How to relax, even when things are at boiling point

A local vendor makes a small egg holder using grass. People can steam the eggs with hot spring steam on the mountain top. [Photo by He Na/China Daily]

Of course, there are other places in Tengchong worth visiting, among them the town of Heshun, built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), one of China's best preserved ancient towns. Every house there is considered to a piece of art.

Tengchong was one of the main battlefields in western Yunnan in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). Now as the country marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, is a particularly good time to visit the county, where many war relics can be found.

Given the proximity of Myanmar, you can buy many of its products at reasonable prices, and Tengchong is renowned for its jadeite, which can be bought much more cheaply than in big cities.

The main thing to remember with Tengchong is that if you are going for just a day, Rehai is the place to go to.

If you go

There is a shuttle bus that links Tengchong county center and Rehai, costing 6 yuan for each person one way. A one-way taxi trip costs between 25 yuan and 30 yuan.

The ticket price for Rehai is 60 yuan; students and senior residents can get discounts.

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