About Tengchong
Tengchong is a volcanic field rising to 2,865 meters (9,400 feet) in China's Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 5750 BCE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Tengchong is located in China, within the Southeast Asia Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 25.23° N, 98.50° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At 2,865 meters above sea level, Tengchong rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Tengchong is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Tengchong tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in China more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
Eruption History Summary
Tengchong has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 5750 BCE to 1609 CE. These eruptions span roughly 7,359 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The Tengchong volcanic field, located in southern China near the border with Burma (Myanmar), was active during five periods ranging from the early Pliocene to the Holocene. Three main stages produced Pliocene to mid-Pleistocene basaltic rocks, mid- to late-Pleistocene silicic pyroclastic rocks, and Holocene basaltic andesites. The youngest volcanism in the 600 km2 field occurred in two stages during the early and late Holocene. Volcanic cones at the northern end of the field are sparsely vegetated and have clearly visible lava flows. Three basaltic andesite centers, Dayinshshan, Maanshan, and possibly Heikongshan, are of Holocene age. An unconfirmed explosive eruption took place in 1609 CE, and there are unconfirmed reports of eruptions during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 CE). The area includes active geothermal fields, the largest and highest temperature of which is the Rehai geothermal field, where more than 20 hydrothermal eruptions have occurred since 1993.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1609 | — | Uncertain Eruption | Dayingshan or Heikongshan |
| 5750 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Tengchong
Is Tengchong an active volcano?+
Tengchong is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 5750 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Tengchong last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Tengchong occurred in 1609 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Tengchong has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Tengchong?+
Tengchong has a summit elevation of 2,865 meters (9,400 feet) above sea level. At 2,865 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Tengchong?+
Tengchong is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Tengchong located?+
Tengchong is located in China, in the Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southeast Asia Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 25.230° latitude, 98.500° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Tengchong?+
Tengchong can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. China may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
