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A hot spring pool in Shanxi province [Photo/sxrb.com] |
Apart from numerous cultural relics sites, Shanxi province is also known across China for its inviting hot springs which can be found all over the region, especially in the province's north, middle and south. Some of the best can be found in Datong, Xinzhou, Linfen and Yuncheng cities, with Xinzhou's especially highly rated.
There are more than 200 geothermal areas with water temperatures above 20 Celsius, including 25 naturally-formed outdoor hot springs. Temperatures in outdoor pools range from 0 C to 20 C, with a few above 61 C.
Making the most of their geothermal resources, the province's cities have been boosting winter tourism based around their hot springs, and have built new resorts to attract more visitors to the cities.
The travel industry has encouraged the trend, with many tour operators including hot spring resorts into their travel itineraries, while also taking tourists to Shanxi's top cultural attractions.
And it doesn't matter whether visitors prefer indoor or outdoor resorts, there's a hot spring in Shanxi to suit everyone.
Here are nine of the most popular hot springs in Shanxi:
1. Tangtou hot spring
Tangtou hot spring is located at the southern foot of Hengshan Mountain and used to be the location of a royal palace. The water is hot all year round, with the temperature stable at about 63 C.
The spring water contains many minerals and is said to be good for the treatment of skin diseases, diabetes, arthritis, rheumatism, neurasthenia, gastric acid deficiency, and neuritis.
Address: Tangtou village, Hunyuan county, Datong city, Shanxi province
2. Daying hot spring
The water at Daying hot spring is colorless and transparent, rich in silicic acid, strontium, fluorine, lithium and various trace elements beneficial to the human body. The content of strontium ranks first among hot springs located across China.
Address: Daying village, Yuanping county, Xinzhou city, Shanxi province
3. Qicun hot spring
Qicun Hot Spring Water is high-grade composite water containing more than 10 kinds of minerals including antimony, fluorine, hydrogen sulfide and silicate.
In addition to the general effects of relieving fatigue and lubricating the skin, the spring water can also help regulate the autonomic nerves, balance the high-level central nervous system, and can help people suffering from diabetes.
Address: Qicun village, Xinfu district, Xinzhou city, Shanxi province
