[2025 Tengchong Attraction] Travel Guide for Tengchong Volcano Cluster (Updated May)

Tengchong, the land of geothermal wonders, is located in the western part of Baoshan City, at the southern end of the Hengduan Mountains. It's a rare and quintessential area where volcanoes and geothermal activity coexist, and one of the youngest volcanic regions in China. Situated on the edge of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, Tengchong experiences frequent seismic activity. Volcanic eruptions occurred from over 3 million years ago to just over 3,000 years ago. Inhabited since the Neolithic era, it later became an important border town. During the Ming Dynasty, a stone city was built, earning it the name "Top Border City." The Volcano Scenic Area features volcanic geology and landforms, with major attractions like Dakongshan and Xiaokongshan. Beyond the volcanic cones, the area is covered in volcanic lava, with multiple volcanoes clustered together, showcasing classic volcanic geological features. This is my second trip to Tengchong. The first was during the Chinese New Year period. Flights from Kunming to Tengchong were scarce, but luckily, I managed to snag tickets on Trip.com. Checking five-star hotel prices, I found that larger cities like Chongqing and Kunming had more availability and relatively stable prices. However, in smaller tourist hotspots like Tengchong, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, capacity is limited, and five-star hotel prices more than double during peak seasons. Off-peak travel is definitely the way to go for significant savings. Fortunately, I had a place to stay without spending any money, which was fantastic. This time in Tengchong, I visited the Volcanic Geothermal National Geological Park, Heshun Ancient Town, and Simola Wa Village. Of course, a trip to Tengchong wouldn't be complete without a hot spring experience. I chose the Tengchong Banyan Tree Spa Resort, which was exceptional. Tengchong is a wonderful place for a relaxing vacation, and I'll definitely return if I have the chance.

📍Attraction address: Tengchong 👍️Must-see attractions: 1️⃣ Yunnan-Burma Anti-Japanese War Museum: The first privately funded museum in China with a private collection and a theme of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression 2️⃣ Heshun Ancient Town: A cultural town with no commercial atmosphere Volcano Hot Spring National Geopark: Opened on September 28, you can now take a hot air balloon to see the Tengchong volcanoes 3️⃣ Rehai Park: More than 80 hot springs and gas springs of various sizes with unique landscapes 🍽️About food: Tengchong food is sour and spicy, and is worth a try. It is delicious and cheap, and the prices are really low. Tengchong food: Da Jiu Jia, Lemon Fish, Braised Chicken, White Ginseng Mushroom Steamed Egg, Niuniu's Copper Pot Beef (hot pot), Fried Dough Sticks with Soybean Milk, Pine Flower Cake

Attraction Introduction The Tengchong Volcanic Geopark is one of the four major volcanic groups in China. It is located in Mazhan Township, Tengchong City, Baoshan City, and has more than 70 ancient extinct volcanoes, among which the most famous are Dakong Mountain and Xiaokong Mountain.  Opening Hours 08:00–18:00 (open all year round). Ticket Information Tickets are CNY 54, including the Columnar Joints and Heiyu River. Transportation Guide - Self-driving: Depart from Tengchong City and navigate to Tengchong Volcanic Geopark, about 30 minutes by car. - Public transportation: There is a special line from Tengchong County to the park, with a fare of CNY 5 per person; you can also take Bus No. 6 to Sanjiaodi, and then take a minibus to the volcanic park, with a fare of CNY 7. Activities - Hot air balloon: The Volcanic Geopark offers hot air balloon rides every morning before 12:00, lasting 5–10 minutes, CNY 280 per person. - Climbing the volcano: Dakong Mountain has more than 600 steps and is relatively steep; Xiaokong Mountain has more than 100 steps and is relatively gentle, suitable for the elderly and children. Travel Route You can first visit the Tengchong Volcanic Geopark Museum to learn about the formation and geological structure of the volcano, then go to Dakong Mountain or Xiaokong Mountain, climb the crater, overlook the spectacular volcanic landform, and then go to the Columnar Joints and Heiyu River Scenic Area. Nearby Food - Dagunguo Rice Noodles: Located near the Rehai Scenic Area, it is delicious and has a rich soup. - Heshun Tounao: This is a local specialty food in Heshun, which is nutritious and has a unique taste. Nearby Accommodation - Heshun Ancient Town: There are many characteristic inns and homestays, such as "Heshun Zongbing Mansion" and "Floral Hotel · Heshun Jiuzaiyifang Boutique Inn", where you can experience the tranquility and simplicity of the ancient town and easily visit the volcanic park. - Tengchong City: There are a variety of accommodation options and convenient transportation, making it easy to visit various attractions. Recommended hotels include "Tengchong Guanfang Hotel" and "Tengchong Century Jinyuan Hotel".

Dear friends, today I am going to share a secret garden hidden deep in Yunnan - Tengchong! It has the rarest volcanic hot springs in the world, as well as the picturesque scenery and simple folk customs. It is simply the best place for spiritual travel. 【Volcano Geopark】 Walking into the Tengchong Volcano Geopark, it feels like you have entered a mysterious and different world. Those sleeping volcanic cones make people marvel at the uncanny craftsmanship of nature. Climbing high and looking into the distance, you will be deeply shocked by this magnificent land. Every breath you take is so fresh and pure. 【Atami Hot Spring】 Speaking of Tengchong, how can we not mention its hot springs? Atami Hot Spring is the soul of Tengchong. Soaking in the steaming hot spring water, surrounded by green mountains and green waters, your mood instantly relaxes, and all your worries drift away with the water vapor. 【Food should not be disappointed】 Tengchong’s food is also a highlight! The roasted suckling pig, fish in sour soup, and volcanic stone barbecue are all mouth-watering. Moreover, the snack street here has all kinds of authentic snacks that you won’t be able to stop eating! 【Heshun Ancient Town】 Don’t forget Heshun Ancient Town, which retains the most original Yunnan style. Strolling along the stone road, lined with quaint houses, it feels like you have traveled back to the peaceful time of a hundred years ago. 【A paradise for photography lovers】 For photography enthusiasts, Tengchong is a paradise. Whether it’s a golden sunrise or a dreamy starry sky, there are endless beautiful scenes waiting for you to capture. Friends, if you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and want to find a quiet place to relax, then Tengchong is definitely your best choice. Come here and let the warmth of the volcanic hot springs heal your soul, let the beautiful scenery of Tengchong fill your camera, and let the food here satisfy your taste buds. Come and plant grass with me in Tengchong! Are you ready for this spiritual baptism?

Winter cherry blossoms at the foot of the volcano. In the cherry blossom garden in the Tengchong Volcano Geological Park in Yunnan, winter cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The pink flowers cluster and bloom, adding a touch of cherry blossom pink romance to the foot of the volcano. Winter cherry blossoms, generally refer to "high basin cherry", deciduous trees, the tree height can grow to more than ten meters, the flowering period is from December to January of the following year. Winter cherry blossoms mainly grow in Yunnan and southern Tibet in China.

Tengchong has a long history of volcanic activity, thus it has a unique volcanic landscape. Among them, the most famous is the Tengchong Volcano Geothermal National Geological Park. Here, you can observe the traces of volcanic lava flow at close range, and feel the magic of nature. Taking a hot air balloon flight to overlook the entire volcano group from the air is even more majestic.