Hot Springs and Wellness: A Map of China's Hot Springs and Ways to Experience Them

By Region

• North China: Xiaotangshan in Beijing, Chengde and Zunhua in Hebei (Qing Dynasty imperial hot springs), Jizhou in Tianjin.
• Northeast China: Tanggangzi in Liaoning (Anshan), Xingcheng, JULONG Spring in Changbai Mountain, Jilin (volcanic hot spring with hydrogen sulfide), Wudalianchi in Heilongjiang (cold spring).
• East China: Tangshan in Nanjing (one of China's four major hot springs), Wuyi and Ninghai in Zhejiang, Drunken Hot Spring and Floating Snow Hot Spring in Huangshan, Anhui.
• Central China: Ruzhou in Henan, Xianning and Yingcheng Tangchi in Hubei, Rucheng in Hunan.
• Southwest China: Hailuogou in Sichuan (glacial hot spring, under Gongga Mountain), Lingshou Hot Spring in Emeishan, Tengchong in Yunnan (volcanic geothermal area, one of China's most famous geothermal regions), Shiqian in Guizhou.
• Northwest China: Tianshui in Gansu, Guide in Qinghai, Shawan in Xinjiang.
• South China: Conghua and Enping in Guangdong (China's hot spring hometown), Xiangzhou in Guangxi, Lianjiang and Yongtai in Fujian.
• Hainan: Nantian in Sanya, Qixianling in Baoting.

Special Recommendations

• Tengchong Hot Sea: A geothermal wonder in Yunnan, with boiling water at 96°C, visible geysers and spring deposits. Most comfortable to visit in winter.
• Hailuogou: East slope of Gongga Mountain, where glaciers and hot springs coexist, known as "China's only glacial hot spring."
• Changbai Mountain: Volcanic geothermal area; soaking in an outdoor hot spring in the snow during winter is the signature experience.
• Tangshan, Nanjing: Historically long-standing (records from the Southern Dynasties exist), close to the city center with convenient transportation.

Hot Spring Etiquette

• Shower before entering the pool: This is a strict requirement at Chinese hot springs and also basic courtesy.
• Pools without swimsuits: Japanese-style naked baths are rare in China. Most hot springs require swimsuits; a few have separate "men's and women's baths" for naked soaking, so check signs before entering.
• Towels should not enter the water: Most Chinese hot springs allow small towels, but large towels should remain at the poolside.
• No Scrubbing in the pool: Scrubbing your body in the hot spring pool is impolite; this should be done in the shower or scrubbing areas.
• Quiet: Most hot springs are places for relaxation, and loud noise will draw attention.

Health Precautions

• 10–15 minutes each time, then get up and rest to avoid prolonged soaking.
• Hydration: You sweat a lot in the hot spring, so drink water as needed.
• Contraindications: Not suitable within an hour after meals, after drinking alcohol, on an empty stomach, during colds or fever, for patients with cardiovascular diseases, or for pregnant women (especially in high-temperature pools).
• High-altitude hot springs: Be extra cautious when soaking above 3,000 meters (such as in Qinghai or western Sichuan), as it can easily worsen altitude sickness.
• Skin: Sulfur springs can be irritating to some people; those with sensitive skin should check the water quality first.

How to Arrange

Hot springs are best used as the end of a trip or a mid-trip rest: after walking a long trail, soaking for one day can effectively help recovery. Most hot spring resorts include accommodation, so you can plan 1–2 nights, with soaking scheduled twice in the evening and morning.