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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Dehong [2025]
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Cangshan Mountain
4.5
/5
6724 reviews
8.4
From £13.89
Based on 337 reviews
Cangshan Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8608725365006
Address: Xiyinxian Road, Dali Ancient City, Dali, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Highlights:
10 temples & 20 natural attractions
Unique geological landscapes displayed
Saved by 786 users3946 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The view from the mountaintop was decent, but the staff at the Zhonghe cable car station were incredibly rude. We came here to have fun, not to owe them money. Who are they trying to fool with their attitude? I suggest they make improvements.
The facilities are complete, the environment is nice, clean and hygienic, the service is good, and it's convenient to go anywhere. The surrounding environment is also very good. The cleanliness and hygiene are excellent, suitable for travel and business trips!
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The Chongsheng Temple And The Three-Pagoda Culture Tourist Area
4.7
/5
12596 reviews
8.1
From £7.80
Based on 522 reviews
Dali Ancient City | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864009001558
Address: Southwest corner of the intersection of Santa Road and Wenbi Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Three Pagodas Reflection Pond views
Perfect spot for tower reflections
Saved by 613 users5936 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The only 5A scenic area in Dali, a royal temple. A must-see in Dali. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating; it rained the whole time, so I didn't get to take any pictures of Cangshan Mountain. The exit layout of the scenic area is not very reasonable; I walked a lot of unnecessary paths.
On an overcast day on October 11th, I visited Chongsheng Temple. Set against the misty Cangshan Mountain, the ancient Three Pagodas and numerous magnificent temples were awe-inspiring. The entire park is large and tranquil, and if you have time, you could spend most of the day here. It's not too far from Dali Ancient Town, and you can buy tickets within the scenic area to ride electric carts up and down the mountain. Admission to Chongsheng Temple is 75 yuan, but there are many promotions. Tickets to Dali are free with a flight. I used a China Mobile coupon, which allowed me to buy a free ticket on Ctrip, but I had to wait 15 minutes after the ticket was issued before I could enter the park.
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Heshun Ancient Town
4.5
/5
5460 reviews
8.1
From £31.83
Based on 57 reviews
Heshun Ancient Town | 65.5 km from downtown
Phone +8608755150010
Address: Heshunzhen, Tengchong, Baoshan, Yunnan, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days
Highlights:
Dragon Pool & ancient trees
Watch artisans make Tengchong paper
Saved by 106 users3152 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Heshun Ancient Town, with over 600 years of history, is a national 5A scenic area. Its stone-paved paths convey a sense of history, and the town is beautifully landscaped with blooming flowers, flowing streams, and small bridges. There's a wide variety of delicious food, including the local famous roasted pork rice noodles, which are incredibly tasty!
Before visiting, I saw mixed reviews online about Heshun Ancient Town. Driven by curiosity, I went, largely because of the entrance fee. However, after exploring since arriving in the afternoon, I feel it was well worth the price.
Everywhere you look, there are ancestral halls representing the inheritance of Confucian culture, the century-old Li Family Museum, and Western artifacts dating back 170 years that have crossed national borders to be seen by us in 2025. In 2.5 hours of walking, I saw Hui-style architecture reminiscent of the Jiangnan water towns, the ancient town embraced by the Gaoligong Mountains, and waterways where you can sit quietly and fish.
The winding, rugged mountain roads of the ancient town—isn't this what we should all have, the original ecology we should protect? We've seen too many modernly constructed ancient towns with dazzling lights, magnificent buildings, and convenient facilities. But is this what we came here for, this treasure trove?
This place is worth exploring, understanding its construction, its cultural heritage, the ethnic minorities who have lived on this land for generations, the caravan life of that era, and the remnants of orphans and widows, and the chastity archway!
No.
4
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Rehai Scenic Area
4.6
/5
5352 reviews
8.1
From £6.95
Based on 95 reviews
59 km from downtown
Phone +8608755133333
Address: Tengchong, Baoshan, Yunnan, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Hot springs egg & geothermal wonder
Over 20 hot springs including coffee pool
Saved by 190 users3220 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
If you're elderly and can't climb, I wouldn't recommend this scenic area. The electric sightseeing vehicles have two stops uphill; the first stop allows for a short hike downhill, but the second stop leads directly to the large pot, which is really not very interesting. Personally, I thought the most interesting part was a short walk from Pearl Spring, where there was a heated stone bench and floor. Sitting on it was nice and warm, and taking off your shoes and stepping on your feet was also very comfortable. Since it's a hot spring area, why not provide tourists with an opportunity to experience the hot springs, even just to wash their hands or soak their feet? Anyway, I found the whole experience quite boring. It was very windy, and the electric sightseeing vehicle queue took an hour, even though it wasn't a holiday. It was infuriating!
