Tengchong is a predominantly Han town located along the old southwestern silk route, sharing a 148km (89-mile) border with Myanmar (Burma) to the northwest. The history of Tengchong can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, around 100 BC.

For 2000 years, it was an important station along the old southwestern silk route. Xu Xiake, a great Ming Dynasty traveler, described the place as the "number one furthest city on the border". The area has a stunning volcanic landscape including 97 volcanoes, and plenty of hot springs, volcanic lakes.

Besides all these fabulous natural sights, Tengchong also has excellent manmade attractions such as Taoist temples and aged preserved villages.