Slow Pace In-Depth Tour (Yunnan) - A 12-day journey through mysteries of western Yunnan with detailed itineraries and strategies

Xu Xiake once called Tengchong "the first city on brink." From ancient times to present day, no one can resist charm of Tengchun.

Mount Gaoligong is separated from mainland and is very different from others. Unique high mountains and hot seas, as well as diverse geography of settlement, make traveler's stay here full of fun: winter cherry blossoms, hot springs, ancient cities, wetlands, volcanoes can appear on your day trip at same time.

If you want, you can also hike Gaoligong Mountain, see spruce, ginkgo, large rhododendron, look for various rare birds, cross this geographical border, and let ancient "Yongchang Road" take you to another place Baoshan, important station on southwestern Silk Road.

From Lujiang dam to Baoshan to west, height decreases all way, spruces, pines and cypresses become Shalo, Dongzong, and subtropical monsoon heats everything here, and different types of delicacies bloom everywhere. pounding chicken legs, etc. while enjoying Pao Ruda in hot sun, looking back at headwaters of river Well, it seems that there are two worlds.

If something is missing on this trip, there should be some peace of mind, then go to Fengqing in Lincang to find Yaoyuan Ancient Village.

This trail passes close to Gaoligong Mountain and Nujiang River, and scenery changes with seasons. You can take a leisurely stroll through ancient towns and villages, take a relaxing day trip, or enjoy comfort and convenience of Yunnan Hot Springs.

First bend of Niu River

(1) When to go?

April to May is hottest month in southwestern Yunnan, followed by rainy season until October.

Although Tengchun and Ruili are not far from each other, due to difference in altitude, climate in these two places is very different during rainy season.

1. From April to October, Dae Hong hosts a grand Water Splash Festival. In mid-May, flowers bloom in Tengchun. July to August is climax of rainy season. Listed one. after another.

2. From November to March next year, climate here is humid during dry season, and temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Jiangdong Ginkgo Village in Tengchong enters its best viewing period in mid-November. Birdwatching at Baoshan Baihualing lasts from late November to early March next year. January is relatively coldest and most suitable for hot springs.

Laundry kiosk in Heshun Ancient City

(2) Travel itinerary

Day 1-3: direct flight to Tengchong, with Tengchong urban area or Heshun as base, around Tengchong Spend 3 days at Volcano Park, Zitou and other places. If you go in late autumn don't miss Ginkgo Village. The city area of ​​Tengchong and Heshun are worthy of your one day tour, try Tengchong delicacies and then go to Rehai to feast on a hot spring egg. Of course, every day here can be an enjoyable trip. spring is over.

Tengchun, adjacent to Myanmar, has become a sanctuary of winter health in Yunnan. Hot springs and volcanoes are Tengchun's trademark, but Tengchun has more than that: large rhododendrons and mountain flowers grow on Mount Gaoligong in spring, and irises grow in spring. in Beihai Wetlands Ruohai in summer, glittering gold of Ginkgo Village in autumn, and bright blue sky and warm sun with hot springs in winter.

Gaoligonshan rapeseed

Autumn scenery of Ginkgo village

Beihai Wetlands

Tengchong Boiling Cauldron

The city of Heshun with old houses, old streets and old trees is suitable for walking. The city is built on a mountain, high in south and low in north, and scenic spots are relatively scattered, making it difficult to visit in one day. The ancient city is surrounded by 5 mountains (4 of which are volcanoes).

Quiet Heshun Ancient City

Day 4: Drive south from Tengchong, pass Xuanfu Nandian Department in Lianhe County and arrive in Yingjiang. ;

Yellow-legged squirrels in Yingjiang Tongbiguan Nature Reserve

Day 5: departure from Yingjiang and arrival in Ruili;

Ruili has always been popular, not to mention jeweled. She has a typical frontier town face. Here, variety of accents, clothing, and even skin color can make it difficult to identify real locals. The typical subtropical climate, straight tall royal palms and bustling urban atmosphere make this place more like Southeast Asia.

Ruili Traditional Dai Temple

Day 6: Coming back to Manshi and Longling from another road along border, you will experience climate, nature, Huge changes in cultural landscape.

As soon as you enter Mangshi, you will get a taste of Southeast Asia. Walking down street, on one side are poulda and chicken legs under a fragrant osmanthus tree, and on other side is a temple stupa surrounded by incense. You can visit all picturesque places of city in one day, and if you have time, you can stop for a while, taste a few more delicacies here, discover landscapes and customs of surrounding mountain villages, and also feel leisurelyness of this city.

Biancheng Manshi

Day 7: After driving Yunnan's southwest ring road, pass through Lujiangba to Baoshan and reach Nujiang River. If you have time, you can go to a coffee shop. shop at Baoshan coffee farms or hike Mount Gaoligong.

Arabica coffee at Baoshan

Hiking Mount Gaoligong

Day 8: From Lüshui (Liuku) to Laomden on a beautiful road, there are many places to visit at close range. Nujiang Range, Gaoligong Mountains and Biluo Snow Mountain, you can also admire the magnificent Nujiang Canyon from Laomudeng Tea Factory.

Nujiang Canyon, place where gods live

Day 9-10: Travel to Dulongjiang via Gongshan and visit various villages along north-north line of Dulongjiang River.

Dulongjiang Ancient Village

Day 11-12: After returning to Gongshan, there are two options:

1. Take a bus to Bingzhongluo, quintessence of Nujiang River, all way to Yunnan-Tibet line. There are many viewpoints along road to enjoy panoramic views of canyon. You can arrange to get up early to admire Yunsuo Nujiang First Bend and Climb Peach Blossom Enjoy canyon panorama from observation deck on island, visit Chongdin, Wuli, Qionatong and other villages along river, which are very beautiful in autumn and winter, and, finally, they enter Tibet along line of Bingchach or return same way;

Bingzhongluo, where "man and god live together"

Chunding Catholic Church

2. Another option is to rent a car to drive Degong Highway from Dimaluo (assuming road conditions are even), or spend 3-4 days on foot to cross Biluo Snow Mountain (if season is coming), go to Diqing to continue your journey.

Peacock Mountain in Biluo Snow Mountain