Tips on Hot Spring
A bath in the hot spring can be a good way to get totally relaxed during your China tour. Currently there are over 3,000 hot springs discovered in China.
Hot spring is a kind of geothermally heated natural spring with a water temperature 5°C (10°F) or more above its surroundings. Its temperature can range from 10°C (50°F) to 100°C (212°F). The most suitable temperature for soaking or bathing is between 35°C (95°F) and 45°C (113°F).
The water issuing from a hot spring is heated by hot rocks inside the Earth's crust. It is usually rich in minerals like carbonate, calcium, sulfur, vitriol, chloride, etc, so it has some therapeutic effects on various diseases such as some skin diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and anemia. Some springs even have beauty effects. Because of both the picturesque locations and the claimed medical value some of these spring spas have, they have become popular tourist destinations for people to relax.
Famous Hot Springs in China
Huaqing Hot Spring in Xi'an is known as 'the first hot spring in China'. With a history of two or three million years, it has a persistent temperature of 43°C (109°F). It was favored by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty and his favorite concubine Yang Yuhuan. The spring, once witnessing the romance between them, now becomes a popular spa and tourist spot. Yellow Mountain (Mt. Huangshan) Hotspring remains at a constant temperature of 42°C (108°F) all year round. Its hydrocarbonated water is very clear and can cure diseases.
Trumpet Shell Valley (Hailuogou) Hot Spring in Sichuan is special for its coexistence with glaciers.
There are many other famous hot springs in China including Xiaotangshan Hot Spring in Changping District of Beijing, Tanggangzi Hot Spring in Anshan of Liaoning, Anning and Tengchong Hot Spring in Yunnan, Yangpachen Hot Spring in Tibet, Mt. Lushan Hot Spring in Jiangxi, Tangshan Hot Spring in Nanjing, Conghua and Didu Hot Spring in Guangdong...
Points for Attention
1. Remember not to soak in within one hour before or after meals. Do not soak when you are hungry or drunk.
2. Know the water quality and mineral content of the spring, and choose the one suitable for your physical condition or diseases. Spring water with too much acid are not suitable for soaking.
3. Remember to take off all your metal jewelry or accessories before bathing, preventing them from being eroded by certain minerals that some springs may contain.
4. Hot Springs with very hot water are not suitable for soaking. The best temperature for soaking is between 35°C (95°F) and 45°C (113°F). You should first feel the water with hands or feet and put your feet in the water for a while, and then slowly soak into the water. Never dive into the water directly. Try the spring of lower temperature first and the warmer water step by step.
5. It is not advisable to soak for a long time. You can soak for 15 to 20 minutes at one time and rest for a while before take another bath. Massaging yourself or swimming in the hot spring are good for health.
6. You'd better not go to the spa by yourself as sometimes unexpected things can happen. If you feel stuffy in the chest, dizzy and faint, or thirst, come out of the spring immediately and have a rest and a drink.
7. Generally you don't have to wash the body after the hot spring bath, as the beneficial element of the spring can be better absorbed. However, you need take a shower if the spring has a lot of acid or sulfated hydrogen. For people with dry skin, it is recommended to use skin lotion to prevent moisture loss.
Important Note: Hot spring is not suitable for people who have a sensitive skin, a wound or who have just had an operation. Pregnant women and patients suffering from diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure are unsuited for soaking unless they have taken doctor's advice. People who fall asleep difficultly should not soak for a long time.