing:** Light jacket in summer, warm clothes in winter (large temperature difference in Ailao Mountain). - **Must-bring:** Sunscreen, non-slip shoes, camera (Yiluochi and Tea Sea are perfect for photography). Baoshan and Tengchong blend nature, history, and ethnic customs. Whether it’s hot spring wellness, cultural exploration, or secret hiking spots, it meets the needs of high-end travelers. Hope this guide helps you enjoy western Yunnan to the fullest!