Dang Xung: Ginkgo leaves turn yellow from November 15th to December 15th, a fragile landscape.
Ginkgo leaves in Ginkgo Village (Gudong, Tengchong) turn bright yellow from November 15th to December 15th. Suggested itinerary: 4 days, 3 nights, costing over 9 million VND; take a tour or the Lao Cai – Dali – Baoshan – Tengchong route.
The ginkgo leaves in Tengchong (Yunnan) turn a brilliant golden color from around November 15th to December 15th. Travel blogger The Vu (30 years old, from Lao Cai) describes the scenery in Ginkgo Village, Gudong Town, Tengchong County as "stunningly beautiful" and "fragile"—just a gust of wind or a rain shower can quickly turn the golden moment away.
What makes it attractive?
According to The Vu, Bach Qua village is an ancient village with ginkgo trees that are approximately 1,800 years old. It is a place where Burmese and Chinese cultures intersect, creating a tranquil, gentle yet captivating atmosphere when the afternoon sun shines through the golden leaves, illuminating the narrow alleyways.
Golden moment: November 15th - December 15th
Ginkgo leaves begin to turn yellow in November, with the most beautiful time being around November 15th to December 15th, as suggested by The Vu. He emphasizes that this beauty is fleeting and easily fades, so it's best to take advantage of the short timeframe mentioned above.
Explore: Baigu Village and Huashun Ancient Town
Besides the village covered in ginkgo leaves, The Vu suggests visiting Hoa Thuan ancient town. Impressed by its antiquity and peaceful atmosphere, the town still maintains a slow pace of life with architecture that blends Burmese and Chinese styles, perfect for those who enjoy strolling and admiring the old town when the weather starts to get chilly.
Outfit & Photography Techniques
To capture the beauty of the golden autumn leaves in your photos, The Vu suggests light, airy outfits in bright tones, made of flowing fabrics, or a beige trench coat. The ancient village offers costume rental and makeup services in the style of "Douyin influencers," convenient for tourists who want matching photos against the backdrop.
Estimated itinerary and costs
The Vu's trip lasted 4 days and 3 nights, with a total cost of over 9 million VND (depending on needs), the most expensive part being shopping and personal expenses. For Vietnamese tourists, he recommends going on a tour to avoid worrying about procedures and arranging transportation and accommodation.
Travel: suggesting the optimal route
If traveling by road, the convenient route suggested by The Vu is: from the Lao Cai border gate to Dali, then continue to Baoshan by train, and then by car to Tengchong. He emphasized, "You must go through Dali to get to Tengchong the fastest way because this is the optimal route."
Regarding procedures, according to The Vu, entering China is currently very easy and quick; whether traveling by plane or land, the immigration procedures are the same.
Quick tips
- Ideal time: around November 15th to December 15th, when ginkgo leaves are ablaze with yellow.
- Weather and scenery change rapidly, so be flexible with your schedule to ensure you can take photos when the weather is dry and not too windy.
- Light-toned outfits, such as beige coats, help stand out against the backdrop of leaves; clothing and makeup can be rented at the ancient village.
- Vietnamese tourists should consider taking a tour to optimize transportation, accommodation, and procedures.
- Suggested road route: Lao Cai – Dali – Baoshan – Dengchong.
The story
“As soon as I set foot in Dang Xung, I was captivated by the weather and local culture… I was overwhelmed by the rustic, extremely poetic beauty of the village,” said The Vu. For him, the reason to return is simply that “that fragile scenery is unforgettable.”
