Jiuqitai Hot Springs in Eryuan County, Dali

Overview | Destination Snapshot

At an altitude of 2,060 meters, Eryuan County has long been known as the “Hot Water City.” Its most famous natural treasure is the Jiutiantai Sulfur Hot Springs, named for its nine giant rock vents that gush steaming water like nine terraces. The famous Chinese traveler Xu Xiake once recorded, “Nine springs boil and surge all around.”

With year-round water temperatures of 66–76°C, rich in potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and other minerals, the springs are affectionately called the “Fertility Soup” and “Natural Hospital” by locals. Today, Jiutiantai is a comprehensive hot spring town offering wellness, vacation, photography, and folk culture experiences — welcoming over 600,000 visitors annually. ♨️✨

Location & Getting There

Where is Jiutiantai?

• Administrative Area: Jiutai Village, Cibihu Town, Eryuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

• Distance from Dali Old Town: 72 km, approx. 1.5-hour drive

• Distance from Lijiang Airport: 135 km, approx. 2.5-hour drive

• Distance from Eryuan Town Center: Just 1 km — you can practically step right into the hot springs! ?‍♂️?

Attractions & Experiences

Open-Air Sulfur Hot Spring Pools

• Century-old natural spring water flows directly into pools

• Steam swirls around you — enjoy a unique “water mist SPA” experience

“Steam Bath” Experience

• Locals lie on wooden boards above the steaming sulfur vents, known as “air steaming”

• Especially effective for relieving rheumatism and joint pain ♨️

Dali Geothermal Park (AAA National Tourist Attraction)

• Covers 1,000 acres, with pools shaped like the map of China

• Take selfies at the trendy “Yunnan Pool,” “Taiwan Pool,” and other Instagram-famous spots ?

Natural Sulfur Museum

• Watch sulfur crystals grow and try your hand at making natural sulfur soap (an intangible cultural heritage craft) ?

Cibihu Lake Sunset

• Just 4 km from the hot spring area, a 10-minute bike ride away

• In winter, flocks of seagulls create magical scenes — perfect for photos combining snow mountains + lake + steam ??

Folk “Spring Bath Festival”

• Held around the start of summer and winter each year

• Local women dress in traditional attire and spend three days bathing in the village springs, enjoying bonfires, outdoor cooking, and folk singing — a real-life “Land of Daughters.” ??

Thermal Hotels | Accommodation Recommendations

Food Map | Must-Try Local Delicacies

• Sulfur Steam Pot Chicken: Slow-steamed with sulfur steam for 3 hours; the chicken’s protein turns silky like tofu, melting in your mouth ?

• Eryuan Carved Plum Braised Pork: Rich but not greasy, paired with sour plum sauce to cut the fat

• Sulfur Eggs: Eggs steamed in the hot spring vents for 15 minutes, with a subtle sulfur aroma ?

• Other Favorites: Ruchuan cold chicken rice noodles, papaya spicy fish, freshly baked “erkuai” rice cakes — all for about 40–60 RMB/person at night markets

Transportation Guide

Tickets & Tips

• Open-Air Spring Ticket: ¥49–68 (price fluctuates by season)

• Geothermal Park Pass: ¥128 weekdays, ¥158 weekends (includes 40+ pools, ginger tea, fruit)

• Opening Hours: 08:30–23:30 (last entry 22:30)

• Best Time to Visit: November to March (warmth + long sunshine); Spring Bath Festival around the start of summer

• What to Bring: Swimwear, sunscreen, moisturizer; caution for people with high blood pressure or pregnant women ⚠️

Suggested One-Day Itinerary

• 09:00 Depart Dali Old Town

• 10:30 Arrive at Jiutiantai, store bags and change into swimwear

• 10:45 Soak in the sulfur hot spring pools

• 11:30 Experience the traditional “steam bath”

• 12:30 Lunch: Steam Pot Chicken

• 14:00 Visit Natural Sulfur Museum

• 15:00 Explore Geothermal Park and snap photos at scenic pools

• 17:00 Bike ride around Cibihu Lake to catch the sunset

• 19:00 Return to Dali Old Town or stay overnight at a hot spring hotel

Call to Action

Winter isn’t just about snow — it’s also about warm sulfur steam hugs! ♨️❄️
Save this guide and share it with your best photo-taking travel buddy.
Next stop — Eryuan Jiutiantai — let the “Fertility Soup” heal your 2025! ?✨

Nearby Attractions

Cibi Lake in Eryuan County, Dali
Dali Direguo Geothermal Paradise in Eryuan County, Dali
Liyuan (Pear Blossom) Village in Eryuan County, Dali