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Yunnan, one of the most visited destinations in China, is well known for its dramatic landscape and breathtaking views. However not many people know the fact that Yunnan, characterized by mountain ranges and rich in natural resources, is also home to hot springs. It is said that there are over 600 hot spring centers within Yunnan, including a variety of different styles and features. Among the numerous hot springs in Yunnan, the best ones are to be found in the region of Tengchong, Anning, Shuifu and Eryuan. As the Chinese New Year holiday comes, treat yourself with a visit to one of these relaxing hot spas. Soak up the rejuvenating hot spring water to wash away the fatigue of the old year.
Rehai Hot Spring Park (Tengchong County)
Featuring more than 80 hot springs in a scenic mountain valley, Rehai is the most popular hot spring resort area around Tengchong. Rehai Hot Spring Park, also named the Hot Sea, is situated south of the seat of Tengchong with an area of 8 square kilometers. The famous attraction there called Da Gun Guo, is a natural hot spring shaped like a big boiling pot, hence the name. The water temperature is 98 degree centigrade and some locals offer tourists eggs cooked in the spring’s heat. Hot water is ejected into the streams with steam filling the air. You will smell a strong odour of sulphur as you walk into the valley. After roaming in the park, soak in one of the famous springs including Frog Mouth, Lion Head, Peal Spring and Drum-beat Spring for relaxation.
Tengchong has brought an increase in local tourism with its recently constructed airport, making it a new hot tourist spot in Yunnan. More and more visitors come to Tengchong for the volcanic park. There are several direct flights from Kunming to Tengchong. Buses are also available daily from Kunming West Bus Station for Tengchong, which takes 10 hours during the ride.
Jinfang Forest Hot Spring (Anning County)
Jinfang Forest Hot Spring resort distinguishes itself by being the Japanese style hot spring in Anning county, a town 1 hour southwest of Kunming. With a dense forest and a quiet environment, Jinfang Forest Hot Spring comprises of several natural underground hot springs. Temperature of the spring water maintains at 40-50 degree centigrade throughout the year. The water is pure and clear with high concentration of minerals and microelements in it that benefit our skin and body. Each spring pool has a theme distinctive from one other: stone-bottomed hot spring, mud-bottomed hot spring; one spring is covered with rose petals floating on the top, another is filled with milk. These Japanese style hot springs are outdoor with an emphasis on the atmosphere around the forest. So indulge yourself in the thermal hot spring water while sit back and look up into the treetops.
Since Anning is located on the outskirts of Kunming, buses and small vans run regularly between Kunming and Anning.
Western Grand Canyon Hot Spring (Shuifu County)
Western Grand Canyon Hot Spring lies on the bank of Jinsha River in Shuifu county of Yunnan province. It is about 32 kilometers away from Yibin of Sichuan province and 4 kilometers from Shuifu County. Along the sides of Jinsha River, there are green mountains, steep cliffs and swift currents. There is a wonderful spring hidden under the beautiful canyon at the depth of 2,380 meters. It was discovered by Yunnan Geological Survey while they were drilling a well. Now Western Grand Canyon Hot Spring is the largest natural outdoor hot spring in China. Occupying an area of over 300 acres, it can hold more than 3,000 people bathing at the same time.
It takes approximately one hour to drive from Yibin City of Sichuan to Western Grand Canyon Hot Spring.
Geothermal State (Eryuan County)
Eryuan is a small county in Dali that lies between Dali and Lijiang. It’s known for Cibi Lake which is about 73 kilometers north of Dali and drains southward into the beautiful Erhai Lake. Eryuan is famous for its numerous hot springs. If you need a hot spa to relive fatigue after days traveling in Dali, Eryuan would be the right place for relaxation. The most popular hot spring is the Geothermal State. With an area of 1,000 acres, it is said the largest outdoor mineral hot spring in Asia. There are also plenty of smaller hot springs around the area. You can ask the locals to show you the way.
Direct buses from Xiaguan (Dali New Town) for Eryuan leave every 15 minutes departing from Xiaguan North Terminal Bus Station. It costs about 90 minutes by taxi to Eryuan from Dali Old Town.