The scenery is quite spectacular and worth a visit. However, the time spent queuing for the electric shuttle bus is enough to climb up the mountain yourself. On the way down, I decided to skip the shuttle bus and walk down. The scenery is definitely worth checking out; it truly is a wonder!
No.
5
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Erhai Lake
4.6
/5
8139 reviews
8.0
Based on 560 reviews
Small Putuo Scenic Area of Wase Town | >100 km from downtown
Address: No. 1 Henan Road, Xiaguan, Dali
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days
Highlights:
Nearby towns with historical heritage
National scenic area & lake
Saved by 1130 users2886 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Erhai Lake, a plateau freshwater lake located in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, is known as the "Pearl of the Plateau."
- Origin of the name: It was given the name "Erhai" because of its resemblance to a human ear and its sea-like waves.
- Climate: It has a typical mid-subtropical plateau monsoon climate, characterized by mild seasons, minimal annual temperature fluctuations, abundant sunshine with a wide diurnal range, distinct dry and wet seasons, and uneven seasonal rainfall. The average annual temperature is 15.1°C, and the lake surface temperature ranges from 1°C to 20°C year-round, with ice remaining year-round.
I had hoped for a molten golden sunset by the sea, but instead, I encountered a lingering rainy day, which unexpectedly brought a unique tenderness.
Lead-gray clouds hung low above the horizon, and the wind, wrapped in sea mist, blew against my face, bringing a salty, damp coolness that was far more soothing than the sweltering heat of a sunny day. The beach had lost its usual bustle, a few scattered footprints quickly smoothed by the rising tide. The fishing boats in the distance were blurred silhouettes in the mist, like a smudged ink painting.
I found a small seaside shop, sat down, ordered a cup of hot ginger tea, and watched the rain slant into the sea, splashing tiny drops of water. Occasionally, a seagull flew past, close to the crest of the waves, its cries softened by the wind. Without the glare of the sun, even time seemed to slow down. No need to rush to tourist attractions or snap photos, just quietly listening to the crashing waves and rain was a more soothing experience than the bustle of a sunny day.
A rainy evening by the sea lacked the expected breathtaking spectacle, but it brought an unexpected sense of relaxation. If you also want to avoid the crowds and find some quiet time, such a moment may be more worthwhile than a clear sky.
No.
6
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Dali Ancient City
4.7
/5
9628 reviews
7.6
Based on 883 reviews
Dali Ancient City | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8608722512899
Address: No. 42, Yita Road, Dali Ancient City, Gucheng District, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Fuxing Road for culture & shopping
Millennial Ethnic Festival Celebration
Saved by 1226 users4497 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Stepping into Dali Ancient City is like stepping into the Nanzhao Kingdom a thousand years ago. The ancient city walls, weathered and worn, their bricks and stones, eroded by wind and rain, still steadfastly guard the city, witnessing countless rises and falls. Touching these bricks, you can almost feel the hard work of the craftsmen and hear the rolling wheels of history. At the city gates, people come and go, bustling with activity, yet this noise cannot obscure the inherent tranquility and depth of the ancient city; instead, it adds a touch of life, making one yearn to explore further.
[Scenery] The climate here is pleasant, and even in the summer, it's not too hot. We only stayed here for two days and one night. Honestly, the experience was a bit disappointing. We traveled all the way from Shangri-La, and the scenery in Dali is incomparable. The scenery was simply unappealing. I recommend starting your trip in Dali. We visited three ancient towns: Dali, Shuanglang, and Xizhou.
My personal favorite was Shuanglang, as I'm an architecture enthusiast. The houses there are unique and not standard. There's also a lot of delicious food, especially the fried shrimp, which is so delicious you could practically devour the shrimp skin. However, I haven't had any particularly good noodles here yet.
Next up is Dali Ancient Town. After getting off the high-speed rail at Dali Station, you can take a 5-yuan direct bus to Dali Ancient Town. A guide provided explanations along the way. I personally felt that Dali Ancient Town was just a large commercial area, filled with travel photography shops and chain specialty stores. There wasn't much to see. Overall, it was pretty average. If you're in Dali and have limited time, avoid this place. Xizhou Ancient Town is okay; it's not overly commercial, retains some local charm, and is relatively affordable. But avoid the rice paddy train; it's a rip-off. They'll kick you out after just a few minutes. Taking photos alongside the rice paddies is also quite photogenic!
In summary: Dali's ancient towns are all quite far away, so plan your route carefully, otherwise the experience will be disappointing. Shuanglang is the best choice for ancient town visits; the others are average. Taxis are particularly irritating. We took a Didi taxi, and the driver wanted to take the highway. The toll was supposed to be 5 yuan, but he charged 25. When we asked him why, he said it's a common practice for taxis here, so be sure to arrange a ride in advance.
