Tengchong - a Famous Historic and Cultural Town
 

Tengchong County lies at the western foot of Gaoligong Mountains, in the western part of Yunnan Province. The Dieshui River-a tributary of the Dayingjiang River-winds its way round the city. Bordering on Keqinbang of Burma on the west with a boundary line of 148.7 kilometers, the county has an area of 5,693 square kilometers and a population of 530,000. This population consists of more than 10 ethnic groups, such as the Hans, Dais, Bais, Huis, Lisus, Achangs, and others, each with their own rich and colorful cultures and customs. Tengchog is a famous historic and cultural town, known as "the Homeplace of Overseas Chinese" and " Land of Culture". Besides, it is a "Geological Museum", a "Natural Botanical Garden" and a "Natural Museum" that scientists long to visit.

Tengchong has a long history. In the Western Han Dynasty, it was called Dianyue; in the Eastern Han Dynasty, it belonged to Yongchang Jun. Tengchong occupies an important geographical position so that it has been regarded as an important town on the ancient Yunnan-Burma Road and as a gateway to the neighboring countries in the western part of Yunnan Province. In the Yuan Dynasty, Tengchong Fu was set up. During the Republic of China, Tengchong was made a county. Tengchong is situated in a border area and is a town of strategic importance. During the Anti-Japanese War, Tengchong was a main battlefield in the western part of Yunnan.

Tengchong is famous for its history and culture, its outstanding people, its beautiful scenery and historical relics. Abounding in volcanic and geothermal scenic spots and historical relics, Tengchong is listed among China's famous scenic spots and Yunnan's famous historic and cultural towns. It is also a county open to other countries and a provincial trade port on the border.