Tengchong Weather and Climate in April

Hidden in the mountainous borderlands of western Yunnan, Tengchong（腾冲） is a destination where volcanic energy, ancient Silk Road history, and ethnic culture collide. In April, the land awakens from its winter hush with lush greenery, steaming hot springs, and vibrant local life — making it one of the most rewarding months to explore this natural and cultural treasure.

☀️ Weather in April

👕 What to Wear in April

Daytime: Light long-sleeve or t-shirt, breathable trousers

Evening: Light jacket or fleece for the cooler nights

Footwear: Hiking shoes or durable sneakers (volcanic trails, old town walks)

Extras: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit for hot springs

✅ Pro tip: Temperatures drop quickly after sunset — layering is key, especially in the mountains.

🧭 What to Do in April

🌋 Trek the Volcanoes

Explore Tengchong Volcanic Geopark, with 90+ extinct volcano cones

Daying Volcano and Laifeng Mountain offer excellent panoramic views and spring wildflowers

April’s mild weather and dry trails make it ideal for hiking & photography

♨️ Soak in Hot Springs

Visit Rehai Scenic Area (Hot Sea), a geothermal wonderland with boiling springs, steam vents, and natural mineral spas

Bathe in herbal spring pools, perfect after a mountain hike

🏘️ Wander Heshun Ancient Town

A beautifully preserved town with stone-paved streets, Qing-dynasty houses, and family-run teahouses

Discover the Overseas Chinese Memorial Museum, ancestral halls, and quiet countryside views

In spring, gardens bloom and crowds are light

🛤️ Explore Border Trade History

Learn about Tengchong’s role in the Tea Horse Road and the Burma Road

Visit anti-Japanese war memorials, traditional caravanserais, and Chinese-Myanmar trade towns

🎉 Festivals & Cultural Highlights in April

🕊️ Qingming Festival (April 4–5)

A traditional time for ancestor worship and family outings

Locals clean graves, offer food, and burn incense — a cultural moment of respect and remembrance

Many families enjoy spring picnics or light hikes after the ritual

🥁 Wa & Dai Spring Rituals

Green Seedling Festival（青苗节）
◦ Festival Preparation: At the end of the fourth lunar month and the beginning of the fifth lunar month every year, the Wa people select an auspicious day to sow seeds. After the seedlings turn green, the Green Seedling Festival is held. The festival usually lasts for three lively days. During this period, people will clean the wells, water troughs, etc.
◦ Celebration Activities: The Wa people wear traditional costumes and gather together, playing the lusheng and singing and dancing. There is also a grand square art performance. Men wave long knives, and women toss their long hair, singing and dancing. In addition, there are activities such as calligraphy, painting and photography exhibitions, Wa ethnic brocade exhibitions, the “Dotting Beads” blessing ceremony, a singing and dancing carnival with tens of thousands of people singing “Jialinsai”, ethnic singing and dancing competitions, mass art performances, tug – of – war, crossbow shooting competitions, etc.
Ethnic Group: Wa people’s Green Seedling Festival

• Sowing Festival（播种节）
◦ Sacrifice Ceremony: In the Qi’ai month of the Wa calendar (March in the Gregorian calendar), the whole village gathers together to spear a cow. The owner who donates the cow presides over the cow – spearing ceremony. He stabs the iron spear into the cow’s heart to kill it. Then the beef is evenly distributed to each household to worship their ancestors. The cow bones belong to the owner, and the cow skull is regarded as a symbol of wealth.
◦ New Year Celebration: “Bengnanni” is a festival to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. It is chosen on the day of sacrificing pigs in the last month of the Wa calendar. At the fourth watch of that night, the village elders and young and middle – aged men in the whole village gather at the village head’s house and pool money to buy a pig and a chicken to kill. Each household takes a small bamboo table and brings a basin of glutinous rice, a piece of cake, etc. to pay a New Year’s visit to the village head, worship the gods and ancestors, and then exchange cakes and congratulate each other. At dawn, they worship the sacred tree and start hunting and fishing for shrimps, hoping for good luck in the new year.
Ethnic Group: Dai people’s related ceremonies
• Water – Splashing Festival（泼水节）
◦ Water – Fetching Ceremony: It is an important beginning of the Water – Splashing Festival. The Dai people, dressed in their finest clothes, gather on the banks of the Lancang River. The respected elders chant incantations, praying for good weather and a bumper harvest in the Dai area. Then they take the silver bowl and scoop up the river water that symbolizes good luck and blessings.
◦ Celebration Activities: The water – fetching team returns to the main event venue, singing and dancing. During the event, there are also traditional folk activities such as visiting villages to pray for blessings and setting off skyrockets. At noon, the water – splashing carnival officially begins. People splash each other with the water of happiness and good luck. In addition, modern elements such as water – disco DJ are added, making the traditional feast glow with new vitality and passion.
Ethnic Group: Dai people’s Water – Splashing Festival

🍲 What to Eat in April

Hot Stone Pot Chicken (石头锅鸡) – cooked over volcanic stone with local herbs

Er Kuai (rice cake) – stir-fried or grilled, popular for breakfast or snacks

Highland greens and spring bamboo shoots – only found in early spring

Yunnan ham hotpot, wild mushrooms, and Tengchong-style pickled vegetables

Locally brewed rice wine and highland Pu’er tea

🍜 Try a meal with a local family guesthouse in Heshun — spring vegetables straight from the garden!

✅ Why Visit Tengchong in April?

✨ Tengchong in April: Steam, Stone & Spring Serenity

With mist rising from hot springs, wildflowers blooming along ancient roads, and local traditions echoing through the hills, Tengchong in April is a soulful encounter with Yunnan’s natural power and cultural grace.