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Hot Enjoyment in Cold Days

A good soak in one of Beijing’s many hot springs is an excellent way to escape Beijing’s flinty winter’s hill and the hard-charging pace of modern urban life.

Hot springs have been a source of relaxation in China for centuries, but they were usually the private luxury available only to imperial families dating at least from Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BC). Ordinary people (laobaixing) dared not even think about them, but now, fortunately, things have changed.

Beijing residents now have many options when it comes to hot springs resorts, which provide clean, mineral-rich waters and a wide variety of associated services. Most of them are located in the northern part of the city, within about 60 kilometres of the city centre and are most easily reached via private car or taxi.

Most hot springs in Beijing provide public and private services. Even in one establishment, various kinds of waters and pools will be available to suit an individual’s needs. Unlike in some countries, no nudity will be encountered in these public areas. Most establishments feature private services, sometimes in separate villas. Each villa has a small hot spring suited to use by friends and family members.

Hot springs of different varieties are available, often in one location, featuring herbal therapies, beauty enhancements and skin-care. As China is rich in medicine herbs, appropriate amount of herbs are often added in hot spring water. Diseases such as arthritis and nervous disorders can be mitigated by herbal, hot spring treatments. Hot springs are good for blood circulation, easing stress and detoxifying the body. Natural hot springs, especially those that add milk and flowers are highly recommended for ladies. At some hot springs in Beijing,bathers are able to walk barefooted on hot stones to promote blood circulation.

Trained service people are always ready to give suggestions on what kind of hot spring water is most suited for you. In public areas, they often quietly put visitors’ slippers and bathrobes in just the right place. If you are a newcomer, they will explain in great detail the temperature levels and functions of each pool.

The average cost at a hot spring is at least 100 yuan (US$12.50) per person per day, including bathing, a sauna, hot spring and a buffet meal. The accommodation for a standard two-bed resort room is about 220 yuan (US$27.50). Body and foot massages and recreational items are also available.   

 Tips for enjoying hot springs:

 Enter hot spring pools one hour after dining.

 Hot springs are often far from city centre. Have a rest after long-distance transportation; wait until your energy is restored.

 Bathe for about 10 minutes before entering the pools.

 Use your feet to test pool temperatures; gradually step into the pools.

 Enjoy oneself in hot springs of low to high temperatures, ranging from 35–55 degrees Celsius.

 People with insomnia are advised to enjoy hot springs with relatively low temperatures. The same is true for children. 

 Stay no longer than 20 minutes in a pool on each occasion, then have a rest and drink some water. Five dips into a hot spring are enough for one day. It is not true that staying in a hot spring for a long time each time or more than five times a day is good for the health.

 Massage one’s body, especially those parts with diseases such as joints.

 Get out of the pools immediately upon feeling ill or if you have a headache.

 Normally there is no need to bathe after getting out of the pools. Use firming lotion to help the skin better absorb natural minerals. This is also a good time to use face-treatment masks and to get a body massage.

 Drink some water or green tea.

Jiuhua Spa and Resort

ｾﾅｻｪﾉｽﾗｯﾌﾀﾈｪﾐﾐｹｬ One of the most famous in the municipality, the resort has the longest history in Beijing. It was established in Yuan Dynasty (1271ﾐ1368) and was exclusively used by imperial families. It was rebuilt on its historical site in 1998 and is noted for its hot springﾕs top quality.  How to get there: Use the Badaling Expressway, exiting to the Sixth Ring Road at the No. 12 Exit; exit the Sixth Ring Road at the No. 61 Exit and go toward Xiaotangshan before arriving at the Daliushu Roundabout; then go eastward for 500 metres.

Tel: +86 10 6178 2288 Cost: 68 yuan/person; accommodation: 480 yuan (standard two-bed room) 

Tianlongyuan Hot Spring Resorts

This is the cityﾕs newest hot spring. It comes equipped with advanced facilities and is guided by the latest management concepts. It has Chinaﾕs biggest indoor public hot spring pool.  How to get there: Use the Badaling Expressway and exit at the No.13 Exit; go westward for two kilometres to the Xiguan Roundabout. Tel: +86 10 8010 0088 Cost: 158 yuan/person; accommodation: 500 yuan for Tatami, 600 yuan (single room)  Chunhuiyuan Hot Spring Resorts

In addition to hot spring pools, herbal treatments can also be enjoyed in large wooden barrels. Its open-air pools are welcomed by the young at heart. Japanese-style wooden villas are another striking feature of this resort.  How to get there: Begin at the Sanyuan Bridge; take Jingshun Lu to Gaoliying in Shunyi District, then watch for the resortﾕs sign.   Tel: +86 10 6945 4433 Cost: 98 yuan/person; accommodation: 350 yuan (standard two-bed room)

Longmai Hot Spring Resorts

This resort gets its name, Longmai (Dragon Pulse), from its location at the north end of the north-south axis of the capital city. or in the public area features a tropical rain forest style, and the private area includes 39 villas. Average temperatures of the pools range from 28ﾐ32 degrees Celsius. How to get there: Use the Badaling Expressway and exit at the No. 11 Exit; turn right to the east for about 25 minutes, and go toward Xiantangshan Town. Tel: +86 10 6179 2407 Cost: 100 yuan/person; accommodation: 384 yuan (standard two-bed room)  Longxi Hot Spring Resorts

This is a unique large-scale hot spring in southern Beijing that is managed by the Tianlun Hotel Management Group.  How to get there: Take the BeijingｨCKaifeng Expressway, exiting at the Panggezhuang Exit (No. 10 Exit); head west for about 1,000 metres from the Guaxiang Bridge.  Tel: +86 10 8928 2222 Cost: 189 yuan/person; accommodation: 800 yuan (standard two-bed room)