Top 6 of China’s Hot Springs
China, a land of ancient wonders and diverse landscapes, holds a hidden treasure trove of natural hot springs, beckoning weary travelers with their warm embrace and whispered tales of rejuvenation. Below are the best hot springs in China, but many are complexes so some hot spring areas have 100s of springs! If you’re traveling to China you may be asking what are the best hot springs near me.
From the misty peaks of Yunnan to the rugged foothills of Tibet, these thermal havens offer more than just a dip; they're a gateway to cultural immersion, historical echoes, and a profound connection with the country's rich geothermal heart. From the Han Dynasty's "Hot Spring Palace" to the Tang Dynasty's "Huaqing Pool," these springs have witnessed centuries of cultural significance.
The tradition of utilizing hot springs in China dates back millennia. Ancient emperors extolled their healing properties, building elaborate bathhouses and gardens around them. Traditional Chinese medicine revered these warm waters for their ability to balance yin and yang, promoting health and longevity. Today, hot springs remain an integral part of Chinese culture, offering relaxation, social gatherings, and a connection to ancestral wisdom. Let’s take a look at China’s hot springs.
Getting there is an easy flight, with plenty of places to stay. As always I suggest getting travel insurance in case nature rears her head and cancels your travel.
Seasons for a China Hot Spring Visit
Each season offers its own unique charm at China's natural hot springs:
Spring and Fall (March to May & September to November): Enjoy mild temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and fewer crowds. Perfect for a relaxing soak and exploring the surrounding nature.
Summer (June to August): Escape the heat with a cool dip in some springs, especially near waterfalls. Be prepared for larger crowds, especially on weekends.
Winter (December to February): Experience the magic of snow-capped mountains and soak in the warmth of the springs. Some springs may have limited hours or be closed during this season.
Health Benefits
China's natural hot springs are as diverse in their mineral content as they are in their settings. Here's a glimpse into the magic of their waters.
Sulfur: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, sulfur-rich springs like Tengchong can be beneficial for joint pain and skin conditions.
Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" found in springs like Jiuzhaigou Valley Hot Springs can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.
Silica: The smooth, silky feeling of some springs like Xiaotangshan Hot Spring comes from silica, which is beneficial for skin health and hair growth.
Calcium: Trace amounts of calcium in springs like Yangbajing Hot Spring can be beneficial for bone health and muscle function.
Lithium: Some springs, like those around Huanglong Valley, contain trace amounts of lithium, which has potential mood-stabilizing and stress-reducing properties.
1. Tengchong Volcanic Hot Springs
Rehai Hot Springs
The Ming Dynasty's great traveller, Xu Xiake, conducted on-site investigations of Tengchong's Rehai Hot Springs, Dadong Hot Springs, and Laxing Hot Springs.
There are many hot springs hotels in the region, including Tengchong Jingge Banshan Hot Spring Hotel and Mayu Valley Hot Spring Homestay.
Tengchong currently has 74 hot spring resources with temperatures above 21°C. The hot springs in the Thermal Sea are volcanic hot springs represented by sulfur springs, bicarbonate springs and radon and fluorine springs which are of extremely high temperature, extremely soft water, suitable for life, and extremely high mineralization. These hot springs are rich in free gold, so they enjoy a good reputation of “gold spring” with a high rating for their quality in China.
The most famous is the Rehai Hot Springs, which is the second-largest hot field in China, with a maximum water temperature of 102 degrees Celsius. It is the best place for geothermal therapy in China. Next to it, you can find hot spring eggs (five yuan for two), peanuts, and other items for sale. There are also two large "steam boilers" where visitors can experience the joy of steaming and cooking eggs themselves (available outside the scenic area for five yuan for four eggs). The saying "Yunnan's Eighteen Wonders, selling eggs on a string" originated from here.
Yugu Hot Spring is built according to the mountain topography, and covers an area of 10,530 m2. Its 4,689 m2 of landscape are dotted with pavilions and terraces, small bridges and flowing stream, vigorous flowers and trees, 22 hot water bathing pools, 8 private hot water bathing houses, and 2 natural geothermal steam bath areas, so that the whole building layout and the natural landscape of the hot springs are organically combined, constituting a rich and colorful picture of hot spring spa culture and garden art. It is a world of hot spring health care in the mountains worthy of the name.
The Beauty Pool Hot Spring, also known as the Immortal Bath, is located in the interior of the Thermal Sea Scenic Area surrounded by mountains, and is formed by natural boiling springs such as Drumming Spring, Pearl Spring, Songzi Well, and Sister Spring, which flow down the slope of the mountain, cool down naturally and collect. It absorbs the essence of different sources and forms soft and fine water quality which has special effects for maintaining beauty and keeping young, and dispelling wind and eliminating dampness. In this area, there is a natural hot spring swimming pool, four cave pools built against the mountain, three natural open-air original hot spring pools, and two private VIP hot spring pools, which can be called a natural SPA paradise for you to enjoy life and forget about the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tengchong Volcano Park and Thermal Sea Resort Area- Volcano Park Scenic Area
Characterized by complete types of volcanoes, new erupted eras, rich species and unusual landscape, the Volcano Park Scenic Area is a national geological park integrating volcano sightseeing, outdoor recreation, health care, geological and scientific research and science popularization education. It’s certified as one of the national 5A-level scenic areas in 2016 as an important part of the Volcano Park and Thermal Sea Resort Area.
