Deep in the mountains of Tengchong in western Yunnan lies a fairy-tale village bathed in the golden glow of thousand-year-old ginkgo trees ——Tengchong Ginkgo Village. Every late fall, tens of thousands of ancient ginkgo trees turn yellow all at once, transforming the entire village into a sea of gold. When the wind blows, fallen leaves drift like a golden rain, enveloping the white-walled, black-tiled dwellings, the bluestone-paved paths, and the countryside with its wispy炊烟 in a gentle golden hue—as if it were an autumn oil painting that has come to life. Stepping into Tengchong’s Ginkgo Village is like embarking on a healing journey—a gentle encounter with the golden ginkgo trees and the ancient rural landscape—where everyone who longs for the romance of autumn can find a place to settle all their inner tenderness and poetry amidst this sea of gold.
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Ticket Information & Hours of Operation
- Hours: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; hours are extended during the peak fall foliage season
- Recommended duration: 2–3 hours, just enough time to explore the best fall foliage spots in the village
- Admission Information: Admission to Ginkgo Village requires the purchase of a ticket; ticket prices are transparent and uniform during the fall peak season. Outside the peak season, certain areas are open to the public free of charge.
- Eligibility for Discounts: Seniors aged 60 and older, students, children, and people with disabilities are eligible for half-price or free admission,An entry permit may be used as proof of identity., The tour guide will assist with verifying eligibility for the discount on-site.
- Best time to view the foliage: Every yearMid-November to Early DecemberThis is the most beautiful time of year when the entire village is bathed in golden hues; from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. each day, the light is soft and there are few people, making it ideal for taking photos, while the setting sun casting its glow on the ginkgo trees in the evening creates an even more atmospheric scene.
Why Should Tourists Definitely Visit Tengchong's Ginkgo Village?
- Seasonal, Dreamlike Golden Scenery
Every fall, the entire village’s ginkgo trees turn yellow, and the old houses, alleys, and fields are all blanketed in golden fallen leaves. It’s a hidden gem of vast ginkgo groves rarely seen outside the area—a fantastic spot for photography. - The flat terrain makes for an easy walk, perfect for people of all ages to explore.
The village consists mainly of flat country roads and narrow stone-paved alleys, with no hills or steep stairways to climb, so both seniors and children can easily stroll around and enjoy the scenery. - A village with a rich, traditional atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of commercial life
Preserving the authentic charm of a rural village—with its simple, traditional houses, pastoral farmland, and unpretentious local way of life—this is the perfect place for creative types to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. - Must-Do Classic Itineraries for Tengchong in Fall and Winter
When visiting Tengchong in the fall, Ginkgo Village is a must-see attraction. You can also explore the major nearby sights along the way to plan the perfect fall getaway.
Tengchong Ginkgo Village: A Golden Autumn—A Fairy-Tale Journey in Western Yunnan
Deep in the Ginkgo Forest: The Aroma of Coffee Wrapped in Autumn’s Warmth
The aroma of coffee wafting from deep within the ginkgo grove is autumn’s gentlest invitation. A green coffee truck sits quietly on a carpet of fallen leaves. A teddy bear on the roof tilts its head and gazes into the distance, while the words “Since you’re already here” are written on the canvas—like a casual greeting, yet also like a promise made just for autumn. Push open the door, and you’ll catch the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the faint, earthy aroma of ginkgo leaves. As you hold the warm cup in your hand, even your fingertips are touched by the warmth of autumn. The surrounding market stalls are adorned with handwritten fabric curtains; phrases like “Meet on Time” and “At Ease” sway in the dappled sunlight. Piles of straw and colorful wooden cabins serve as natural backdrops for photos, while visitors recline in lounge chairs, sipping coffee and watching the falling leaves. Time here moves as slowly as stretched-out light and shadow, with every second filled with a sense of relaxation.
Smoke Rising from an Ancient Village: A Poem of Autumn Life
Amid the cooking smoke rising from the ancient village lies the poetic charm of everyday life in autumn. Walking toward the village from deep within the ginkgo grove, amid the golden shadows of the trees, thatched cottages with rammed-earth walls are scattered here and there. The blue-gray tile roofs cast a warm glow in the sunlight, and wisps of cooking smoke rise gently from the rooftops, blending with the ginkgo’s golden hues to form a soft mist. Most of the houses here are over a century old; their earth-colored walls are marked by the passage of time, and warm yellow light filters through the wooden window frames. Occasionally, an elderly villager sits in the doorway basking in the sun, with piles of ginkgo leaves forming small golden mounds at their feet. In the distance, green mountains are veiled in a thin mist; the golden ginkgo trees along the field ridges contrast beautifully with the green vegetable plots. The entire village resembles a softly rendered oil painting, where every fallen leaf and every wisp of smoke holds the gentle charm of this ancient village in western Yunnan. Before the early morning mist has fully dissipated, the smoke from cooking fires, the shadows of the trees, and the thin mist intertwine, as if one has stepped into an old dream that transcends time. It makes one forget the hustle and bustle of the outside world, leaving one wanting only to stand quietly in place and savor the tranquility unique to Tengchong’s Ginkgo Village.
