Baoshan Volcano and Hot Sea Tourist Area is located in Tengchong City, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area consists of two parts: the Volcano Scenic Area and the Hot Sea Scenic Area, with a total area of approximately 221.36 square kilometers. The area integrates scientific research, sightseeing, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism, featuring spectacular volcanic landforms and rich geothermal landscapes. There are 97 volcanoes and more than 80 hot springs within the area, with frequent seismic activities.
History and Culture
In the 12th year of Chongzhen in the Ming Dynasty (1639), the Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake came to Tengchong, making it the last stop of his journey. He traveled in Tengchong for 40 days, investigating the geothermal resources and volcanic groups in the area, and left more than 30,000 characters of Travel Notes of Tengyue, which was included in Xu Xiake's Travel Notes.
Baoshan has a long history and culture. The ancient Ailao people created a unique Ailao culture on this land. After thousands of years of evolution, it has formed Baoshan's unique border culture.
Main Attractions
Big Kongshan
Located northeast of the entrance to the Volcano Park, with an altitude of about 2,050 meters, it is a truncated conical volcanic cone. The bottom diameter of the volcanic cone is about 700 meters, with a relative height of 100 meters. The volcanic crater has a diameter of about 200 meters and a depth of 50 meters. The mountain top is relatively flat and offers a wide view, with a 598-step staircase leading to the top.
Small Kongshan
Located 50 meters south of Big Kongshan, with an altitude of 1,957 meters, it is a truncated conical volcanic cone. The bottom diameter of the volcanic cone is about 350 meters, with a relative height of 30 meters. The volcanic crater has a diameter of about 250 meters and a depth of 60 meters. The most recent eruption of this volcano occurred about 100 meters to its east, forming a parasitic volcano with a cone bottom diameter of 200 meters and a height of about 50 meters.
Black Kongshan
Located 50 meters north of Big Kongshan, with an altitude of 2,072 meters, it is a conical volcanic cone. The bottom diameter of the volcanic cone is about 800 meters, with a relative height of 150 meters. The volcanic crater has a diameter of about 250 meters and a depth of 60 meters. Arcuate lava covers can be clearly seen, and there are black lava platforms extending for miles on both the east and west sides of the crater.
God Pillar Valley
Located about 12 kilometers east of Big Kongshan on the banks of the Longchuan River, it is distributed in more than ten places along the Longchuan River, Daying River, and Binlang River basins, covering a total area of 2 square kilometers. It was formed 40,000 years ago. The pillars are up to 100 meters tall, with varying sizes— the largest has a diameter of about 3 meters, and the smallest is only 4 centimeters. Most are hexagonal prisms, making it the largest, best-preserved, and youngest columnar jointing discovered in China so far.
Black Fish River
Located about 3,000 meters south of God Pillar Valley, it is a low-temperature hot spring where an underground river is forced to the surface by lava blocking the river channel from a volcanic eruption. It is named after the tens of thousands of black small fish that flow out of the outlet every summer to autumn. The river has a huge flow rate of 1,400 cubic meters per second, with the outlet splitting into two streams that converge and flow into the Longchuan River.
Hot Sea Big Boiling Pot
One of the most representative attractions in the Hot Sea Scenic Area, it is a year-round boiling hot spring pool with a water temperature of up to 96°C, serving as the iconic landscape of the Hot Sea Scenic Area.
Huaitai Well, Glass Spring, Pearl Spring
These hot springs are named for their unique shapes and functions, each with its own characteristics and worth a visit.
Drum Sound Spring, Lion's Head, Toad's Mouth
These hot springs are beloved by visitors for their unique gushing methods and sounds.
Zao Tang River Gorge
Here, visitors can experience steaming natural hot springs and marvel at the craftsmanship of nature.
Food
Tengchong Ersi
Made from rice, it has a soft and chewy texture, suitable for both boiling and stir-frying. It is served with ingredients like fresh meat shreds, ham shreds, eggs, and bean sprouts, plus special soy sauce, vinegar, chili, and other seasonings, resulting in a delicious taste.
