Qudong Hot Spring in Yongping County, Dali

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Qudong Ancient Town (曲硐古镇) is located at the southern end of Yongping Basin (永平坝子), about 5 kilometers from the county seat. Historically, it was a major hub for commerce and is recognized as part of the Bohan Ancient Road (博南古道) along the Southwestern Silk Road. The town was also the site of the tragic “Red and White Flags Incident” and remains one of the undeveloped, ecologically preserved tourist spots in the Dali (大理) region, with favorable location and active commerce.

Qudong Hui Cultural City (曲硐回族文化城)

Qudong Hui Cultural City (曲硐回族文化城) was designated as a development project in 2005 by Yongping County (永平县) in response to Dali Prefecture’s initiative to build a tourism and culture-focused region. Qudong Village (曲硐村) lies 5 kilometers south of Yongping County and is an important market town on the Southwestern Silk Road. It is home to over 7,000 Hui people, making it the largest Hui settlement in western Yunnan (滇西).

Qudong Mosque (曲硐清真寺)

Qudong Mosque (曲硐清真寺), a provincial model mosque and county-level protected site, is located at the eastern foot of Xiaoshishan (小狮山) in Qudong Village. It serves as a religious center for the Hui community. The mosque features a unique architectural style with six marble-faced square columns, a pagoda-shaped arch with green ceramic tiles, a solemn prayer hall, a tree-shaded courtyard, classrooms, a broadcasting room, a meeting room, a reading room, and a hexagonal pavilion.

Qudong Hot Springs (曲硐温泉)

Qudong Hot Springs (曲硐温泉) gained fame as early as the Ming Dynasty and are known for their rich geothermal resources and high water quality. The springs are suitable for bathing and have therapeutic effects on various ailments. The water has been recognized for its health and wellness benefits.

Historical Background

As early as the Ming Dynasty, Qudong Hot Springs were already known and utilized as a comprehensive facility that integrated dining, lodging, and bathing—far from a remote wilderness spring. During the late Qing Dynasty, the hot spring buildings were destroyed during wartime. In 1942 (Republic Year 31), with support from the stationed anti-Japanese 28th Army and local forces, the facilities were rebuilt, including three public bathhouses (for men and women), four residential rooms, and three kitchens. Willow trees were planted around, turning the site into a scenic destination known as “Willow Forest Hot Springs” (柳林温泉).

Water Quality

• Color: 5 degrees
• Odor: None
• Suspended matter: None
• pH: 7.2
• Total iron: 0.03 mg/L
• Total copper: 0.008 mg/L
• Total zinc: 0.01 mg/L
• Cadmium: <0.05 mg/L
• Manganese: 0.06 mg/L
• Lead: 0.01 mg/L
• Total dissolved solids: 286 mg/L
• Total coliforms: <2 per liter
• Fecal coliforms: <2 per liter

This water quality makes it suitable for therapeutic and recreational development.

Health Benefits

Qudong Hot Springs are effective in treating conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, neuralgia, lower back and knee pain, mobility issues, hemorrhoids, and certain skin diseases. The springs are also recognized for their therapeutic effects on insomnia, heart disease, trauma, and burns—especially for the elderly. The unique wellness and health benefits of the springs have been officially acknowledged.