The main attractions include Dakong Mountain, Xiaokong Mountain, Heikong Mountain, Shenzhu Valley (columnar joints), and Black Fish River. Overlooking from the top of the volcanic cone of the Dakong Mountain, you can have a panoramic view of the large area of lava and volcanic plateau. It’s even more surprising that the volcanic cones in the park are distributed like the Big Dipper with the Heikong Mountain, Dakong Mountain and Xiaokong Mountain forming the spoon handle, and the nearby Jiao Mountain, Chengzilou, Datuan Mountain, Xiaotuan Moutain.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean, but slight sulfur smell due to volcanic activity.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Short walk through scenic volcanic area, clear signage.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars - Large public pools, some smaller private options available.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Several pools with varying temperatures, adjustable within each pool.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich in sulfur and silica, beneficial for skin and muscles.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Restaurants, hotels, hiking trails, and cultural attractions within walking distance.
2. Huanglong Valley Hot Springs
Situated in the north-west of Sichaun Province, the Huanglong valley is made up of snow-capped peaks and the easternmost of all the Chinese glaciers. In addition to its mountain landscape, diverse forest ecosystems can be found, as well as spectacular limestone formations, waterfalls and hot springs. The area also has a population of endangered animals, including the giant panda and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.
Stay at ANH LUH Chengdu Guantang which features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, restaurant.
Filled with awe-inspiring creatures known only to China it has been dubbed "Fairy Land on Earth." Tradition has it that the Zhenren (Perfect Man) of Huanglong, a Taoist immortal, meditated here. A pair of small stone pagodas is found in the Yuya or Jade-bathing ponds at the head of Huanglonggou. These are said to date from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and to mark the burial place of Cheng Shichang, grandson of the founder of the Tang Dynasty, Cheng Yaoji.
According to The Songpan County Chronicles, Huanglong's three temples, one behind the other, were built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and attracted a large number of worshipers.
The Red Army Long March Monument Garden is located at the foot of Yuanbao Mountain in Chuanzhusi Town, Songpan County. It is composed of the "Unity and Victory" main monument located at the top of Yuanbao Mountain, and an architectural community including group sculptures, reliefs, pavilions, exhibition halls, as well as lakes, gardens, and squares.
Much of the landscape of Huanglong, notably around Huanglonggou, is important in local Tibetan religion, culture and folklore. Legend has it that the Xishen Pubu, or Body Washing Waterfall here, is a place where the heavenly goddess Xuannu once bathed. It is believed to have healing properties for those who bathe in its waters, and can cure infertility. There are many other legends and stories associated with various natural physical features in the area.
Enjoy the Huanglong National Park. There are about 59 mammals (six orders and 18 families); 155 birds (12 orders and 29 families); five reptiles (two orders and three families); five amphibians (two orders and four families) and two fish species.
A large number of the species listed are threatened at the national and international level, such as giant panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, brown bear, Asiatic black bear, Pallas' cat, Asiatic wild dog, Szechwan takin, Chinese monal and a number of waterfowl species.
Water Quality: 5 stars - Crystal clear, naturally filtered, spectacular scenery.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Moderate hike up mountainside, good pathway but can be strenuous.
Ability to be Alone: 4 stars - Designated quiet zones within larger pools, serene atmosphere.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, some cooler options available.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars - Limited options within park, restaurants and hotels available at the base.
3. Tianmu Lake Yushui Hot Springs
Tianmu Lake Yushui Hot Spring is located in Tianmu Lake Nanshan Bamboo Sea Scenic Spot, which is the junction of the three provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui.
Tianmu Lake Yushui Hot Spring is conveniently situated at 888 Li Jiayuan Village, Daibu Town, Liyang City, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, about 25 kilometers from the urban center of Liyang.
The boundless bamboo sea brings up a natural oxygen bar, the beautiful mountains form an excellent protective screen, the open-air bathing pools are near the mountain and by the lake and well arranged. The open-air bathing will bring you unlimited pleasure while enjoying the bamboo scene.
Tianmu Lake Yushui Hot Spring is a scarce calcium bicarbonate hot spring and has natural water quality for beauty treatment and health improvement. Its five bathing pools including material feeding pool, kinetic pool and lovers pool and 52 open-air bathing pools can meet your different nourishing needs. Especially milk pool, red wine pool, angelica sinensis pool and other functional pools are able to remove fatigue and improve metabolism.
Enjoy nearby attractions like Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village or the Lingering Garden.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean, slight milky color due to mineral content.
Ease of Access: 3 stars - Moderate hike through Tibetan village, acclimatization to altitude recommended.
Ability to be Alone: 5 stars - Secluded pools with stunning mountain views, minimal crowds.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, adjustable within each pool.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich in sulfur and magnesium, beneficial for joints and muscle relaxation.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars - Remote location, limited options. Pack essentials and bring cash.
