Winter springs make Shanxi hot tourist destination

A hot spring pool in Shanxi province [Photo/sxrb.com]

Apart from numerous cultural relics sites, Shanxi province is also known across China for its inviting hot springs which can be found all over the region, especially in the province's north, middle and south. Some of the best can be found in Datong, Xinzhou, Linfen and Yuncheng cities, with Xinzhou's especially highly rated.

There are more than 200 geothermal areas with water temperatures above 20 Celsius, including 25 naturally-formed outdoor hot springs. Temperatures in outdoor pools range from 0 C to 20 C, with a few above 61 C.

Making the most of their geothermal resources, the province's cities have been boosting winter tourism based around their hot springs, and have built new resorts to attract more visitors to the cities.

The travel industry has encouraged the trend, with many tour operators including hot spring resorts into their travel itineraries, while also taking tourists to Shanxi's top cultural attractions.

And it doesn't matter whether visitors prefer indoor or outdoor resorts, there's a hot spring in Shanxi to suit everyone.

Here are nine of the most popular hot springs in Shanxi:

1. Tangtou hot spring

Tangtou hot spring is located at the southern foot of Hengshan Mountain and used to be the location of a royal palace. The water is hot all year round, with the temperature stable at about 63 C.

The spring water contains many minerals and is said to be good for the treatment of skin diseases, diabetes, arthritis, rheumatism, neurasthenia, gastric acid deficiency, and neuritis.

Address: Tangtou village, Hunyuan county, Datong city, Shanxi province

2. Daying hot spring

The water at Daying hot spring is colorless and transparent, rich in silicic acid, strontium, fluorine, lithium and various trace elements beneficial to the human body. The content of strontium ranks first among hot springs located across China.

Address: Daying village, Yuanping county, Xinzhou city, Shanxi province

3. Qicun hot spring

Qicun Hot Spring Water is high-grade composite water containing more than 10 kinds of minerals including antimony, fluorine, hydrogen sulfide and silicate.

In addition to the general effects of relieving fatigue and lubricating the skin, the spring water can also help regulate the autonomic nerves, balance the high-level central nervous system, and can help people suffering from diabetes.

Address: Qicun village, Xinfu district, Xinzhou city, Shanxi province

4. Duncun hot spring

With a stable water temperature of around 50 C, Duncun hot spring is filled with composite mineral water containing over 10 minerals that have a range of health benefits.

Address: Duncun village, Xinfu district, Xinzhou city, Shanxi province

5. Shentangdu hot spring

The Shentangdu hot spring is surrounded by the beautiful Fenghuang Mountain Botanical Park, which covers an area of 16,000 square meters and has a construction area of 14,000 sq m. The park features wetland garden-style natural scenery and indoor and outdoor hot spring pools supported by modern technology. While bathing in the hot springs, visitors can also view the rainforest and subtropical rainforest plants as they soak up the warm water.

Address: Fenghuang Mountain Botanical Park, Dingxiang county, Xinzhou city, Shanxi province

6. Chongning Castle hot spring

This resort is a popular attraction located at the Chongning Castle Hotel, a unique hot spring hotel built in the style of a castle. The hotel’s theme pays tribute to the famous Shanxi merchants, as well as local folk customs.

Visitors can enjoy various special hot springs, such as a traditional Chinese medicinal bath at the hotel’s spa center which involves a hot spring filled from 1,900 meters underground.

Address: Jingsheng village, Lingshi county, Jinzhong city, Shanxi province

7. Dachang hot spring

With investment of 500 million yuan, Dachang Hot Spring Resort, which covers an area measuring over 13 hectares, is the first phase of a 66-hectare scenic spot project under construction in Dachang village, Yuxian county.

The mineral-rich hot spring water comes from 100 meters below the ground and fills the pools with water at a temperature of around 67 C.

The resort has complete supporting facilities for accommodation, catering, entertainment, shopping, conferences and outdoor activities.

Address: Dachang village, Yuxian county, Yangquan city, Shanxi province

8. Jiulong hot spring

Located at the intersection of Taiyuan city and Yuci district in Jinzhong city, Jiulong international hot spring resort has several special hot spring areas. For example, a hot spring bath allows bathers to lie on a natural ore plate containing a variety of beneficial mineral elements. When the temperature reaches 42 C, The infrared rays and high concentration of negative ions from the ore plate make bathers sweat, which can help eliminate triglyceride and relieve joint pain.

Address: intersection of Taiyuan city and Yuci district, Jinzhong city, Shanxi province

9. Yaochi hot spring

Located at the intersection of Shanxi, Shaanxi and Henan provinces, Yaochi Hot Spring Resort features garden-style outdoor hot springs.

The hot springs have a constant temperature of 53 C and contain 36 kinds of trace chemical elements beneficial to the human body. There are various spa-type services on offer, such as medicinal baths and a sauna.

The surrounding environment of the resort is quiet and the large virgin forests are dotted with 42 hot springs, each with different health benefits.

Address: Xiaxian county, Yuncheng city, Shanxi province

Things to remember before bathing:

1. It is very important to bring plenty of drinking water because it is easy to get dehydrated when using hot springs.

2. Remember to bring toiletries. It's necessary to take a shower before and after bathing so as to protect the skin.

3. Remember to bring bathing suits designed for hot springs as the water temperature and acidity may not be suitable for ordinary swimwear.

4. Avoid using hot springs just after eating or when hungry. There should be at least one hour between a meal and getting in the water.

5. Remember to remove jewelry.

6. Do not use hot springs if you are malnourished as it's easy to faint; people with heart disease, hypertension and arteriosclerosis should acclimatize themselves to the water temperature to avoid putting strain on the heart.

7. Do not bathe in springs that are too hot or that have over acidic water. The water temperature should be between 30 C and 45 C .

8. Do not drink alcohol before using hot springs.

9. Do not bathe alone.

During bathing:

1. Pick one of the cooler springs first –– give the body a chance to adapt to the water temperature.

2. Keep noise levels to a minimum – this should be a relaxing experience.

3. Don't stay in a pool longer than 20 minutes at a time.

4. Stay hydrated.

After bathing:

1. Take a shower after bathing because some elements in the spring water can irritate skin.

2. People with dry skin are advised to apply moisturizer after bathing.