Cherry Blossom Viewing Guide: Read This

5-Day In-Depth Tour of Tengchong, Yunnan: Itinerary & Cost Breakdown (Budget: ¥2,800-4,500/person) Highlights Combines natural wonders (volcanoes/hot springs/wetlands), cultural ancient towns (Heshun Qiaoxiang), and seasonal spectacles (Ginkgo Village), balancing leisure with immersive experiences. Ideal for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts. Daily Itinerary **Day 1: Arrive in Tengchong, Explore Heshun Ancient Town** • **Transport**: Airport pickup from Tengchong Hump Airport, private car to Heshun (20 mins, ¥30/car). • **Accommodation**: Heshun guesthouse (recommend "A Zen Life Stay", mountain-view room ¥500-800/night, breakfast included). • **Activities**: - Stroll the town, visit Ai Siqi’s Former Residence & Heshun Library (China’s largest rural library). - Try tie-dye crafting ("Yunlongge" workshop, ¥128/person, materials included). • **Dining**: Dinner at "Mom’s Flavor" for local dishes like pea jelly and "Dajiujia" rice cake. **Day 2: Volcanic Geopark + Beihai Wetland** • **Transport**: Private car (8 hrs, ¥300/car). • **Attractions**: - **Volcanic Geopark**: Hot air balloon ride (¥280/person, best 8:30-11:00 AM) overlooking Dakongshan & Xiaokongshan. - **Beihai Wetland**: Grass rafting (¥140/person, gear included), photograph "water grasslands". • **Tips**: View volcanoes from afar (no climbing); strong UV at wetlands—apply sunscreen. **Day 3: Rehai Hot Springs Full-Day Experience** • **Transport**: Taxi to Rehai Scenic Area (20 mins, ¥40). • **Tickets**: Rehai entry ¥50, Yuguo Hot Springs ¥268/person (buffet included). • **Experiences**: - Morning: Hike "Rehai’s Ten Scenes", watch eggs boiled in Big Boiling Pot (bamboo basket rental ¥10). - Afternoon: Soak in Yuguo’s sulfur pools (recommend open-air "Drunk Moon Pool"). • **Dining**: On-site buffet (¥68/person), try five-flavor veggie & local clay pot. **Day 4: Ginkgo Village + Western Yunnan War Memorial** • **Transport**: Private car round-trip (1 hr, ¥200/car). • **Attractions**: - **Ginkgo Village** (best mid-late Nov): Photograph 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree, farmhouse lunch (ginkgo chicken stew ¥88/pot). - **War Memorial**: Free entry, learn about WWII expeditionary forces (ID required). • **Tip**: Off-season? Swap for winter cherry blossoms at "Cherry Blossom Valley" (Dec-Jan). **Day 5: Free Time + Departure** • **Options**: - Dieshuihe Falls (China’s only urban volcanic barrier waterfall, ¥10 entry). - Gaoligong Mountain light hike (guide required, ¥200/day, great for photographers). • **Transport**: Airport drop-off (30 mins, ¥50/car). • **Shopping**: Tengchong jade ("Treasure Street" market), volcanic stone crafts. **Cost Breakdown (per person)** | Category | Details | Budget (¥) | |-------------------|----------------------------------|------------------| | **Transport** | Round-trip flights (via Kunming) | 1,200-2,000 | | | Local private cars | 600 | | | City taxis | 100 | | **Total Transport** | | **1,900-2,700** | | **Accommodation** | Heshun guesthouse (4 nights) | 2,000-3,200 | | **Tickets** | Volcano (50) + Wetland (110) | 518 | | | Rehai (318) + Ginkgo (40) | | | **Dining** | Daily meals (incl. specialties) | 750-1,000 | | **Experiences** | Hot balloon (280) + Tie-dye (128)| 1,176-2,376 | | | Hot springs (268) + Jade shopping| | | **Total** | | **6,344-11,352** | **Budget-Friendly Adjustments**: • Downgrade to guesthouses (¥300/night), skip tie-dye/hot balloon. • Use shared cars (¥100/person for volcano + wetland), total ~¥2,800. **Premium Upgrade**: • Stay at "Banyan Tree Hot Springs Hotel" (¥2,000+/night), add Gaoligong hike guide. • Private "Lotus Hot Springs" soak (¥398/person), total up to ¥4,500. **Seasonal Tips**: • **Nov**: Book Ginkgo Village rooms 1 week ahead. • **Dec-Feb**: Winter cherry blossoms + hot springs (avoid monsoon). • **May-Sep**: Rain gear needed; lush wetlands ideal for photos. This itinerary blends classic and offbeat experiences. Adjust transport/lodging for budgets. Book flights & Rehai tickets 15 days early.