Chongqing- One of Chongqing's most appealing name cards is undoubtedly the World Hot Spring Capital. There are hot spring water resources underneath 20% of the landmass in Chongqing, where the rich history of hot springs traces back over a thousand years with the Northern Hot Springs.

According to historical records, the North Hot Spring Temple was built in 423 AD and was most prominent during the Ming and Qing dynasties. During the reign of Chenghua in the Ming Dynasty, Hot Spring Temple was rebuilt, and visitors could bathe in the springs come rain or shine. During this time, the temple was packed with visitors and Buddhist pilgrims.

Towards the end of the Southern Song Dynasty, the Mongolian Empire met resistance at the Diaoyu Fortress in Hechuan of Chongqing, where the leader Mongke Khan is recorded as having been injured in the battle towards the end of a 36-year-long stand-off. Following his injury, he was taken to Wenquan Temple to recover, but his death ultimately signaled the beginning of a mass retreat for the Mongolian Empire.

During the Republic of China era, Lu Zuofu, director of the Beibei Gorge Defense Bureau at the time, had the North Hot Spring Park built around this temple, which became the earliest illustration of hot spring tourism in China. Following decades of development, Chongqing's hot spring tourism industry is flourishing, with around 30 resorts in business and 139 hot spring resources within a one-hour urban radius alone, many of which are situated in highly scenic locations.

The Hot Cave of the Eastern Hot Springs is one of only three natural hot spring caves known worldwide. The average temperature inside the cave remains around 40 degrees throughout the year, and the high-quality spring water abounds in carbon and sulfur, giving it demonstrable thermo-therapeutic properties. Throughout the year, visitors love to experience this unique natural sauna on the condition of prior arrangements.

Ronghui Hot Springs is a five-star rated tourism resort located in the urban center of Shapingba District. At the foot of Gele Mountain, the land beneath this resort produces 5000 tons of hot spring water daily at around 54 degrees Celcius and has been certified by Aquacert International. The resort also entices a whole spectrum of visitors thanks to the ecological surroundings, range of pools, and facilities that make the resort appealing to all members of society, from children to families and the elderly. 

In this latest installment of a Shopping Capital of China, iChongqing reporter James Alexander takes you on a fun experience of hot spring resorts in Shapingba and Banan districts, where he introduces the wide range of special hot spring features, consumer scenarios, and even a personal tour of the Hot Cave natural sauna!