No.
7
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Tengchong Volcanic and Geothermal National Geopark
4.3
/5
2046 reviews
7.5
From £5.35
Based on 14 reviews
87.3 km from downtown
Phone +8608755853888
Address: Tengchong, Baoshan, Yunnan, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Hot air balloon over craters
Balloon over volcanic craters & fields
1111 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
The Tengchong Volcanic and Geothermal National Museum within the scenic area showcases the formation and structure of volcanoes. It also houses a science and technology experience center, offering a variety of activities to provide visitors with a more intuitive understanding of volcanic geothermal knowledge. It's a great place for family outings. Dakong Mountain has many steps, so climbing requires considerable stamina. Those with limited stamina can opt for horseback riding or simply explore Xiaokong Mountain.
I drove here in the morning on October 3, 2025. The parking lot is quite large. I arrived around 10 am and there were still some spaces. The entire park is well-designed. You can take a battery car or ride a horse. The battery car only goes to the foot of the mountain. It's okay to walk up, but it's a bit uncomfortable to go down. You can see a huge crater when you go up. The hot air balloon is still worth taking a ride, but whether you can get one depends on luck. It usually closes at 11 am.
No.
8
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Beihai Wetland
4.4
/5
2461 reviews
7.4
From £5.88
76.4 km from downtown
Phone +8618087584688
Address: Tengchong, Baoshan, Yunnan, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–3 hours
Highlights:
Floating walkway & rare birds
Floating boardwalk & rare species
1456 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
Whether it's the vast wetland, the rolling mountain backdrop, the distinctive grassy rafts, or the ever-changing flowers, plants, and birds, it's easy to capture stunning photos. The light and shadow effects are especially stunning at sunset. The ecological environment is excellent, and the air is fresh. As a national wetland reserve, the air is fresh, the views are expansive, and it's truly refreshing. Strolling along the wooden boardwalk, away from the hustle and bustle, is a wonderful way to relax.
I recommend buying a package ticket so you can experience everything. Taking the boat alone costs 60 one-way per person, while the bamboo raft costs 70 one-way per person, which is quite high. We originally didn't plan to take the boat, so we bought separate tickets. Later, when my family couldn't walk anymore, we ended up taking the boat instead, which was a bit of a loss.
The entire scenic area is beautiful, especially on a clear day.
No.
9
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Shuanglang
4.6
/5
3083 reviews
7.2
Based on 52 reviews
Shuanglang Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Address: Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Dali City, Wuyuan County
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours
Highlights:
Walk to Yujidao for sunset views
Boat ride & Erhai scenery
Saved by 433 users1143 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Shuanglang, located on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake, is a major scenic area within the Cangshan-Erhai Scenic Area. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the lake on the other, it is known as the "Number One Town for Cangshan-Erhai Scenery." Yuji Island and Nanzhao Folk Island are nestled within its picturesque setting. Shuanglang was once an important naval base for the Nanzhao Kingdom and preserves historical sites such as the Yuji Temple and Kuixing Pavilion, as well as typical Bai ethnic minority dwellings. Strolling along the ancient streets, one can enjoy the stunning lake and mountain scenery and experience the rich Bai ethnic culture.
Shuanglang Scenic Area, located on Huanhai East Road in Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, is a national 4A-level scenic area. Nestled amidst the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, it is known as the "Top Cangshan and Erhai Scenic Spot." Nestled within the area are Yuji Island and Nanzhao Style Island, along with well-preserved historical and cultural districts from the Ming and Qing dynasties and traditional Bai dwellings. Furthermore, artistic architecture such as Yang Liping's Sun Palace adds to the scenic area's unique charm.
No.
10
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Yinxing Village
4.1
/5
1717 reviews
7.0
Ginkgo Village | 97 km from downtown
Phone +8608755851596
Address: Gudongzhen, Tengchong, Baoshan, Yunnan, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Historic sites: Shimen Battlefield & Natural Bridge
Ancient ginkgo forest & trees
906 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
Winter is a great time to visit, for its natural beauty and pastoral charm. After entering, turn left. Don't go to the Ginkgo King immediately; it's too crowded and noisy. Instead, wander freely through the vast villages, letting your imagination run wild and finding peace in the moment. The beauty of the ginkgo trees is just beginning, slowly unfolding their splendor.
We arrived too early, half a month too early; the ginkgo leaves hadn't even turned yellow yet. My friend and I rented an electric scooter and drove around the village, which was quite fun. We ate ginkgo nuts stewed with pork hock, and it felt like I ate a lifetime's worth of ginkgo nuts in one meal. The owner said that cooked ginkgo nuts aren't poisonous, hahaha.
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