Yunnan has more than 1200 natural hot springs, one third of all the thermal springs in China, and more than any other province. That makes it a great center for spas and spa culture.
Two-thirds of the thermal springs are in the west, and a third are in the eastern part of the province. Each of the springs has its own kind of water with its own chemical composition and its own healing properties.
There are 16 cities in Yunnan province with hot springs. There are many thermal springs in the area of the capital city of Kunming. Some of the best thermal springs are near Tengchong, Anning, Shuifu and Eryuan.
While visiting Yunnan it is a great opportunity to experience the pleasure and the health benefits of the thermal springs along with traditional Chinese medicine therapy and massage. You can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and then relax with incense aromatherapy. Kunming is an ideal place to go for a restorative and culturally immersive retreat.
Many hot springs are known to have medicinal value. Hot springs are rich in minerals. Some have been shown to have value in treating certain diseases. At the very least they promote general health and well-being, and immersion in the hot water is an experience that will enliven you and make you feel great. It’s an experience that will not be forgotten.
Anning Hot Spring is a popular spa in Kunming. It’s 1,795 meters or 5,889 feet above sea level at the foot of the Yuquan Mountain, which is also known as the Jade Spring Hill. Its natural surroundings are sublime, standing near the Tanglangchuan River with beautiful mountain landscapes on three sides. Kunming natives have known of the spring for 2,000 years. According to studies it has high levels of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, silicon, barium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron and strontium and others. It is safe for bathing and drinking.
Tengchong is one of the three major thermal areas of China. It has more than 80 hot springs and hot vapor, known as "hot sea," and hot fields as well. There are 14 springs with a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius, which is 194 degrees Fahrenheit. The favorite of the hot springs is called "The Boiling Pot." It reaches a temperature of 97 degrees Celsius or 207 degrees Fahrenheit, almost the boiling point.
People have been enjoying Tengchong Hot Sea for centuries. It was written about during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Tangchi Town in Yiliang County, Kunming, is 40 kilometers (25 miles) from downtown Kunming.
Tangchi has many hot springs. The town is named for them. “Tang” means “boiling water” and “Chi” means “pond” or “spring”. The hottest is 70 degress Celsius, or 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Tangchi also has many other points of interest besides the springs. It has many temples as well as Xiaobailong Forest Park, Yangzong Lake and the Spring City Golf Club.
Among the most recommended spas around Kunming are Anning Hot Spring, mentioned above, as well as Brilliant Resort & Spa, which has hot carbonic acid springs underground on the shores of Yangzong Lake in Yiliang County, roughly 40 kilometers east of Kunming's city center; and Huquan Resort & Spa, about 150 kilometers southeast of Kunming, on the road between Jianshui and Kunming, which has 16 hot spring ponds (both indoor and outdoor) set up for visitors near Stone Forest.
