A glimpse of country life in Banqiao Town, Baoshan

A man gets hair cut at a barber. There is time-honored tow named Banqiao Town in Longyang District of Baoshan city. It is about 20-minute drive from the city center. Walking on the street, you will get a sense of flashback. [Photo/Wu Junsong]

Three men support each other on the way back home after a few drinks. [Photo/Wu Junsong]

Situated in the southwest of Yunnan Province, Boshan City borders Myanmar in the south and northwest. Its is nearly 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Kunming.

Historically, it was the first residence for human settlers in western Yunnan. During the middle period of the Warring States Period (476BC-221BC), it was the center of ancient Ailao Kingdom. As the Ailao Kingdom turned to decline, Yongchang Shire, the origin of Baoshan City was established in the year of 69 of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) as the second largest shire in the country. It was during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties that it successively belonged to two ethnic regimes, Nanzhao State and Dali State. The name of Baoshan was first used in 1524.

Physical Features: Baishan lies in the south end of the Hengduan Mountains with more than ninety percent of its territory occupied by medium mountain and quasi-mountain areas. Another over seven percent is plateau plains and basins.

Climatic Features: Due to the complex topography at low altitude in plateau, subtropical, temperate and plateau climatic types coexist in Baoshan. Its weather is moderate throughout the year, but the temperature varies greatly during a day. The annual average temperature falls between 14 and 17 degree centigrade (57.2-62.6 degree Fahrenheit).

When to Go: It is fine to visit during the whole year.

Special Local Products: jade article, rattan weaving product, Chinese Xuan Paper (for painting and calligraphy) of Tengchong County; Weiqi (the game of go) chessmans of Yongchang County, Arabica coffee bean

Scenic Spots:Tengchong Hot Sea (Rehai) refers to a group of geothermal springs, the most spectacular geothermal landscape 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Tengchong County. Tengchong is China's famous geothermal scenic area hides abundant terrestrial heat. This grand spring group covers an area of 9 kilometers (5.6 miles). It was said that there are 14 springs among the total 80 springs has their temperature above 90 degree centigrade (194 degree Fahrenheit). The Hot Sea is not only a marvelous spectacle but also benefit for health. Nowadays, these geothermal resources are well utilized by sanatoriums and thermaes.Tengchong Cluster of Volcanoes: There could be as many as 70 volcanoes within 100 kilometers (62 miles) of Tengchong County, and Tengchong is just located on lavas. Around Mazhan Village about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northwest of Tengchong, volcanoes are densely distributed. Volcano Park has been established here.Wofo Temple (Reclining Buddha Temple) at the foot of Yunyang Mountain 16 kilometers (10 miles) north of Baoshan city proper has the biggest jade Buddha in China. The temple was first built in 716 of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The main hall of the temple was built on the basis of a natural stone cave, and the 6 meters (20 feet) long jade Buddha together with many other sculptures area stored in the hall.Other Scenic Spots: Dieshuihe Waterfall, Heshun Township

Travel Tips:

1. Baoshan Airport is 9 kilometer (5.6 miles) from the Longyang District. At present, scheduled flight to Kunming is available once every day. In addition, it has indirect flight to Guangzhou through Kunming daily.2. From Baoshan's passenger transport bus stations, there area minibuses to Tengchong County for about five hours. Two main bus stations are serving in the city proper:Baoshan Passenger Transport Bus Station: No.2, Jiulong Road, Longyang DistrictBaoshan Passenger Transport South Bus Station: No.26, Nanguan Street, Longyang District

 

A potted orchid is found in a teahouse [Photo/Wu Junsong]

A man and his shabby houses

 

An aged lady makes shoes in front of a house. [Photo/Wu Junsong]

People dry grain on a street that was used to a bustling market in the ancient times. There is a memorial archway not far away. [Photo/Wu Junsong]

(Editor:Minnie Mao)
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