Rehai Hot Springs (Tengchong)

Nature Reserve

Rehai Hot Springs is a steaming geothermal area of hot springs, fumaroles and mineral pools near the town of Tengchong in Yunnan, China. Travelers come to see the dramatic steam vents, bubbling mudpots and volcanic landscape.

Rehai Hot Springs (Tengchong) KunmingLijiangDali CityZhaotongYuxiQujingBaoshan, YunnanJinghongRehai Hot Springs (Tengchong)

Rehai Hot Springs (Tengchong) essentials

Address: Tengchong, Yunnan, China

Rehai is a protected geothermal area just outside Tengchong on the western edge of Yunnan, set against the foothills that lead toward the Gaoligong Mountains. The landscape is marked by steaming vents, hot pools, mudpots and mineral-streaked ground created by ongoing geothermal activity.

Visiting Rehai feels like a lunar scene: low-lying steam, hissing fumaroles and pools of churning water make for photogenic contrasts with the surrounding green hills. Access is on paths and viewing points intended to keep visitors away from dangerously hot ground and acidic pools, so stick to marked routes and local guidance.

The hot springs are part of the region’s volcanic and geothermal system rather than a developed spa complex; the area is managed as a natural site and is best experienced as a short walk among geothermal features combined with nearby nature and geological sightseeing. Conditions change with the seasons, and visibility can be affected by steam and weather, so plan for variable light and occasional rain.

  • Fumaroles and steam vents: Clusters of fumaroles emit towering steam plumes that are especially striking when backlit at sunrise or sunset.
  • Bubbling pools and mudpots: Acidic pools and bubbling mudpots show vivid mineral coloration and active geothermal activity up close from safe viewpoints.
  • Mineral-streaked ground: Terraces and patches of colorful mineral deposits create photographic contrasts against the surrounding soil and vegetation.
  • Views toward the Gaoligong Mountains: On clear days the steam-filled foreground frames distant, forested ridges of the Gaoligong range.
  • Photographic light at dawn or dusk: Cooler air in the morning and evening makes steam more visible and offers dramatic photographic opportunities.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Rehai Hot Springs (Tengchong)#

Rehai's climate has a cool, drier season and a pronounced wet season; choose timing based on whether you want crisp, visible steam or greener surroundings.

Winter (best)
November - February · 2°C - 20°C (36°F - 68°F)
Cooler, drier conditions make steam more visible against the air and paths are less likely to be muddy, so winter is generally the most comfortable time for clear viewing.
Spring (pleasant)
March - May · 7°C - 26°C (45°F - 79°F)
Warmer temperatures and increasing vegetation give the area more color, though spring can include occasional rain as the monsoon approaches.
Monsoon (wet)
June - August · 18°C - 25°C (64°F - 77°F)
This period brings heavy rainfall and reduced visibility from rain and low clouds, and trails can become muddy or restricted, so expect wetter conditions and possible limited access.

Weather & Climate near Rehai Hot Springs (Tengchong)#

Climate

Rehai Hot Springs (Tengchong)'s climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in June) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1502 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 73 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryDecemberFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
-3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 2° - 17° 10° 14 mm mostly sunny 64% 1.3 m/s 1.2 high 10.7h
February Very Good 4° - 19° 11° 30 mm mostly sunny 57% 1.5 m/s 1.7 very high 11.2h
March Very Good 7° - 22° 15° 39 mm some cloud 53% 1.9 m/s 1.8 very high 11.9h
April Very Good 11° - 24° 18° 68 mm partly cloudy 57% 1.6 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.6h
May Good 15° - 26° 20° 132 mm overcast 65% 1.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.2h
June Good 18° - 25° 22° 266 mm overcast 78% 1.2 m/s 1.9 very high 13.5h
July Good 18° - 24° 21° 313 mm overcast 84% 1.3 m/s 1.8 very high 13.4h
August Good 18° - 25° 22° 261 mm overcast 84% 1.1 m/s 2.0 very high 12.9h
September Good 17° - 25° 21° 179 mm overcast 84% 1.0 m/s 1.8 very high 12.2h
October Very Good 14° - 24° 19° 133 mm partly cloudy 83% 1.0 m/s 1.6 very high 11.5h
November Very Good 9° - 20° 14° 52 mm some cloud 77% 1.1 m/s 1.4 high 10.8h
December Excellent 4° - 18° 11° 15 mm mostly sunny 72% 1.1 m/s 1.1 high 10.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Rehai Hot Springs (Tengchong)#

The nearest town is Tengchong, which is the usual base for visiting Rehai; from Tengchong a short road journey by taxi or local transport covers the last stretch to the geothermal area. Larger regional hubs for longer journeys include Baoshan and provincial centers, so expect onward road travel if you arrive by air or rail to those cities.

Road access is the normal way to reach the site; once in Tengchong ask locally about the best route and whether there are scheduled local buses, shared taxis or private transfers, and allow extra time in wet weather when roads can be slower.

Tips for Visiting Rehai Hot Springs (Tengchong)#

  • Do not touch or enter any hot pools or mudpots; stay on marked paths and behind barriers for safety.
  • Steam and geothermal gases can irritate eyes and lungs, so avoid low-lying steam plumes and keep children close.
  • Bring rain protection in summer months, as the region has a strong monsoon season with heavy rainfall.
  • Mornings and evenings show the steam most dramatically and are often less busy than midday.
  • This is a protected natural area - follow signage, do not remove mineral samples and check locally for any access restrictions.