6 Days Tengchong Winter Tour: Ginkgo Season | Golden Adventure with Hot Springs

Morning: Arrival in Tengchong
Arrive in Tengchong (腾冲), the charming city nestled in the foothills of the Gaoligong Mountains. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your accommodation, where you can freshen up and prepare for a relaxing day. The journey to Tengchong offers glimpses of lush landscapes and tranquil surroundings, setting the tone for a peaceful start to your holiday.

Afternoon: Explore Heshun Old Town
In the afternoon, head to Heshun Old Town (和顺古镇), one of the most well-preserved ancient towns in Yunnan. Known for its traditional Hakka architecture and serene atmosphere, Heshun is a perfect place to unwind and soak in the local culture. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with old buildings, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and admire the ancient wooden architecture and stone-paved pathways.

You can also visit the Heshun Library, a historical landmark that holds over 10,000 books, showcasing the town's deep cultural roots. Heshun is known for its unique combination of Chinese and Western cultures, as it was once a major stop for travelers and scholars on the Silk Road.

Evening: Dinner and Relaxation
After your exploration, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, where you can taste traditional Tengchong dishes like grilled fish, rice noodles, and local vegetables. Afterward, relax in the evening by the Heshun River, a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the town. You may choose to stay in a cozy courtyard guesthouse, where you can listen to the rustling leaves and the quiet whispers of nature as you drift off to sleep, ready for another exciting day ahead.

Morning: Explore the Volcano Geopark

• Tengchong Volcano Geopark (火山地质公园):
  Start your day by visiting the Tengchong Volcano Geopark. Here, you’ll take a hot air balloon ride to get a stunning bird's-eye view of the ancient volcanic craters and the surrounding landscape. The autumn foliage in the area adds a beautiful touch to the experience, as the orange and red hues of the trees contrast against the volcanic backdrop.

Lunch: Ginkgo Feast in Ginkgo Village

• Ginkgo Village (银杏村):
  After your adventure, head to Ginkgo Village, a picturesque spot where over 10,000 ancient ginkgo trees paint the village in golden tones. Take a stroll through the village, admire the ancient ginkgo trees, and indulge in a traditional Ginkgo Feast. Try the ginkgo stewed chicken, ginkgo soup, and charcoal-grilled ginkgo nuts, the perfect flavors to enjoy the season.

Afternoon: A Taste of Local Cuisine

• Shunjiang Roast Meat Rice Noodles (顺江烧肉米线):
  In the afternoon, head to a local restaurant to enjoy Tengchong's famous roast meat rice noodles. This comforting dish consists of crispy roasted pork served with smooth rice noodles and a flavorful, rich sauce.

Evening: Relax at Yunfeng Mountain Hot Spring Resort

• Yunfeng Mountain Hot Spring Resort (云峰山温泉酒店):
  Check into a hot spring resort located at the foot of Yunfeng Mountain. Soak in the natural hot springs and relax in the tranquil atmosphere while watching the stars. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day exploring.

Morning: Yunfeng Mountain for Peace and Serenity

• Yunfeng Mountain (云峰山):
  Begin your day with a visit to Yunfeng Mountain, where you can hike or take a cable car to the summit. At the top, you’ll find a peaceful Buddhist temple, a site that has been a place of prayer for centuries. Take a moment to reflect, pray for good fortune, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests, often shrouded in mist.

Lunch: Explore Dongguan Village (董官村)

• Dongguan Village:
  Head to the quaint Dongguan Village, an ancient town with a rich history linked to the horse caravan culture. Stroll through the stone-paved streets, visit the century-old trees, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, tasting regional specialties like Tengchong rice noodles.

Afternoon: Visit the National Martyrs Cemetery

• National Martyrs Cemetery (国殇墓园):
  In the afternoon, visit the National Martyrs Cemetery, where soldiers of the Chinese Expeditionary Force are honored. This solemn site is an important place of remembrance and reflection on the sacrifices made by these heroes.

Dinner: Copper Pot Beef (铜瓢牛肉)

• Dinner:
  For dinner, try Tengchong's copper pot beef. The beef is slow-cooked in a copper pot with mint and spicy peppers, creating a comforting and aromatic dish perfect for the cooler weather.

Evening: Stay in Heshun Ancient Town

• Heshun Ancient Town (和顺古镇):
  Stay at a charming courtyard guesthouse in Heshun Ancient Town. The town is known for its traditional architecture and quiet ambiance, perfect for a peaceful evening of tea-drinking and relaxing in the serene surroundings.

Morning: Heshun Market & Exploring the Ancient Town

• Heshun Ancient Town Morning Market:
  In the morning, visit the Heshun market, which is alive with activity. Walk through the vibrant stalls and explore the wild duck lake and its reed beds. Take a moment to relax at the Heshun library, which offers a peaceful retreat with the scent of books mingling with the autumn air.

Lunch: Shadow Puppet Show (皮影戏)

• Liu Yongzhou Puppet Theatre (刘永周皮影馆):
  After lunch, visit the Liu Yongzhou Puppet Theatre to learn about shadow puppetry, a traditional art form in China. Watch a shadow puppet performance and participate in a workshop where you can try your hand at creating and controlling your own puppets.

Afternoon: Beihai Wetlands Adventure

• Beihai Wetlands (北海湿地):
  In the afternoon, take a bamboo raft ride through the Beihai Wetlands. As you drift through the lush marshlands, spot migratory birds like egrets and listen to the soothing sounds of the wind blowing through the reeds. This is a perfect opportunity to connect with nature in a tranquil setting.

Evening: Muyu Valley Hot Springs (玛御谷)

• Muyu Valley Hot Springs:
  End the day by visiting Muyu Valley Hot Springs. The resort is surrounded by a lush forest, where you can unwind in a private hot spring pool while listening to the sounds of nature. This peaceful environment provides the perfect setting for relaxation.

Morning: Visit to Simo La Wa Village

• Simo La Wa Ethnic Village (司莫拉佤族村):
  Start the day with a visit to Simo La Wa Village, home to the Wa ethnic group. Experience their unique culture, with vibrant festivals, traditional architecture, and colorful crafts. The village offers an insight into the lifestyles and traditions of the local ethnic people.

Lunch: Tea Experience in the Tea Sea

• Tea Sea (茶海) or Tea Museum (茶博园):
  In the afternoon, head to Tengchong’s Tea Sea, where lush green tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see. Participate in a tea tasting and tea-making experience to learn about the process of crafting local teas, or simply enjoy a cup of Tengchong’s highland tea in a beautiful tea room surrounded by nature.

Afternoon: Explore Hot Sea (热海)

• Hot Sea (热海):
  End the day with a visit to the Hot Sea, a geothermal area famous for its hot springs. Explore the steam vents, and experience the "boiling pots" where you can even try steaming an egg in the hot water. Soak in the warm pools, letting the heat wash away any remaining stress from your travels.

• Morning:
  After breakfast, you’ll have some free time for last-minute shopping or a relaxing stroll through Tengchong. If you haven’t already, this is a great time to buy local souvenirs or simply enjoy the peaceful charm of the town before heading back.

• Afternoon:
  Transfer to Tengchong Airport or the train station for your departure, taking with you the memories of golden ginkgo trees, volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and delicious local cuisine.