Basic Overview
Literally meaning Hot Spring Valley in Mongolian, Alashan Hot Springs nestle deep in the Altai Mountains, north of Fuhai County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, at an altitude of over 1,400 meters above sea level. It is roughly 140 km straight-line distance from downtown Fuhai and 60 km north of Altay City, accessible via mountain dirt roads. Scattered across the valley are 17 natural spring outlets, with water temperatures ranging from 34°C to over 60°C, varying greatly in temperature, color and flow state, forming a rare natural cluster of diversified mineral hot springs. Surrounded by dense spruce forests, rocky cliffs, mountain streams and wild blossoms, the whole valley boasts primitive and tranquil alpine scenery.
Marvelous Individual Spring Features
Each spring carries unique natural traits and reputed healthcare effects, making the site famous among local ethnic groups for centuries:
Milk Spring (Naiquan)
Milky white mineral water erupts every 3 seconds with a jet height of 80 cm. Locals regard it as sacred holy water effective for stomach ailments; white prayer ribbons are commonly tied around the spring as blessings.
Blood Spring (Xuequan)
Deep crimson water seeps slowly out of rock fissures, creating a striking blood-red visual effect against grey mountain stones.
Heart Spring (Xinquan)
Water flows intermittently in a rhythmic pulsation just like human heartbeats, one of the most miraculous geothermal manifestations here.
Snake Spring & Frog Spring
Harmless small black snakes inhabit the pool bottom of Snake Spring; tiny wild frogs dwell in Frog Spring, coexisting peacefully with the hot spring environment.
Hot Spring & Cold Spring
Hot Spring gushes out with a bowl-sized water column over half a meter high; by contrast, Cold Spring keeps a low temperature even in summer, while huge spruce trees grow directly above its rock cracks.
Silver Pearl Spring
Countless air bubbles surge continuously upward from the water floor, resembling strings of shimmering silver pearls rising to the surface.
Mineral Composition & Medical Value
The hot spring water is rich in radon, sulfide, carbonate, iodine, phosphorus and dozens of beneficial trace elements. Bathing and drinking the mineral water delivers remarkable curative effects on rheumatic arthritis, neuralgia, chronic gastritis, skin diseases, lumbago and leg pain caused by trauma, as well as accelerating physical metabolism and relieving muscle fatigue. The paired Blood Spring and Hot Spring have been developed into a formal public bathing house, receiving hundreds of visitors and convalescents every summer.
Folk Legends & Local Culture
A well-known local legend tells that an injured snow leopard once healed its wounds fully after soaking in the spring water, making local herdsmen believe the springs possess supernatural healing power. For generations, Kazakh, Mongolian, Uyghur and other ethnic residents travel across long mountain roads to bathe here for recuperation. There is also a legendary Fertility Cave nearby, adding a mysterious cultural charm to this sacred hot spring valley. The valley is also abundant with wild medicinal herbs such as snow lotus, codonopsis and Chinese caterpillar fungus, together with wild animals including snow cocks and lynxes.
Travel Guide
Best Visiting Time: June to August (rainy season brings sufficient spring water volume and pleasant mountain weather; springs dry up partially in winter and spring)
Transport: Self-driving off-road vehicles or hiring local mountain guides are recommended for mountain road access
Tips: Only drink bottled water in the wild area; prepare anti-mosquito supplies and common medicines; respect local religious customs when visiting spring sites with sacrificial traditions
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