Hot Springs in Yu County

Siping’an Hot Spring in Yu County is one of the oldest hot springs in Shanxi Province. Boasting unique water quality, abundant geothermal resources, extensive medical indications and remarkable curative effects, it is a world-famous therapeutic mineral spring. It is located in Siping’an Village on the bank of the Hutuo River, 66 kilometres north of the county seat. There exists a geothermal aquifer stretching roughly 400 metres from north to south, 200 metres from east to west and 70 metres deep. Warm-water beaches line both riverbanks, and a pavilion for treating illnesses by bathing was built here in ancient times.

Illustrated Records records the following story: "When King of Jinan of the Northern Qi fell ill, he sought herbal medicine in the mountains. He spotted a deer whose fur had all shed; after bathing in the spring, its fur grew back again. The king then bathed here, and his ailment was cured immediately." Many beautiful folk legends have been passed down about this spring, earning it the reputations of "Hot River" and "Divine Water".

According to folklore, the Eight Immortals once travelled across the land and arrived at Siping’an. They wished to take a hot bath. Iron-Crutch Li said, "That is no trouble at all." He struck a stone to make fire and briefly heated his magic gourd over the flame. The water inside instantly boiled hot. He poured the steaming water into the brook in front of the mountain. Strangely enough, the river continued flowing normally, yet the hot water stayed right where it was. Delighted, the immortals began to undress. Iron-Crutch Li quickly stopped them: "Wait a moment. Though we are immortals, men and women should bathe separately." They made an agreement: men would bathe before sunset, and women after sunset. Immortal He Xiangu had to wait until night to bathe. This custom lasted until the 1970s.

Several years later, on a gloomy evening in the hottest summer month, thunderstorms broke out and mountain floods surged violently. The small brook where the immortals had bathed was widened into a big river, later named the Hutuo River. Later locals noticed that snow never accumulated on the river’s sandy beaches, which always steamed with heat. Travellers coming and going marvelled at the sight and called this place a "Fire Dragon Land". When they dug into the sand, scalding hot water gushed out — hence the name "Hot River".

The spring holds many wonders. Even when submerged by summer floods, hot water is still available as soon as the flood recedes and the beach is dug open. In winter, if the bathwater cools down, you only need to light a match nearby and the water will heat up right away. Superstitious people therefore regarded it as holy divine water.

The water temperature of Siping’an Hot Spring stays steadily at around 60 degrees Celsius all year round. Rich in sodium, calcium, magnesium and trace radioactive elements including uranium, radium and radon, the mineral water is hailed as a magic spring for curing numerous diseases. A small intake of the spring water can improve liver and stomach functions, boost metabolism, induce diuresis and sleep, increase white blood cell counts and lower blood pressure. Bathing in the water enhances local antibacterial capacity and accelerates the regeneration of new tissue. With strong penetrating power, radon produces benign stimulation on the nervous system, bringing satisfactory curative effects for skin diseases, arthritis, neurasthenia, gastrointestinal ailments and traumatic injuries.

The extraordinary healing effects of Yu County’s hot springs have attracted attention from home and abroad, drawing an endless stream of visitors travelling thousands of miles. Three sanatoriums stand along the river: Yu County Veteran Cadres Hot Spring Sanatorium, Yangquan Mining Bureau Workers’ Sanatorium and Liangjiazhai Hot Spring Sanatorium. The facilities include recuperation buildings, physical therapy buildings, karaoke halls, a conference centre, a gymnasium and comprehensive service departments. Integrating medical treatment, health care, rehabilitation and recreation, the sanatorium has received experts and scholars from Hong Kong, Taiwan, New Zealand and the former Soviet Union on many occasions.

On June 16, 1990, Hong Kong’s Ta Kung Pao published an article titled Miraculous Spring in Shanxi Beats Skilled Physicians, singing high praise for Yu County’s hot springs. In the same year, the large colour album Welcome to China, published by the organizing committee of the Beijing Asian Games, featured the wonders of these hot springs, attracting numerous Chinese and foreign tourists.

The hot spring resort sits at an altitude of 450 metres with a temperate continental climate. Winters are mild without bitter cold, summers are cool without scorching heat, with gentle wind and moderate humidity. Lush green grass carpets the ground, and tree shadows dance in the breeze. Grotesque peaks and strange rocks line the river, with mountains winding around water in perfect harmony. Sunlight is abundant, and fruit trees cover the hills. In spring, peach and plum blossoms bloom in profusion with sweet fragrance floating everywhere. In autumn, ripe fruits fill the air with aroma while butterflies and bees flit among the branches. The pleasant natural environment creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for recuperation.

The resort enjoys excellent transportation access:

Regular daily bus routes connect all these destinations, bringing great convenience to tourists and convalescents.