♨️ Onsen - Yunnan
An unexpectedly developed onsen experience in mysterious Yunnan
Yunnan is colorful, vibrant, and very different from what most people imagine when they think of China.
I was surprised by how little information is accessible about this region, especially when it comes to onsen.
The Tengchong area has a ton of interesting hot springs in different styles: traditional, spa-style, decorative, and open-pool-style.
I recommend Heshun as a base, situated between many hot springs. Many houses, including the one I stayed in, have onsen water in their bath.
The area is full of mountains, lakes, rivers, making for amazing views. This one is taken close to Simolawa village: 
Angsana
One of the spa hotels in the area with a large selection of outdoor pools. They have a wide temperature selection, making it a good choice for beginners. Unfortunately, only a few pools are around 41-42 degrees.
Here is the water quality report from the hotel. 
This is bicarbonate water.
Another similar onsen hotel we visited is “the Lotus” or Hehua (荷花温泉). Hardly any presence in English, but this is it: Lotus onsen
HuangguaJing
Huangguajing has the hottest water (>43) and overall the most authentic experience without the “spa” atmosphere. 
It’s small and very crowded, which can impact the experience a bit.
Rehai
Rehai has a bit of Beppu with the many decorative pools. 
It’s a nice, scenic path from the shuttle to the onsen.
Local Onsen
This onsen has no presence online, as far as I can tell. It’s near the road, easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.
It features several foot onsen, as well as large pools. 
I like the variety that onsen pools offer, as it’s super comfortable take a swim in them.
The sunset here was amazing.
This is definitely more of a local spot, so I am happy I got to experience it.
Outside Tengchong
I also visited some onsen outside Tengchong, like Reguo (热国) near Dali. If you’re in the area, it’s worth checking out.
Food
Lastly, Yunnan’s got it all. Amazing food, fruit, coffee, and tea (the local tea is called Dianhong 滇红). 
The cuisine has strong influences from neighboring Thailand and Myanmar, often incorporating fruit. I am especially fond of anything with passion fruit. I had both a hotpot with passion fruit in the soup, and amazing local tomatoes with passion fruit dressing.
There are some fruits here that I have never tried before, and unfortunately don’t know the name right now.
We checked out one of the coffee plantations. 
I really enjoyed the local coffee and the surrounding culture. It reminds me a bit of Italy.
