Back from Tengchong, I really don't recommend visiting in July-August because...

Tengchong, this border town in southwestern Yunnan, is like a hidden pearl in the depths of time. It boasts spectacular volcanic clusters, misty hot springs, and ancient towns, each exuding unique charm. July-August in Tengchong offers pleasant weather and picturesque scenery, making it the perfect time to visit. Here's your guide: 🚌【Transportation Guide】: Flight: From Kunming Changshui International Airport, take a direct flight to Tuofeng Airport (about 1 hour). From Tuofeng Airport to downtown, a taxi takes about 30 minutes and costs around 50 yuan.✈️ High-speed rail + bus: Take the high-speed rail from Kunming South Station to Baoshan Station (about 2 hours), then carpool or hire a car to Tengchong downtown (about 1.5 hours, fare around 60 yuan).🚄 Local transport: Taxis in Tengchong start at 8 yuan. Buses cover major attractions but have limited schedules, so renting a car or hiring a driver is recommended.🚖🚌 🏠【Accommodation Recommendations】: Heshun Ancient Town homestays: Stay in unique homestays within Heshun Ancient Town, priced around 150-300 yuan/night. The town is tranquil at night with beautiful lanterns.🏡🌙 -Recommended homestays: Heshun Yunqi Courtyard, Flower Inn·Tengchong Heshun Ancient Town Inn Hot spring hotels: Tengchong is rich in hot springs. Stay at a hot spring hotel to enjoy a soak. Prices around 400-800 yuan/night.♨️ -Recommended hotels: Tengchong Yuechun Hot Spring Village, Tengchong Heshun Banyan Tree Hotel Downtown hotels: Affordable and convenient, priced around 200-400 yuan/night.🏨 -Recommended hotels: Tengchong Kaichen Hotel, Tengchong Century Golden Source Hotel 🚗【Itinerary】: Day 1: Arrive in Tengchong - Heshun Ancient Town🏯 -After arrival, check into a Heshun homestay and stroll through the ancient town.🏡 -Enjoy local cuisine and night views in the town.🌙🍽️ Day 2: Rehai Scenic Area - Hot Spring Experience🌋♨️ -Visit Rehai Scenic Area in the morning to see geothermal wonders like the Big Boiling Pot, Frog's Mouth, and Pearl Spring.🌋 -Try hot spring-boiled eggs for lunch.🥚 -Return to downtown in the afternoon for a hot spring soak.♨️ Day 3: Beihai Wetland - Volcanic Geopark🦆🌋 -Visit Beihai Wetland in the morning, take a grass raft or boat tour.🦆 -Lunch at the wetland park.🍱 -Explore volcanic relics like Dakongshan and Xiaokongshan in the afternoon.🌋 Day 4: Ginkgo Village - Yunfeng Mountain🍂⛰️ -Visit Ginkgo Village in the morning to see golden leaves.🍂 -Enjoy farmhouse cuisine for lunch.🍲 -Hike Yunfeng Mountain in the afternoon.⛰️ Day 5: Tengchong Museum - Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall🏛️ -Visit Tengchong Museum in the morning.🏛️ -Lunch downtown.🍽️ -Visit the Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall in the afternoon.⚔️ Day 6: Lotus Hot Spring - Dieshuihe Waterfall♨️🏞️ -Relax at Lotus Hot Spring in the morning.♨️ -Lunch at the hot spring hotel.🍱 -Visit Dieshuihe Waterfall in the afternoon.🏞️ Day 7: Departure🛬 -Depart according to your flight or train schedule.✈️🚄 🍽️【Food Recommendations】: Dajiu Jia: Tengchong's specialty snack, similar to stir-fried rice cakes.🍲 Tuguozi: Traditional hot pot with a flavorful broth.🍲 Xidoufen: A breakfast staple, served with fried dough or rice cakes.🥣 Songhua Cake: A traditional dessert, sweet but not cloying.🍰 Paoluda: A Burmese dessert with coconut milk, bread, and coconut flakes.🥥 ⚡【Must-Visit Spots】: 1. Heshun Ancient Town: Experience its tranquility and culture.🏯 2. Rehai Scenic Area: See geothermal wonders and try hot spring eggs.🌋 3. Beihai Wetland: Take a grass raft or boat tour.🦆 4. Volcanic Geopark: Explore volcanic relics.🌋 5. Ginkgo Village: Admire golden leaves.🍂 6. Yunfeng Mountain: Hike for stunning views.⛰️ 7. Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall: Learn about wartime history.⚔️ 📌【Tips】: Sun protection: Tengchong can be hot in summer; bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.🌞🧢 Comfortable shoes: Wear sturdy shoes for hiking.👟 Cash: Some remote areas may not accept digital payments.💵 Respect local culture: Be mindful of customs and heritage sites.🙏 Book ahead: July-August is peak season; book hotels and tickets early.⏰ Safety first: Some sites are at high elevations; hike cautiously.⚠️