Earthen Pot Cuisine
Using an earthen pot, ingredients such as ham, chicken, pork ribs, tofu, and vegetables are layered and stewed with stock. With rich ingredients, a thick soup, and a mellow flavor, it is a traditional dish in Tengchong.
Volcanic Stone Grill
Food is grilled using the heat of volcanic stone plates, commonly including grilled tofu, meat, and vegetables. The stone-grilled food has a unique smoky aroma and distinct flavor.
Hot Spring Boiled Eggs
Eggs are boiled in the hot springs of Hot Sea, heated evenly to achieve a tender texture, with elastic egg whites and smooth yolks. They are a signature snack in the Hot Sea Scenic Area.
Admission
Tengchong Hot Sea Scenic Area tickets: Adult ticket 50 yuan
Tengchong Volcano Scenic Area tickets: Adult ticket 35 yuan
You can search for the official WeChat public account "腾冲火山热海" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Volcano Scenic Area opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00.
Hot Sea Scenic Area opening hours: 08:00 - 19:00.
Itinerary Recommendations
One-day tour: In the morning, visit the Volcano Scenic Area to explore attractions like Big Kongshan, Small Kongshan, and Black Kongshan, and optionally take a hot air balloon ride to overlook the volcanic group; in the afternoon, go to the Hot Sea Scenic Area to view geothermal landscapes such as the Hot Sea Big Boiling Pot and Huaitai Well, and relax in the hot springs.
Two-day tour: On the first day, visit the Volcano Scenic Area, explore the Volcanic Geology Museum to learn about volcanic formation and geological changes, and hike along the Black Fish River to experience the mystery of underground rivers; stay overnight near the scenic area. On the second day, visit the Hot Sea Scenic Area to slowly appreciate various geothermal landscapes and enjoy a hot spring SPA at Yugu Hot Spring or Meinv Chi to feel nature's gift.
Transportation
- Self-driving: About 30 minutes by car from Tengchong City to the Volcano Scenic Area, and about 15 minutes to the Hot Sea Scenic Area.
- Special line bus: Take the volcano special line bus at Tengchong Tourism Bus Station to reach the Volcano Scenic Area directly, with a bus fare of 4 yuan.
- Public bus: Take bus No. 2 at Tengchong Tourism Bus Station and along the extended Rehai Road to reach Hot Sea directly, with a bus fare of 3 yuan.
Must-See Attractions
- Big Kongshan: A truncated conical volcanic cone with a broad view from the top, where you can climb the stairs to admire the volcanic crater and surrounding natural scenery. Altitude about 2,050 meters, volcanic cone bottom diameter about 700 meters, relative height 100 meters.
- Hot Sea Big Boiling Pot: With a water temperature of 96°C, it is the iconic landscape of Hot Sea. You can feel the steaming hot springs and watch staff boil eggs, peanuts, etc., in the big pot.
- God Pillar Valley: Features China's largest, best-preserved, and youngest columnar jointing, with pillars up to 100 meters tall, mostly hexagonal prisms, offering high ornamental and scientific research value.
Travel Tips
- Make timed reservations in advance through platforms like official WeChat public accounts to avoid queuing during peak hours.
- When visiting the Hot Sea Scenic Area, do not touch the hot spring water casually to avoid burns.
- If experiencing hot springs, bring your own swimwear, swim caps, and other items.
- In the Volcano Scenic Area, consider taking a hot air balloon to better appreciate the full view of the volcanic group, but pay attention to weather conditions— flights may be canceled in case of strong winds or other bad weather.
Notes
- Some roads in the scenic area may be rough; pay attention to foot safety and wear comfortable shoes.
- Abide by scenic area regulations and do not smoke in non-smoking areas.
- Take care of the elderly and children to avoid getting lost or having accidents.
- Protect the environment and do not litter to keep the scenic area clean.