Chongqing- Ba’nan District is running a series of events under the banner ‘Laowai @Chongqing,’ which offers foreign residents the chance to experience the local intangible cultural heritage and rural traditions.
Towns and villages around Ba’nan District are hosting uniquely themed events on weekends over May, June, and July, with alternate locations planned each time to offer the widest variety of experiences.
On June 7th, 2020, the fourth such event took place in Dongwenquan (East Hot Springs) Scenic Area. Once all the participants and organizers arrived mid-morning, the first attraction was a natural geo-thermic hot spring inside 'Hot Cave,' named so because the narrow entrance prevents much of the heat and humidity from escaping.
After lunch, everybody took a walk to the public nude hot springs baths that run alongside the Wubu River that flows through the town. Locals can bathe in gender-segregated pools with a small fence and hedgerow that mostly obstruct any curious glances from outside.
The next experience was a bathing session inside a local hot spring resort. The waters contain natural minerals including sulfur, which provide a therapeutic effect in addition to the sense of relaxation. Attractions inside the hot springs included a horn operated water fountain that shoots higher into the air the longer and more vocally one shout.
As the day drew to a close, participants congregated to try out locally produced chrysanthemum tea, which is sold as part of a successful poverty alleviation program to raise household income in rural communities.
Watch the latest installment in the form of a vlog post as James once again travels out to follow Laowai @Chongqing!
The nude baths in Dongwenquan Town where locals can go anytime for a mere yearly management fee of five yuan!
Upcoming events for Laowai @Chongqing
Below are the proposed dates and locations of upcoming events themed on intangible cultural heritage and rural traditions. There are 20 places available for foreign guests in each event and are free of charge. Overseas residents interested in attending one or more events may contact Mr. He Liujin at bntqw@126.com, or by telephone 66231839 (English available).
June 13th – Shitan Town and Shengdeng Mountain Town
June 20th – Shilong Town and Jielong Town
June 23rd – Fengsheng Town and Shuanghekou Town
July 4th – Tianxingsi Town and Jiangjie Town
July 11th – Huimin Area and South Hot Spring Area
July 18th – Lijiatuo Area and Maliuzui Town
July 25th – Longzhouwan Area and Yudong Area
A photograph from the chrysanthemum plantation that produced the tea that participants enjoyed following a dip in the hot springs. The plantation is another example of success in the drive to alleviate poverty in rural areas.