Bǎoshān Region

Introducing Bǎoshān Region

Other than English teachers or intrepid wanderers, the Bǎoshān area doesn’t initially make it on many travellers itineraries. Say the word ‘volcano’ however, (the region has several of them) and it’s enough to get most visitors off their Ruìlì-bound buses for a day or two exploring the dormant peaks and dipping in the hot springs.

Téngchōng in particular is worth a bit more time, with some interesting old quarters and many distinctive minority groups in the surrounding areas. Located on the other side of Gāolígòng Shān (Gaoligong Mountain) range, Téngchōng is also prime earthquake territory, having experienced 71 earthquakes measuring over five on the Richter scale since 1500.

As early as the 4th and 5th centuries BC (two centuries before the northern routes through central Asia were established), the Bǎoshān area was an important stop on the southern Silk Road – the Sìchuān–India route. The area did not come under Chinese control until the Han dynasty when, in AD 69, it was named the Yongchang Administrative District. In 1277 a huge battle was waged in the region between the 12, 000 troops of Kublai Khan and 60, 000 Burmese soldiers and their 2000 elephants. The Mongols won and went on to take Pagan.

Last updated: Jun 3, 2009