Tengchong Volcanic Geothermal Area

​​Geological Marvel​​

The ​​Tengchong Volcanic Geothermal Area (TVGA)​​ is one of China's youngest and most active volcanic fields, formed by the collision of the ​​Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates​​. Key features:

• ​​97 dormant volcanoes​​, including the ​​"Big Dipper Cluster"​​ (7 conical peaks resembling Ursa Major).
• ​​80+ hot springs​​, with temperatures up to ​​102°C​​ at the ​​Great Boiling Pot​​ (a 6m-wide boiling pool).
• ​​Rare phenomena​​: ​​Columnar jointing​​ (hexagonal basalt formations) and ​​hydrothermal explosions​​.

​​Scientific Significance​​

• ​​Magma chambers​​ at 25km depth fuel ongoing geothermal activity.
• ​​Unique ecosystems​​: Acid-tolerant algae thrive in hot springs like ​​Frog Mouth Spring​​.
• ​​Research hub​​: Studies here inform global volcanic risk models.

​​Top Attractions​​

1. ​​Great Boiling Pot​​

   • A ​​96–102°C​​ spring where visitors boil eggs in steam vents. Described by 17th-century explorer Xu Xiake.

2. ​​Volcano Park​​

   • Hike ​​Dakong Hill​​ (2080m) for panoramic views of lava fields.

3. ​​Pearl Spring & Drumming Spring​​

   • Bubbling pools with rhythmic gas eruptions.

4. ​​Columnar Jointing Valley​​

   • ​​40m-tall basalt pillars​​ formed by rapid lava cooling.

​​Cultural Connections​​

• ​​Naxi and Tibetan traditions​​ revere the area as a "gateway to the underworld".
• ​​Ancient Tea Horse Road​​ traders bathed in therapeutic springs.

​​Visitor Tips​​

• ​​Best time​​: November–April (dry season).
• ​​Tickets​​:
  • ​​CNY 80​​ (Volcano Park).
  • ​​CNY 55​​ (Hot Springs).
• ​​Transport​​:
  • Fly to ​​Tengchong Tuofeng Airport​​, then take buses/taxis.
• ​​Health​​: Acclimatize to ​​3,000m+ altitude​​; avoid swimming in >45°C springs.

​​Conservation​​

• ​​Protected status​​: Part of ​​Three Parallel Rivers UNESCO Site​​.
• ​​Ecotourism​​: Electric shuttles and waste recycling programs.

Tengchong is a ​​living geology textbook​​—where boiling springs steam beside ancient volcanoes, and every trail reveals Earth's fiery power.