A Long Alley Lined with Fallen Leaves: Treading to the Rhythm of an Autumn Fairy Tale
The long alley lined with fallen leaves is like a fairy-tale path in autumn. Walking through the village’s main street and turning into a narrow alley paved with blue-gray flagstones, the fallen leaves crunch softly underfoot, like a gentle autumn overture. Residences with white walls and black-tiled roofs line the alley; the moss on the stone walls glistens in the sunlight, and the branches of ginkgo trees peek over the walls, casting golden shadows that sway gently in the breeze. The streetlights at the end of the alley are shrouded in the shadows of the trees; at dusk, they glow with a warm yellow light, making the fallen leaves look like shimmering specks of gold. Occasionally, a girl in a white skirt walks by; the hem of her skirt sweeps through the fallen leaves, stirring up a golden breeze. On the stone bench at the entrance to the alley, locals have placed homegrown persimmons and tangerines—the orange-red fruits complementing the golden leaves— filling the air with the sweet scent of autumn. This long alley is free from the hustle and bustle of commerce, featuring only fallen leaves, play of light and shadow, and rustic dwellings. Walking through it feels like stepping into an autumnal kingdom from a fairy tale, as if with every step, you’re treading on soft, golden clouds.
The Joys of the Market: Capturing the Rituals of Autumn
The autumn atmosphere at the market is all about the little details that make it romantic. In the central square of the village, red lanterns and colorful oil umbrellas hang beneath the ginkgo trees,"Ginkgo Ancient Village"Banners fluttered in the breeze, bamboo tables and chairs were set up on a bed of fallen leaves, and visitors sat in a circle drinking tea and chatting. Handwritten banners read:"I Want to Meet You Here"...capturing the romance of autumn in every detail. In front of the bamboo photo backdrop, visitors raise their cameras to capture"Tengchong Ginkgo Village"The words were captured alongside the sea of golden hues; the ginkgo leaves on the bamboo chairs looked like natural decorations, and every corner held a sense of casual ritual. The stalls sell small ginkgo-themed trinkets, locally sourced dried fruits, and handcrafted teas. The vendors warmly greet customers, and the air is filled with the aroma of roasted potatoes mingled with the fresh scent of ginkgo leaves. It’s lively without being noisy—warm and full of the vibrancy of everyday life.
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A Golden Rendezvous: Embracing the Tenderness of Autumn
The romance of autumn is at its best in Tengchong’s Ginkgo Village. The entire village is bathed in golden hues, offering a breathtaking view of autumn’s gentle beauty. The aroma of coffee wafting through the air, the curling smoke rising from the ancient village’s kitchens, the soft rustling of falling leaves, and the cheerful chatter at the market all come together to paint a picture of an autumn fairy tale unique to Western Yunnan.
Sit leisurely under a ginkgo tree and quietly admire the falling leaves; wander through ancient alleys to explore the scenery; or sip a warm cup of coffee while savoring the moment. Autumn here is not just about the beautiful scenery—it’s a romantic encounter that soothes the soul. Step into Tengchong’s Ginkgo Village this fall for a golden rendezvous, and capture all the tenderness and autumn charm in your cherished memories.
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Local Food & Accommodation Recommendations
- Must-Try Local Dishes: Tengchong Da Jiujia, Xi Doufen, Roasted Pork Rice Noodles, Wild Vegetable Hot Pot, and rustic home-style dishes—all featuring light, refreshing flavors that can be adjusted to be less spicy to suit the tastes of out-of-town visitors.
- Accommodation Options: Choose from rural homestays near Ginkgo Village, courtyard-style homestays in Heishun Ancient Town, boutique hotels in Tengchong City, and hot spring resorts—select the option that best fits your budget.
- Travel Agency Services: Group tours include legal and reliable accommodations; for customized trips, you can request accommodations near Ginkgo Village for convenient sightseeing the next day.
Important Notes
- Carry with you at all timesProof of Entry...It can be used directly as an ID card for park admission, hotel check-in, and verification of discounted tickets.
- Please help preserve the ancient ginkgo trees and their autumn foliage. Do not break branches, shake the trees, or trample the vegetation—let’s work together to protect the beauty of the season.
- Villages are places where people actually live, so please keep the area quiet, avoid loud noises, and do not disturb the daily lives of local residents.
- When buying local agricultural products or souvenirs from rural street vendors, ask for the price before making a purchase to avoid disputes; choosing a tour package from a reputable travel agency offers greater peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Tengchong Ginkgo Village?
Every yearMid-November to early DecemberThis is the peak season when the entire village is bathed in golden hues—the leaves are at their most vibrant, the atmosphere is most magical, and it’s the time of year when travelers most often plan their visits to enjoy the scenery.
Is there a lot of walking involved at Ginkgo Village? Is it suitable for seniors who want to take their time enjoying the scenery?
The entire village consists of gentle country paths and cobblestone alleys, with no uphill slopes or steep stairs, making it very easy to walk around. You can take your time exploring, snap photos, and rest wherever you like—it’s perfect for seniors.
Can I include Ginkgo Village and Heishun Ancient Town in the same day’s itinerary?
It’s perfect! The two places aren’t far apart, and the route flows smoothly. You can admire the ginkgo trees in the morning and stroll through Heishun Ancient Town in the afternoon—the autumn atmosphere is just right, and the itinerary is relaxed with no rushing.
How do I choose between a group tour and a customized tour?
Group tours offer fixed itineraries, make it easy to secure a spot during peak season, and are cost-effective—no need to do your own research; customized tours let you choose your own departure date, avoid crowds, spend more time taking photos, and combine your trip with hot spring inns—ideal for travelers who want to fully experience the fall foliage and enjoy a leisurely pace.
