How to Explore Tengchong: Local Recommendations

In the midst of a cold winter, when most places are covered in ice and snow, I traveled to a warm and spring-like destination—Tengchong. Here, there's no winter bleakness, only warm sunshine, swirling hot springs, and poetic charm. If you also want to find a warm haven in winter, follow my footsteps and embark on this winter journey to Tengchong! 📍Day 1: Encounter the Slow Pace of Heshun Ancient Town - Morning: After arriving in Tengchong, head straight to Heshun Ancient Town and check in to a unique guesthouse🏡. Take a short rest and stroll along the ancient stone-paved roads, experiencing the tranquility and leisure of this hometown of overseas Chinese. - Noon: Try the local specialty, "Big Rescue," which consists of golden-fried rice cakes paired with tender meat slices and fresh vegetables. Each bite is pure bliss😋. - Afternoon: Visit the Heshun Library, a rural library filled with a rich cultural atmosphere, perfect for taking artistic photos. Afterward, head to the Heshun Shunhe Archway, where you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire ancient town. Don't forget to take some stunning photos📸. - Evening: Find a small pub in the ancient town, order a hot drink, listen to the live music, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the night. 📍Day 2: Explore the Wonderful World of Volcano Hot Springs - Morning: Head to the Volcanic Geothermal National Geological Park and take a hot air balloon ride🎈 to overlook the spectacular volcanoes, experiencing the wonders of nature. You can also rent a bicycle and ride around the foot of the volcanoes, getting a closer look at the volcanic rocks. - Noon: Enjoy a "clay pot" meal near the scenic area. This dish is slow-cooked over charcoal, with rich ingredients and delicious broth, leaving a lasting impression. - Afternoon: Arrive at the Rehai Scenic Area, where steaming hot springs are everywhere. The most famous one is the "Big Boiling Pot," where boiling water churns and mist fills the air, making you feel like you're in a fairyland. Don't forget to boil some hot spring eggs🥚 near the Big Boiling Pot. The egg whites are tender, and the yolks are soft and creamy. - Evening: Return to the city and visit the night market to sample various local snacks, such as thin bean flour and grilled rice cakes, and experience the local atmosphere. 📍Day 3: Enjoy the Tranquility and Beauty of the Beihai Wetland - Morning: Head to the Beihai Wetland, a magical grassland wetland where aquatic plants float on the water's surface, forming natural floating islands. Take a boat ride🚢 through the wetland and admire the surrounding scenery. - Noon: Enjoy a local farmhouse meal at a farmhouse restaurant near the wetland, featuring fresh, authentic ingredients. - Afternoon: Return to the city and prepare for your departure, concluding this pleasant Tengchong trip. 🍜Must-Try Food In addition to the "Big Rescue," clay pot, thin bean flour, and grilled rice cakes mentioned earlier, Tengchong has many other delicacies worth trying, such as "head," "jar chicken," and "palm braised pork." Each dish will immerse your taste buds in the unique flavors of western Yunnan. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations - Heshun Ancient Town: It's recommended to stay in guesthouses within the ancient town to better experience the atmosphere. When you open the window in the morning, you'll be greeted by the beautiful scenery of the ancient town. - City Center: If you prefer a lively atmosphere and convenient transportation, you can choose hotels in the city center, which offer easy access to transportation and shopping. 📌Travel Tips - Warm Clothing: Although Tengchong has relatively high temperatures in winter, there is a large temperature difference between day and night, so remember to bring warm clothing. - Sun Protection: Tengchong has plenty of sunshine and strong UV rays, so be sure to take sun protection measures. - Hot Springs: When enjoying the hot springs in the Rehai Scenic Area, be careful not to get burned and follow the park's regulations. - Transportation: Tengchong has convenient transportation within the city. You can choose to take a taxi or bus. If you want to visit surrounding scenic areas, you can also hire a car or join a day trip. This trip to Tengchong was like a warm dream, allowing me to experience a different kind of warmth and beauty in the cold winter. I hope this guide can help you embark on your own Tengchong journey and explore the unique charm of this small town✨.