Ginkgo Village (Yinxingcun) in Tengchong City, Baoshan

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Chinese Name: 保山市腾冲市固东镇江东社区银杏村
English Name: Yinxing Village of Gudong Town in Tengchong City, Baoshan

Ginkgo Village in Tengchong City is located in the Jiangdong Community of Gudi Town, Tengchong City, in western Yunnan Province, and is home to over 30,000 Ginkgo trees. It is about 35 kilometers from Tengchong City Center and has an annual production of over 10,000 jin (approximately 5,000 kg) of Ginkgo nuts. The village features a contiguous Ginkgo forest of over 10,000 acres, with more than 3,000 ancient Ginkgo trees, and 1,000 acres of young forest, approximately 33,000 trees in total. Among these, there are over ten trees aged 1,000 years or more, over 400 trees aged 500 years or more, over 740 trees aged 400 years or more, over 1,000 trees aged 200 to 300 years, more than 1,800 trees aged 30 years or more, and 4,200 trees aged 20 years or more. The village produces over 550,000 jin (approximately 275,000 kg) of dried Ginkgo nuts annually.

Geographical Location

Ginkgo Village is located in Jiangdong Village, Gudi Town, in the northern part of Tengchong City, Baoshan, Yunnan. It is adjacent to the famous Tengchong National Volcano Geopark and the Columnar Joints scenic area. It is 21 kilometers north of Tengchong City, about a 25-minute drive away, 48 kilometers from Tengchong Airport, approximately 90 kilometers from Myanmar, and 179 kilometers from Mangshi. Named for its ancient Ginkgo forest, Ginkgo Village covers an area of 35.42 square kilometers and borders Myanmar, lying next to the National Volcano Geopark. It is the first comprehensive tourism demonstration area.

Climate Features

The area has a tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures. The summer and autumn seasons experience a mix of sunshine and rain, while winters are cool with an average temperature of 15°C. The summer temperature averages 25°C, making it suitable for vacations. The area has over 38,000 negative oxygen ions.

Historical Development

In the early Yuan Dynasty, Tengchong established its government, and Gudi Town was once known as Shunjiang Prefecture, historically called “Shunjiang Guzhou.” Ginkgo Village is home to three main surnames: Chen, Huang, and Yang, distributed across four villages. Tengchong is described as “a scattered volume of Han history,” and Ginkgo Village is one of the most fascinating chapters of the Southern Silk Road. Historical records show that during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, soldiers from the Central Plains settled here to guard the country, blending Central Plains traditions with local frontier features to create a unique cultural landscape in western Yunnan. Every late autumn and early winter, the entire village turns golden. The village is also a major filming location for the movie “The Warlords,” directed by Chen Kaige.

In addition to its ancient Ginkgo forest, Ginkgo Village features the karst landscape of Jiangdong Mountain, the bustling Tiangong Market, the Ginkgo Story Museum showcasing the village’s history and culture, and the ancient Shimen Old Trail. It integrates ecological wonders such as “mountains, waters, forests, caves, and gorges” with historical and cultural relics.

Attractions

• Ginkgo Forest: The ancient village of Ginkgo, located in western Yunnan with a farming history, has a contiguous Ginkgo forest of over 10,000 acres and more than 30,000 trees. It includes over ten trees aged 1,000 years or more, more than 1,200 trees aged 100 years or more, and the oldest Ginkgo tree, known as the Ginkgo King, is over 1,300 years old.
• Volcano: Tengchong, known for its volcanic activity, features stunning volcanic landscapes. From the Ginkgo Village volcanic observation platform, you can view both the Ginkgo Village and the volcano.
• Canyon Boardwalk: The collision of the Eurasian and Indian Ocean plates has created dramatic volcanic and canyon landscapes in Tengchong. In Ginkgo Village, a legendary volcanic canyon spans two plates, and walking the canyon trail places you at the boundary of these two major geological plates.
• Thousand Trees Camp: Located on the east side of the Ginkgo Village Canyon, this 240-acre pine forest campsite offers opportunities for camping, sightseeing, and viewing the canyon and waterfalls.
• Ginkgo Story Museum: This museum, covering 30 acres, is the cultural heart of Ginkgo Village. Designed with modern architecture, it incorporates elements of Ginkgo and traditional village architecture to showcase the village’s history and culture through pictures, artifacts, VR technology, and interactive experiences.
• Colorful Fields: Tengchong enjoys mild winters and cool summers. In Ginkgo Village, over 1,000 acres of colorful fields are cultivated by villagers, ensuring self-sufficiency through spring planting and autumn harvesting.
• Shimen Ancient Battlefield: Located on the southeastern hillside of Jiangyun Village, covering over 450 square meters, the Shimen Ancient Battlefield has a long history. Originally flanked by two natural giant rocks forming a narrow pass, it allowed only one person or horse to pass through, hence the name “Shimen.” The site has been the location of several historical battles.

Cultural Heritage

• Liuji Village Shadow Puppetry: Liuji Village Shadow Puppetry, known as “Lantern Shadows” or “Leather Puppet Theatre,” has a history of over 600 years, dating back to the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty. The shadow puppet troupe emphasizes local vocal styles and incorporates diverse ethnic folk tunes.
• WanYao Pottery: WanYao Pottery has a long history, brought to Tengchong by migrants from the Central Plains during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty. Known locally as “Glue Clay,” this natural, pollution-free pottery is common in western Yunnan and northeastern Myanmar and is a source of local pride.
• Xingyang Paper Umbrellas: The craft of oil-paper umbrella making was introduced from the Central Plains to Tengchong. Historically, nearly every household in the village made umbrellas. The craftsmanship is detailed and the umbrellas are lightweight and durable, once sold extensively across western Yunnan and even neighboring Myanmar. The production involves over a hundred processes, and the Xingyang flower umbrella is known for its water resistance, temperature endurance, wind resistance, and delicate design.
• Ancient Papermaking: Ancient papermaking techniques were brought by artisans from Hunan, utilizing local plant fibers. The villagers’ free time led to a flourishing of papermaking traditions.

Recommended Foods

Stir-fried Ginkgo nuts, Jade Stewed Phoenix, Ginkgo Stewed Pork Intestines, Ginkgo Soup, Horse Meat, Clay Pot Dish, Great Rescue, and Dragon Crossing the Sea Soup.

Transportation

• By Air: Tengchong is accessible by daily flights from Kunming, all operated by large aircraft.
• By Car: The main route is National Highway 320 (Hangzhou to Ruili). Travel from Kunming to Dali to Baoshan to Lujiangba to Tengchong is fully on the highway. Other routes include:
  • Longling to Tengchong
  • Ruili to Yingjiang to Lianghe to Tengchong (all paved roads)
  • Ruili to Dehong to Tengchong (expressways)

From Tengchong to Ginkgo Village is approximately 40 kilometers. You can take a bus to Gudi Town and transfer to a local vehicle. Alternatively, you can visit the Volcano Park first and then take a minivan. If possible, charter a vehicle from the western gate bus station in the county town.

Parking: The parking lot is located in Xingyang, Gudi Town, Tengchong City, Baoshan, Yunnan Province, 1.8 kilometers from the scenic area, situated in the western part of the park.