Stand on Baoxiu Road West in the late afternoon and Taibao Hill rises straight out of the middle of the city, with the Jade Emperor Pavilion a short walk from the eastern entrance to the park. Baoshan rewards travellers who are content to move slowly between temples, a small museum and a lake, rather than chase a long list of sights.
The city suits independent travellers with a spare day or two in western Yunnan, particularly those interested in religious architecture, World War II history and birdlife. This guide covers the places worth your time in Longyang District and the surrounding area, with practical notes on how to reach each one and what to combine it with.
Top things to do in Baoshan
1. Baoshan Museum
A small but comprehensive museum with exhibitions on the natural history of the prefecture, the ethnic minorities who live in the area, and Baoshan's experience during World War II. It is the most efficient introduction to the region you can get in an afternoon, and it is free.
The museum is on Longyang Road in Longyang District. Bus nos. 2A, 11 and 17 stop outside, while bus nos. 3, 4, 5, 13A, 13B and 16 stop nearby. It opens 08:30-11:30 and 14:30-17:30, so plan around the long midday closure.
2. Baoshan Qinghuahai National Wetland Park
An important breeding ground for dozens of different bird species, and the best reason to carry binoculars in Baoshan. The birds are most numerous in the winter months. The park also contains manmade features such as the Yongchang Pavilion.
The park is in Longyang District and open all day, with no entry charge. Take bus no. 7, 8, 10, 11, 13A or 13B and get off near the amusement park. Combine it with a morning at the Baoshan Museum, since both sit in Longyang District.
3. Guangzun Temple
A rare mixed-religion temple dedicated to all three of China's main religions: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. It was established during the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, and during the Second World War it served as a command post for the Chinese Expeditionary Force. It is now a national heritage site and entry is free.
The temple is in Shike Village, Banqiao Town, Longyang District. Take bus no. 5 or 23 to Tongguang Road, then walk 1.7 km east. Wear shoes suited to that final walk.
4. Taibao Park
One of Baoshan's oldest parks, centred on Taibao Hill, a prominent hill in the middle of the city. The climb is not hard and gives you good views over Baoshan. Several temples sit within the park, along with a zoo and a museum.
The park is on Baoxiu Road West in Longyang District and open all day. Take bus no. 1, 9 or 9 north, get off outside Baoshan People's Hospital, then walk west down Baoxiu Road West. Entry to the park is free, though some attractions inside charge a small fee.
5. Jade Emperor Pavilion
A large Taoist temple dating from the Ming Dynasty, and the base of the Baoshan Taoist Association. It is worth the time for the scale of the building alone. Do not confuse it with the smaller, much more recently built Jade Buddha Temple next door.
The pavilion is at 132 Baoxiu Road West, Longyang District, near the eastern entrance to Taibao Park, so it fits naturally at the start or end of a walk in the park. Entry is free.
6. Yiluo Pool
A small scenic lake on the south side of Yiluo Park, surrounded by a World War II memorial, a Buddhist temple and a pagoda. It is a calm place to end a day of walking, and it is free.
The pool is at 2 Longquan Road, Longyang District, and is served by bus no. 10. It opens 08:00-18:00, so do not leave it too late in the day.
7. Wuhou Temple
A 19th century temple dedicated to Zhu Geliang, the famous statesman and military strategist of the Three Kingdoms period. Entry is free, and the temple opens earlier than most sights in the city.
Wuhou Temple opens 07:00-17:00. Its early start makes it a sensible first stop before the museums open at 08:30.
8. Museum of Famous Historical Figures in Baoshan
Displays busts of many of the famous people who have lived in Baoshan, each with biographical information in Chinese and English beneath it. It is a quick, focused visit rather than a full afternoon.
The museum opens 08:30-11:30 and 14:30-17:30, and entry is free. Pair it with the Baoshan Museum, which keeps the same hours.
9. Taibao Park Zoo
A fairly typical old-style Chinese zoo featuring animals in cramped, spartan cages, including bears, lions and monkeys. Go with clear expectations about the conditions. Entry is ¥20.
The zoo is at 114 Baoxiu Road West, Longyang District, inside Taibao Park, so you can fold it into the same visit as the hill and the temples.
10. Heshun Ancient Town Hiking Tour
A hike through the streets of the ancient town, visiting traditional houses and ancestral halls and getting a sense of traditional life and culture. It is the best option if you want to spend a full day on your feet rather than moving between city sights.
Set aside a proper block of time for this rather than squeezing it between museum visits.
11. Tengchong Volcanic Hot Spring Experience
A soak in the volcanic hot springs, using the geothermal resources the area is known for. It is a restful counterweight to a day of temples and museums.
Treat this as a half-day or evening activity in its own right rather than something to bolt onto a city itinerary.
12. Nature Photography and Birdwatching
Photography and birdwatching at the Dashanbao Wetland and Volcanic Scenic Area, capturing the natural scenery and birdlife. Bring a longer lens if you have one.
If birds are your priority, remember that the winter months are the best time at Baoshan Qinghuahai National Wetland Park, and plan the Dashanbao trip around the same season.
13. Cultural Experiences
Workshops in local calligraphy, pottery and folk crafts, which give you something to do with your hands rather than only looking at exhibits.
These pair well with the museum visits, where the same traditions are explained in display cases.
14. Culinary Experiences
Tengchong delicacies such as local chicken hot pot, cold rice noodles and local snacks. Eating is one of the more rewarding ways to spend an evening here.
Build a meal around the local chicken hot pot, and try the cold rice noodles as a lighter daytime option.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start early at Wuhou Temple when it opens at 07:00, then walk to the Baoshan Museum for its 08:30 opening. If you have time before the midday closure, add the Museum of Famous Historical Figures in Baoshan, which keeps the same hours.
Afternoon: Spend the early afternoon at Baoshan Qinghuahai National Wetland Park, taking bus no. 7, 8, 10, 11, 13A or 13B and getting off near the amusement park. Later, head to Baoxiu Road West and climb Taibao Hill in Taibao Park, visiting the Jade Emperor Pavilion near the eastern entrance. Add the Taibao Park Zoo if you want to see the animals.
Evening: Finish at Yiluo Pool on Longquan Road, which closes at 18:00, then eat a dinner of Tengchong delicacies such as local chicken hot pot or cold rice noodles.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Baoshan Qinghuahai National Wetland Park?
The best time to see the birds is in the winter months. The park itself is open all day and entry is free.
Which sights in Baoshan are free?
The Baoshan Museum, Baoshan Qinghuahai National Wetland Park, Guangzun Temple, Taibao Park, the Jade Emperor Pavilion, the Museum of Famous Historical Figures in Baoshan, Wuhou Temple and Yiluo Pool are all free. Taibao Park Zoo charges ¥20, and some attractions within Taibao Park charge a small fee.
How do I get to Guangzun Temple?
Take bus no. 5 or 23 to Tongguang Road, then walk 1.7 km east. The temple is in Shike Village, Banqiao Town, Longyang District.
What are the opening hours of the museums in Baoshan?
Both the Baoshan Museum and the Museum of Famous Historical Figures in Baoshan open 08:30-11:30 and 14:30-17:30. Note the long midday closure when planning your route.
Decide which of these fits your season and your walking pace, then start mapping your days around the opening hours above.