4. Jiuzhaigou Valley Hot Springs
Stretching over 72,000 ha in the northern part of Sichuan Province, the jagged Jiuzhaigou valley reaches a height of more than 4,800 m, thus comprising a series of diverse forest ecosystems. Its superb landscapes are particularly interesting for their series of narrow conic karst land forms and spectacular waterfalls. There are over 100 hot springs in the valley!
Its crystal-clear turquoise lakes, fed by mineral-rich springs, offer unparalleled reflections of surrounding forests and mountains.
Some 140 bird species also inhabit the valley, as well as a number of endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda and the Sichuan takin.
The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area is a reserve of exceptional natural beauty with spectacular jagged alpine mountains soaring above coniferous forest around a fairyland landscape of crystal clear, strange-coloured blue, green and purplish pools, lakes, waterfalls, limestone terraces, caves and other beautiful features. The park identifies itself as the premiere national park of China and has been recognised internationally as a global treasure by being listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the local Tibetan culture by exploring nearby Tibetan villages, sampling traditional cuisine, and experiencing colorful cultural performances and ceremonies.
Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey, known for their distinctive upturned noses, and Tibetan macaques are found in the forests surrounding Jiuzhaigou.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean, with slight odor due to geothermal activity.
Ease of Access: 4 stars - Short walk through picturesque valley, well-maintained paths.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars - Moderate crowds, especially during peak season. Secluded areas available, but limited.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Multiple pools with varying temperatures, adjustable within each pool.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and stress relief.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars - Hotels, restaurants, shops, and other attractions within walking distance.
5. Xiaotangshan Hot Springs
Xiaotangshan Hot Spring, sitting in Xiaotangshan Town to the north of Beijing, is the most famous hot spring in China. The water temperature of the hot springs varies from 40 degrees centigrade (104 F) to 60 degrees centigrade (140 F). Stay at the nearby East Sacred Hotel
You can find over 30 outdoor hot springs with different medicinal benefits, hidden in the forest and bamboo grove, like herbal hot springs, salt-bath hot springs, and tea-bath hot springs.
Longmai Hot Spring Swimming Pool is the largest indoor pool of Asia, providing many exciting aquatic entertainment activities, like diving, wading, drift, and waterslide.
Jiuhua Spa and Resort is a holiday village within the Xiaotangshan Hot Spring complex. In Chinese classical garden style, it occupies over 133.3 hectares (1330 acres). This hot spring flows through each guest room, originating from the southwest of the Outdoor Hot Spring district. The village contains all kinds of interesting spots like Hot Spring Theme Park and Hot Spring swimming pools.
Hot Spring Theme Park includes outdoor and indoor zones. The Outdoor zone has a central hot spring swimming pool and some other special hot springs. You can enjoy: red wine bath, rose flower bath, mint bath, or vinegar bath to the west, and six herbal hot springs to the east.
Longmai Hot Spring Resort is located in the center of Xiaotangshan hot spring belt. The underground of Longmai Hot Spring contains fresh and warm spring water, which is crystal clear and light yellow in color. The Tropical Rainforest Pavilion includes more than 10 functional pools such as hot springs, swimming, and children's play water.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean, historical baths with occasional sediment.
Ease of Access: 5 stars - Easily accessible by car or public transportation, ample parking.
Ability to be Alone: 2 stars - Large, historic pools with shared spaces, busy atmosphere.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Several pools with varying temperatures, adjustable within each pool.
Health Benefits: 3 stars - Moderate mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and cultural experience.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars - Restaurants, hotels, historical sites, and shopping within walking distance.
6. Sanya Bay Hot Springs
At the Sanya Haitang Bay Nantian Hot Spring Resort, each room is equipped with a hot spring pool, allowing guests to experience natural hot springs and enjoy private hot spring baths without leaving their rooms.
The Shenlonggu Hot Spring Park of the hotel has an average annual water outlet temperature of about 57℃. In 1995, it was determined by the China Mineral Reserves Committee to be low-temperature warm mineral water and was named fluorosilicate medical thermal mineral water with a concentration of radon of medical value.
In the hot spring area, there are traditional health-preserving pools such as ginger pool, ginseng pool, mugwort leaf pool, fleece-flower root pool, ganoderma lucidum pool, and angelica pool. There are also plant essence pools like rose pool, evening primrose pool, lavender pool, glossy privet fruit pool, lily pool, violet pool, and rosemary pool. Additionally, there are beauty-enhancing pools named after the Four Beauties in ancient China - "Zhaojun, Diaochan, Guifei, and Xishi".
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean, tropical setting with occasional seaweed.
Ease of Access: 5 stars - Located within resorts, easily accessible by taxi or car.
Ability to be Alone: 2 stars - Shared pools within resort grounds, busy during peak season.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Comfortable soaking temperature, adjustable within each pool.
Health Benefits: 2 stars - Low mineral content, primarily offers relaxation and scenic appeal.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars - Full-service resorts with spa services, restaurants, and beach access.
Are you traveling in other parts of Asia? Take a look at more hot springs in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam.
