Come to Tengchong in November, with golden trees full of healing vibes
Tengchong, Yunnan, is a treasure small town where nature and culture intertwine, famous for volcanic hot springs, ancient town life, and diverse ethnic cultures. It’s perfect for a slow-paced family vacation, especially for families with kids. Soak in volcanic hot springs + visit the ginkgo village + check in at the National Martyrs Cemetery—a budget-friendly and heartfelt family trip.
For a family of three (two adults and one child), the total cost for 4 days and 3 nights is 4,920 RMB. Stay in a hot spring guesthouse at the foot of the volcano, soak in warm baths under the starry sky, and watch the kids play so happily they don’t want to leave.
This guide helps you plan a high-value, warm family trip with a budget of 5,000 RMB.
Itinerary: Relaxed pace, no rushing, perfect for families with kids
Day 1: Arrive in Tengchong + Slow life in Heshun Ancient Town
- Afternoon flight lands at Tengchong Tuofeng Airport, take a taxi to a guesthouse in Heshun Ancient Town (about 60 RMB, 30 minutes)
- Recommended stay: Boutique guesthouse inside Heshun Ancient Town, with courtyard + heating, twin room average 300 RMB/night, 900 RMB for three nights
- After dropping off luggage, leisurely stroll around Heshun Ancient Town
- See century-old ancestral halls, library, and stone-paved alleys
- Kids feed red carp by the laundry pavilion and run along the field boardwalk
- Take a family photo with “distant mountains + rice fields + ancient houses” as the backdrop
- Dinner at Cun Da Ma Doufen (local favorite, about 25 RMB per person), sour and spicy to whet the appetite; then buy some Liu’s Crispy Pork for a late-night snack (40 RMB)
> 💡Tips: The ancient town ticket is 55 RMB per person, but most guesthouses can issue electronic tickets for free entry, remember to ask when booking!
Day 2: Volcanic Geopark + Hot Sea Hot Springs Soak
- Morning visit to Volcanic Geopark (ticket 40 RMB per person, half price for children)
- Take the electric cart up to Dakong Mountain, overlook the volcanic crater—kids excitedly shout “like aliens!”
- Free visit to the geology museum with many interactive exhibits, kids learn while playing
- Lunch back in town at Lao Chu Restaurant, order a pot of local chicken rice noodles + stir-fried wild vegetables (about 40 RMB per person)
- Afternoon head to Rehai Scenic Area (ticket 60 RMB per person, children free)
- Watch the big boiling pot bubbling like porridge, with a strong sulfur smell
- Experience hot spring foot bath (15 RMB per person), kids laugh happily while soaking
- Stay overnight at a hot spring hotel near Rehai (private hot spring room 580 RMB/night, 1 night stay)
- Evening family soak in the hot springs! The outdoor pool steams, stars overhead, kids run around in little jackets, happiness overload.
> ♨️Reminder: Some hotels offer free shuttle service, confirm in advance
Day 3: Ginkgo Village (autumn only) or Beihai Wetland + National Martyrs Cemetery
> 🍂 If visiting mid-November to early December, choose Ginkgo Village; other seasons go to Beihai Wetland
- Ginkgo Village (ticket 40 RMB per person, children free)
- The whole village is dyed golden by thousand-year-old ginkgo trees, fallen leaves carpet the ground
- Recommended activities: rent ethnic costumes for photos (60 RMB/set), drink coffee roasted by villagers, let kids collect leaves for crafts
- Lunch at a farmhouse restaurant with stewed local chicken (about 120 RMB for three)
- Or choose Beihai Wetland (ticket 60 RMB per person)
- Yunnan’s only highland floating mat wetland, winter migratory birds gather here
- Ride grass raft boats (50 RMB per person), kids love it
- Afternoon return to city, visit National Martyrs Cemetery + Tengchong Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall (free, reservation required)
- This is the most complete Anti-Japanese War martyrs cemetery in mainland China
- Though kids are young, they quiet down seeing the neat tombstones in front of the monument
- Parents are advised to briefly explain: “These people sacrificed to protect our land”
> 🕯️Reminder: Maintain solemnity, no playing or noisy photos
Day 4: Leisurely stroll in Tengchong city + Return trip
- Morning visit Tengyue Cultural Square to buy souvenirs:
- Tengchong Ersi noodles (vacuum packed, 25 RMB/box)
- Volcanic stone inkstone (for kids to practice calligraphy, starting at 80 RMB)
- Small-batch local roasted coffee (50 RMB/bag)
- Lunch on the last meal at Sapie Rice Noodles (Dai ethnic specialty, about 30 RMB per person)
- Afternoon taxi to airport (about 80 RMB) according to flight time, end the warm trip
💰 Total cost breakdown (family of three, calculated for 3 people)
| Item | Cost |
| Round-trip tickets (book early, economy class) | 3,000 RMB (1,200×2 adults, 900 child) |
| Accommodation: 3 nights Heshun guesthouse + 1 night Rehai hot spring | 2,280 RMB (300×3 + 580) |
| Meals (3 meals + snacks daily) | 600 RMB (60 per person per day) |
| Transportation (airport transfers + city taxis) | 200 RMB |
| Attraction tickets: Volcano + Rehai + Ginkgo Village + Martyrs Cemetery | 520 RMB (40+60+40)×2 + child discount |
| Experience fees: foot bath + costume rental + grass raft | 180 RMB |
| Souvenirs | 200 RMB |
| Total | ≈4,920 RMB |
✅ Keep within 5,000 RMB and still have 80 RMB left to buy a small silver ornament for the child as a keepsake
🔥 Key reminders for family travel
1. Book flights early! Tengchong has few routes, prices jump in peak season, recommend locking in tickets 2 weeks ahead.
2. Guesthouses are cheaper and more unique than hotels! Most have heating, courtyards, kitchens, ideal for families.
3. Dress guide: Big temperature difference day and night, daytime around teens Celsius, nights drop below 5℃, bring jackets + light down coats.
4. Respect historical sites: Speak softly and walk slowly at National Martyrs Cemetery and Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall, give kids a silent patriotic lesson.
The beauty of Tengchong is quiet and profound.
It lets you see the earth breathe at the volcanic crater,
soak away fatigue in the hot springs,
and hear the sound of time when ginkgo leaves fall.
And when you hold your child’s hand walking past those rows of martyrs’ tombstones,
you will understand—
some journeys are not just about sightseeing,
but gently planting the words “family” and “country” in the next generation’s heart.
📌 Save this guide and take your family to Tengchong in November.
📌 Spend less than 5,000 RMB and exchange it for warm family memories.