Hot Springs in Yunnan

Winter has arrived, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath. In this cold season, immersing yourself in hot spring waters, surrounded by the warm steam, offers a rare opportunity to unwind and enjoy ultimate comfort.

Yunnan is rich in hot spring resources, with nearly every prefecture and county in the province boasting a famous hot spring destination. These hot springs provide visitors with unique health and wellness experiences, allowing them to feel physically and mentally relaxed in the soothing waters during the winter. To help you explore Yunnan, we have carefully curated this guide to the province’s hot springs. Please accept this heartwarming guide, and enjoy the unique charm of Yunnan’s hot springs.

Recommended Hot Springs

1. Anning Elephant Nose Hot Spring (安宁象鼻温泉)

Located about 12 kilometers south of Huaning County, Anning Elephant Nose Hot Spring is a sparkling gem in the list of Eight Scenic Views of Ancient Ningzhou. Famous for its geographical location and historical significance, it is one of the Eight Scenic Views of Ancient Ningzhou. The spring water here is clear, moderate in temperature, and rich in various trace elements beneficial to the human body. The area is picturesque, with towering Elephant Nose Ridge, steep cliffs, dense shrubbery, and green cove...

The Elephant Nose Hot Spring is a carbonated spring containing rich minerals. Among these are calcium, magnesium, strontium, radon, zinc, sulfur, and 13 other trace elements that are beneficial for treating skin diseases, rheumatism, and other conditions.

2. Xundian: Xinghe Hot Spring (寻甸：星河温泉)

Xundian County, with its tranquil Niulan River flowing through, adds a touch of Qinhuai charm to this beautiful land. On this historic land, the Xinghe Hot Spring is famous for its naturally occurring high-temperature sulfur spring, rich in minerals. The water temperature remains at approximately 76°C year-round, which is higher than that of ordinary hot springs, and it contains more minerals and trace elements beneficial to the human body.

The Xinghe Hot Spring is known for its unique natural sulfur properties, making the water rich in minerals and trace elements, and is considered a rare gem among hot springs.

3. Qujing: Qicai Qilin Hot Spring (曲靖：七彩麒麟温泉)

Qilin Hot Spring has mastered the ancient art of bathing and is committed to preserving the natural hot spring environment. The spring water here is a carbonated type, colorless and odorless, making it suitable for both bathing and drinking. The water temperature remains stable between 40°C and 57°C, a valuable carbonated hot spring. The water is clear and transparent, tasteless, and not only ideal for bathing but also drinkable, fully meeting national drinking water standards.

The Qilin Hot Spring Spa & Boutique Hotel features 26 unique outdoor garden pools for guests to enjoy the experience.

4. Wenshan: Baishui Hot Spring (文山：白水温泉)

Wenshan Hot Spring, also known as Deep Water Hot Spring, is located near the east entrance of the Taishan Tunnel, nestled by the river valley. There is a natural marble cave here, peaceful and pleasant, praised as an ideal bathing pool. Baishui Hot Spring attracts many visitors with its sulfur-rich waters and surrounding lush environment.

Two swimming pools, named “Sun” and “Moon,” have been developed for visitors to enjoy.

5. Dali: Putuo Spring (大理：普陀泉)

Putuo Spring is located at the passage between Eryuan and Dengchuan, surrounded by the Tianma Mountain and Lingying Mountain. Legend has it that this spring was formed by the Jade Purification Bottle left by Guanyin. The spring’s water is crystal clear and constantly flows, earning it the reputation of being a "rare therapeutic hot mineral spring." The water contains elements like metasilicic acid, strontium, lithium, boric acid, and calcium, all of which are beneficial to human health.

6. Lijiang: Yuyue Yingtan (丽江：玉月映潭)

Yuyue Yingtan Hot Spring, located in Huangshan Town, Lijiang, is sourced from underground waters that reach 3,880 meters deep, with temperatures reaching up to 93°C. Due to its unique geographical location and high water temperature, it is highly praised. The spring is famous as the first basalt hot spring in China, making it a rare find.

7. Tengchong: Rehai Hot Spring (腾冲：热海温泉)

Tengchong’s Rehai Hot Spring, known as the "Hot Spring Holy Land of China," is a rare large-scale volcanic hot sea. It is famous for its massive geothermal landscape and rich mineral elements. With over 80 large gas springs and hot springs, 14 of which have water temperatures exceeding 90°C, it offers a remarkable health and relaxation experience for visitors.

8. Shangri-La: Tiensheng Bridge Hot Spring (香格里拉：天生桥温泉)

Located 10 kilometers east of Zhongdian City, Tiensheng Bridge is a natural wonder that attracts countless tourists. The Tiensheng Bridge Hot Spring, unique in its natural setting and the hot spring’s qualities, also draws many visitors. The hot spring emerges from the rocky cliffs, adding to the area’s majestic scenery. Visitors will need to hire a vehicle, as there is no public transport to reach the hot spring directly.

9. Jianshui: Qujiang Radon Spring (建水：曲江氡泉)

Qujiang Hot Spring is not a typical geothermal spring but a naturally self-springing radon spring from deep within the Earth. Known for its rich minerals, especially radon elements, it is praised for its dual health and beauty benefits. The spring’s water temperature reaches 68°C and contains over 30 beneficial trace elements, such as radon, fluorine, manganese, magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium, and zinc.

10. Other Recommended Hot Springs

In addition to the above-mentioned springs, other notable hot springs such as Ruili Jingcheng Dihai Feicui Spring, Mile Honghe Valley, and Baoshan Pufiao Hot Spring are also must-visit experiences in Yunnan. Each of these hot springs offers unique features, giving visitors a diverse range of hot spring experiences.