Wuzhe Hot Spring in Luxi County, Honghe

Wuzhe Hot Spring (五者温泉) is a national water conservancy scenic area located in Luxi County (泸西县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province. It was officially approved as a “National Water Conservancy Scenic Area” by the Ministry of Water Resources on September 15, 2002. The site is 80 km east of Shilin (石林) and 15 km from Alu Ancient Cave Scenic Area (阿庐古洞风景区). Centered on its hot spring resources and the Wuzhe Reservoir (五者水库), the area features a composite landscape where the hot spring outlet water reaches 78°C.

Throughout the year, wildflowers bloom in layers; during winter and spring, camellias and rhododendrons cover the mountainsides. Together with the reservoir’s “Little Three Gorges” scenery of green waters and lush mountains, the area forms a natural landscape of “mountains, waters, flowers, and bamboo.” Facilities include hot spring pools, a two-star hotel, a fishing center, ethnic art performances, and rural-style restaurants.

• Location: Baishui Town (白水镇), Luxi County (泸西县)
• Hot Spring Temperature: 78°C at the outlet
• Opening Hours: 10:00–20:00
• Ticket Price: 49 RMB per person
• Scenic Area Type: National Water Conservancy Scenic Area
• Approval Date: 2002

Geographic Environment

The scenic area is located between latitude 24°46′–25°15′ N and longitude 103°30′–104°03′ E, about 170 km from Kunming (昆明) and 26 km from Shizong Railway Station (师宗站) on the Nankun Railway. Centered on Wuzhe Reservoir (五者水库), the water surface covers 5.8 sq km with a storage capacity of 12 million cubic meters, surrounded by mountains forming a natural barrier. The area has a subtropical plateau monsoon climate with an annual average temperature of 15.2°C, making it humid and pleasant year-round.

Hot Spring Features

The spring has a daily flow of 600 cubic meters and is classified as a high-temperature calcium sulfate hot spring, with a mineral concentration of 2.3 g/L. It contains more than 20 trace elements including sulfur, fluorine, and lithium. The water is known to soften keratin and alleviate arthritis, and has been tested to meet medical thermal mineral water standards. Facilities include four tiered outdoor pools and 17 private VIP bathing rooms, with high-temperature pools maintained at 42–45°C and low-temperature pools at 36–38°C.

Scenic Resources

The reservoir area features 12 km of picturesque gorges with steep cliffs and rock formations that can be toured by speedboat. The area is also home to multiple species of wild rhododendrons, which create a sea of flowers in winter and spring. Wooden boardwalks circle the lake, forming a flower-viewing corridor. Nearby Yi ethnic villages preserve traditional folk activities such as the “Grand Sanxian Dance” (大三弦舞) and the Torch Festival (火把节). Ethnic dance and music performances are presented daily by the scenic area’s art troupe.

Supporting Facilities

The hot spring hotel offers 82 standard rooms, each equipped with underfloor heating and direct hot spring water access. A conference hall accommodates over 200 people. The dining center serves farmhouse-style local specialties. Entertainment facilities include 16 karaoke rooms, 12 chess and card rooms, and a fishing center stocked with tilapia and other species.

Travel Guide

• By Car: Visitors can drive along the Guangkun Expressway (广昆高速) to Shilin (石林), then head toward Luxi (泸西); the trip takes about 3 hours.
• By Bus: Six direct buses depart daily from Kunming East Bus Station (昆明东部客运站), with the first bus leaving at 08:30.
• On-Site Services: Storage lockers available (10 RMB per use).
• Best Visiting Season: Winter and spring, when water temperature is stable and surrounding vegetation is at its most scenic.