Baoshan is an ancient city in western Yunnan province, in southwestern China. It lies along the route once known as the Southern Silk Road, a network of trade paths that linked China with regions further west and south. Its name is also written 保山.
For a visitor, Baoshan offers a slower look at a part of China that sits at a crossroads of history and landscape. The city is known for its hot springs, which give visitors a chance to unwind after travelling through the surrounding countryside. It is also home to a range of cultural sites, so time spent here can be as much about history and local life as about the scenery.
What to expect
- Hot springs for relaxing and taking a break from the road.
- Cultural sites that reflect the city's long place on ancient trade routes.
- A base in western Yunnan, convenient for exploring the wider region at an easy pace.
Planning your visit
Baoshan suits travellers who enjoy history and want a quieter stop than the major tourist centres. Because the city sits on an old trade route, it works well as one stage of a longer journey through Yunnan. Check current details for the sites and springs you plan to see before you set out, as these can change.