Due to the movement of many volcanoes in the area, Tengchong County is rich in geothermal resources. In fact, Tengchong County is one of three most famous geothermal areas within China. The grandest view of the area is the Hot Sea, which lies 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from the southwest of the county’s center.
The Hot Sea is a valley of steaming gas pouring out from thick forests, cliffs, grounds and rivers. Covering an area of nine square kilometers (2,223.9 acres), this tourist resort contains more than 80 hot spring groups of hot water and vapor, 14 of the springs reach a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius (197 degrees Fahrenheit).
The ‘big boiling pot’ is well-known in the area. It can reach 97 degrees Celsius (206.6 degrees Fahrenheit), is one point five meters (16.4 feet) deep and about three meters (9.8 feet) in diameter. Its water boils and rolls day and night with steaming vapors across all four seasons. The waterfall in Zaotang River, a fountain from a rock’s gap resembling a toad’s mouth is also well known. Many bathhouses and nursing homes are built around the Hot Sea, so tourists can have a steam bath as part of their medical treatment.