Welcome to Baoshan, Yunnan!
### Travel Guide to Baoshan, Yunnan
**I. Overview of Baoshan**
- **Location**: Western Yunnan, bordering Dali, Lincang, Dehong, and Myanmar.
- **Climate**: Subtropical monsoon climate with mild seasons year-round, average annual temperature around 16°C. Best time to visit is **October to April** (dry season with more sunny days). May to September is the rainy season with lush vegetation but prepare for rain.
- **Cultural Features**: A cultural center of western Yunnan, home to multiple ethnic groups (Han, Dai, Yi, etc.), rich in historical heritage.
---
**II. Must-Visit Attractions**
1. **Gaoligong Mountain National Nature Reserve**
- **Highlights**: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, "Gene Pool of Species," paradise for hikers.
- **Activities**: Bird watching at Baihua Ridge (best from November to March), hiking through pristine forests, enjoying wild hot springs (like Yinyang Valley Hot Springs).
- **Tips**: Guide required, light hiking gear essential.
2. **Heshun Ancient Town (Tengchong)**
- **Highlights**: 600-year-old overseas Chinese town featuring Ming-Qing architecture, library, and caravan culture.
- **Must-Visit**: Heshun Library, Ai Siqi Former Residence, Wanlou Residential Museum.
- **Experience**: Morning walks through rice fields, sunset views over the ancient town.
3. **Tengchong Volcano and Geothermal National Geopark**
- **Volcano Group**: Hike to the crater of Daxiao Kongshan, hot air balloon panoramic views (best in early morning).
- **Hot Sea Scenic Area**: Geothermal wonders, boil eggs in the Big Pot, hot springs (recommended: "Bath Valley" or "Beauty Pool").
4. **Beihai Wetland**
- **Features**: Highland volcanic barrier lake wetland, iris flowers in April-May, golden grassland in September-October.
- **Activities**: Grass raft riding, bird watching, wetland boardwalk photography.
5. **War Relics**
- **National Cemetery**: Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial, historical commemoration.
- **Songshan Battle Site**: Trenches and monuments, ideal for history enthusiasts.
6. **Other Recommendations**
- **Shanzhou Forest Farm** (Shidian): Origin of Yang Shanzhou's story, ecological education base.
- **Pear Blossom Valley** (Longyang District): Qing Dynasty Zen temple, snow-like pear blossoms in spring.
- **Banglazhuang Hot Springs** (Longling): Health resort with various mineral hot spring pools.
---
**III. Food Recommendations**
- **Da Jiujia**: Tengchong's signature dish, stir-fried rice cakes with sour soup, reportedly named by Emperor Yongli of Ming Dynasty.
- **Huopiao Beef**: Cooked in copper ladles, spicy and fragrant, must try at "Yongchang Huopiao" restaurant.
- **Xi Doufen**: Popular breakfast choice, served with fried dough sticks or rice cakes, smooth texture.
- **Tanzi Chicken**: Marinated in secret sauce, tender meat and soft bones, authentic at Heshun Ancient Town street stalls.
- **Stir-fried Pork with Palm Leaves**: Bitter with sweet aftertaste, Dai ethnic