Name: Tengchong

Chinese name: 腾冲县

Province: Yunnan

Status: District

Population: 584,117 inhabitants

Area: 5,845 km²

Located more than 700 km from Kunming, Tengchong is an administrative district of the prefecture-level city of Baoshan in eastern Yunnan. Still little known to tourists, Tengchong nonetheless boasts numerous attractions for those seeking outdoor adventure.

History

In 1913, Tengchong became a district. The city held a crucial position along the southwestern Silk Road. The region grew wealthy through trade with Myanmar and Southeast Asia.

During World War II, the area surrounding Tengchong witnessed fierce combat between Japanese and Chinese forces.

Today

Although relatively unknown to tourists, Tengchong is a treasure trove of excursions amid its volcanoes and thermal springs. Often used as a stopover on the Ruili route, Tengchong has far more to offer travelers.

The town itself can be explored in a day. Its characteristic wooden houses nestled in narrow alleyways deserve time to appreciate. Home to numerous ethnic minorities, the town is dotted with temples and traditional markets. The jade market is particularly noteworthy, offering glimpses of stone carvers at work.

The surroundings of Tengchong are every bit as compelling as elsewhere in the province. Magnificent landscapes adorned with volcanoes, flower-filled valleys and thermal springs await discovery. Pilgrimage trails can be followed for an enjoyable hike up Mount Yunfeng. For the more adventurous, it is possible to climb one of the still-active volcanoes and marvel at the lava fields.

Southwest of Tengchong, the serene village of Heshun is a museum unto itself. You can wander through its cobblestone alleyways and discover beautifully preserved ancient dwellings.

Climate

Due to its geographical location, Tengchong enjoys a subtropical highland climate.

Winters are mild, very dry and sunny. Spring arrives relatively early and remains fairly dry and sunny until May. The rainy season then extends through September. Summers are therefore warm and wet.

Tengchong has two bus stations.

The long-distance bus station is served by cities to the north, while the older local bus station is served by towns to the south of Tengchong.

Tengchong is a small enough town to be explored on foot. A bicycle can facilitate visits to surrounding sites and allow you to fully enjoy the splendid landscape.

A bus connects the town center to the long-distance bus station.

What to do in Tengchong?

• Climb one of the volcanoes and admire the lava seas.
• Visit the peaceful Heshun village.
• Follow the pilgrimage path of Mount Yunfeng.
• Soak in the hot springs of Rehai Hot Spring.