Cherry Blossom Viewing Guide: Read This
5-Day In-Depth Tour of Tengchong, Yunnan: Itinerary & Cost Breakdown (Budget: ¥2,800-4,500/person)
Highlights
Combines natural wonders (volcanoes/hot springs/wetlands), cultural ancient towns (Heshun Qiaoxiang), and seasonal spectacles (Ginkgo Village), balancing leisure with immersive experiences. Ideal for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts.
Daily Itinerary
**Day 1: Arrive in Tengchong, Explore Heshun Ancient Town**
• **Transport**: Airport pickup from Tengchong Hump Airport, private car to Heshun (20 mins, ¥30/car).
• **Accommodation**: Heshun guesthouse (recommend "A Zen Life Stay", mountain-view room ¥500-800/night, breakfast included).
• **Activities**:
- Stroll the town, visit Ai Siqi’s Former Residence & Heshun Library (China’s largest rural library).
- Try tie-dye crafting ("Yunlongge" workshop, ¥128/person, materials included).
• **Dining**: Dinner at "Mom’s Flavor" for local dishes like pea jelly and "Dajiujia" rice cake.
**Day 2: Volcanic Geopark + Beihai Wetland**
• **Transport**: Private car (8 hrs, ¥300/car).
• **Attractions**:
- **Volcanic Geopark**: Hot air balloon ride (¥280/person, best 8:30-11:00 AM) overlooking Dakongshan & Xiaokongshan.
- **Beihai Wetland**: Grass rafting (¥140/person, gear included), photograph "water grasslands".
• **Tips**: View volcanoes from afar (no climbing); strong UV at wetlands—apply sunscreen.
**Day 3: Rehai Hot Springs Full-Day Experience**
• **Transport**: Taxi to Rehai Scenic Area (20 mins, ¥40).
• **Tickets**: Rehai entry ¥50, Yuguo Hot Springs ¥268/person (buffet included).
• **Experiences**:
- Morning: Hike "Rehai’s Ten Scenes", watch eggs boiled in Big Boiling Pot (bamboo basket rental ¥10).
- Afternoon: Soak in Yuguo’s sulfur pools (recommend open-air "Drunk Moon Pool").
• **Dining**: On-site buffet (¥68/person), try five-flavor veggie & local clay pot.
**Day 4: Ginkgo Village + Western Yunnan War Memorial**
• **Transport**: Private car round-trip (1 hr, ¥200/car).
• **Attractions**:
- **Ginkgo Village** (best mid-late Nov): Photograph 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree, farmhouse lunch (ginkgo chicken stew ¥88/pot).
- **War Memorial**: Free entry, learn about WWII expeditionary forces (ID required).
• **Tip**: Off-season? Swap for winter cherry blossoms at "Cherry Blossom Valley" (Dec-Jan).
**Day 5: Free Time + Departure**
• **Options**:
- Dieshuihe Falls (China’s only urban volcanic barrier waterfall, ¥10 entry).
- Gaoligong Mountain light hike (guide required, ¥200/day, great for photographers).
• **Transport**: Airport drop-off (30 mins, ¥50/car).
• **Shopping**: Tengchong jade ("Treasure Street" market), volcanic stone crafts.
**Cost Breakdown (per person)**
| Category | Details | Budget (¥) |
|-------------------|----------------------------------|------------------|
| **Transport** | Round-trip flights (via Kunming) | 1,200-2,000 |
| | Local private cars | 600 |
| | City taxis | 100 |
| **Total Transport** | | **1,900-2,700** |
| **Accommodation** | Heshun guesthouse (4 nights) | 2,000-3,200 |
| **Tickets** | Volcano (50) + Wetland (110) | 518 |
| | Rehai (318) + Ginkgo (40) | |
| **Dining** | Daily meals (incl. specialties) | 750-1,000 |
| **Experiences** | Hot balloon (280) + Tie-dye (128)| 1,176-2,376 |
| | Hot springs (268) + Jade shopping| |
| **Total** | | **6,344-11,352** |
**Budget-Friendly Adjustments**:
• Downgrade to guesthouses (¥300/night), skip tie-dye/hot balloon.
• Use shared cars (¥100/person for volcano + wetland), total ~¥2,800.
**Premium Upgrade**:
• Stay at "Banyan Tree Hot Springs Hotel" (¥2,000+/night), add Gaoligong hike guide.
• Private "Lotus Hot Springs" soak (¥398/person), total up to ¥4,500.
**Seasonal Tips**:
• **Nov**: Book Ginkgo Village rooms 1 week ahead.
• **Dec-Feb**: Winter cherry blossoms + hot springs (avoid monsoon).
• **May-Sep**: Rain gear needed; lush wetlands ideal for photos.
This itinerary blends classic and offbeat experiences. Adjust transport/lodging for budgets. Book flights & Rehai tickets 15 days early.