Hot springs, known as “Wenquan” in Chinese, are a popular pastime in China, especially during the winter months. With luxurious amenities, diverse food options, and a variety of services, hot springs provide a delightful escape for relaxation.
Despite the name, most of these hot springs are not natural outdoor springs but rather modern hot tub pools, offering a contemporary twist on the traditional Chinese hot spring experience.
For many travelers or expats living in China who may be wondering, How do I find a hot spring in China? – this post is for you!
In this guide, I’ll show you how to find a hot spring in China, how they work, and what kind of amenities you can expect.
For price and amenity references, I’m using several Beijing hot springs I recently visited. The price, services, and experiences may differ, especially if you’re in smaller cities (the price will definitely be cheaper in smaller cities!)
- How To Find A Hot Spring in China
- Booking and Payment at the Hot Springs
- How Do Hot Springs in China Work
- My Favorite Hot Springs in Beijing
- Visiting a China Hot Springs Resort
How To Find A Hot Spring in China
Before embarking on your hot springs adventure in China, it’s essential to know where to find these serene havens.
- Dianping: The most convenient and popular method is to use the Dianping app, a widely used Chinese platform for discovering local businesses, including hot springs. Dianping is like a combination of Yelp, Trip Advisor, and Groupon, where you can find businesses and discounts. This app is in Chinese.
- Trip.com: Trip will also have English listings for hot springs in China.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate Dianping to find the ideal hot spring:
- Download the Dianping App 大众点评
- Begin by downloading the Dianping app on your mobile device. This app is available for both Android and iOS platforms. Click here to download the app on the Apple store.
- You can also use the built in Mini-program in WeChat. On your chat screen, just swipe down to open the search bar for mini-programs, or just directly type in the Dianping name in Chinese 大众点评 and WeChat will show you mini-programs that match.
- Search in Chinese – “温泉” (Wenquan):
- Once the app is installed, use the search function and type in the Chinese term for hot springs, which is “温泉” (Wenquan). This will filter your results to hot spring establishments in the area.
- Explore Listings:
- Browse through the search results to explore various hot spring options. The listings will provide details such as location, amenities, and user reviews.
- Check Reviews and Ratings:
- To ensure you’re selecting a reputable hot spring facility, take a moment to read user reviews and check ratings. This step will help you gauge the overall satisfaction of previous visitors.
- Screenshot and Translate (if necessary):
- As the Dianping app is in Chinese, you may encounter language barriers if you can’t read any characters. However, you can take screenshots of the hot spring listings and details, and use a translation app to help translate for you.
- Verify Amenities and Services:
- Confirm that the hot spring you’re interested in offers the amenities and services you desire. This may include specific pools, massage options, or buffet offerings.
Booking and Payment at the Hot Springs
Most hot springs do not require a booking or reservation in advance. Once I find the hot spring I want to visit, I usually just show up. You don’t need to pay in advance either. For most hot springs you will pay your bill at the end when you are leaving.
The pricing structure often includes a base rate covering the number of hours and amenities, with additional services such as massages and scrubs available for an extra fee. The total cost, encompassing the base rate and additional services, is settled when you leave the hot springs.
For instance, hot springs in Beijing might offer an 18-hour entry ticket, providing access to all hot springs and pools, unlimited drinks and fruit, along with one buffet meal (lunch or dinner). Prices for such packages generally range between 300 to 500 RMB, varying depending on the location.
Another benefit to using Dianping is it usually provides discounts for many businesses. For example, at this hot spring the usual price is 498RMB, but with Dianping it costs 439RMB. When checking out, I just use Dianping to buy the ticket. Make sure you show the check-out counter that you are using it to buy the ticket.
Tip: Be careful around holidays, as the queue for going inside the hot spring can get crazy long. During New Year’s weekend I tried going to one and the wait time was 2 hours! But usually, you should be able to just walk in.
Below is an example of one hot spring 18 hour ticket and what is included in the price:
How Do Hot Springs in China Work
Upon arriving at a hot springs facility, you will see a check-in desk that resembles a hotel reception. They might ask you a general question of how long you plan to stay (usually I stay for the 18 hour ticket), then you will exchange your shoes for house slippers and receive a wristband for a locker. You will retrieve your shoes at the end of your visit after you pay.
Hot Spring Locker Rooms
Resembling gym locker rooms, hot spring locker rooms are divided by gender. When you walk in, an attendant will help you find your locker and store your belongings there. Your wristband will help you unlock the locker, and you can wear this wristband in the water.
These locker rooms offer showers and vanity areas equipped with shampoo, conditioner, hair dryers, combs, toothbrushes, and lotions, ensuring a complete and convenient experience. The locker rooms will also have towels for taking to the pool areas and for showering.
Hot Spring Lounge Clothing
Hot Springs will also provide comfortable lounge clothes for you. Everyone will wear these around the lounge areas when you’re not in the pool. The attendant will bring you a set to wear. Before you leave, you usually return these to a basket, or to an attendant.
For foreigners, these lounge clothes can be smaller sized than Western sizes. Unfortunately they may ask you to pay an additional 15-20 RMB for a larger set. On the flip side, you could choose not to use their lounge clothes, and just bring your own comfy clothes to wear.
Indoor and Outdoor Hot Tubs and Pools
Hot springs usually have both indoor and outdoor pools, with some locations offering mixed-gender pools while others maintain separate areas. The hot springs I go to in Beijing usually all have mixed outdoor pools, where all genders can hang out together.
You should confirm the pool policy and details of the specific hot spring you plan to visit though, just in case.
Hot springs are generally open 24 hours, so you can enjoy soaking in the tubs anytime.
Below are a few indoor/outdoor hot springs I’ve been to.
Buffet Lunch or Dinner
One of the highlights of hot springs in China is the buffet. Featuring a wide array of dishes including vegetables, meats, noodles, and seafood, the buffet ensures guests have a satisfying and nourishing meal during their visit.
This hot spring, Club JoyView featured more international dishes as well as Chinese ones.
This other hot spring I visited in Beijing had an individual hot pot feature!
Lounge Areas
Hot springs provide designated lounge areas where you can unwind between dips in the pools. Many places will also have video game areas, karaoke rooms, hot stone rooms, and sleeping arounds.
Unlimited Refreshments
Hot springs in China often include unlimited drinks, such as juice, sodas, coconut water, and non-alcoholic beverages. Additionally, you can enjoy a selection of fresh, cut-up fruits and indulge in the luxury of unlimited Haagen-Dazs ice cream.
My Favorite Hot Springs in Beijing
- Hanjin Bai Hot Spring International Hotel
- No. 9 Huihe South St, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- 瀚金佰九号温泉国际酒店(惠河南街9号) 北京市北京市朝阳区
- Chunhui Garden Hot Spring Resort
- 春晖园温泉度假酒店
- Haide hot spring bath (Chaoyang Joy City store)
- Qingnian Road West on the 1st hospital on the 2nd floor
- 海德温泉洗浴(朝阳大悦城店) 青年路西里1号院2号楼
Visiting a China Hot Springs Resort
After experiencing a hot spring in China and grasping the straightforward system, you will find it incredibly easy to navigate and immensely relaxing. A visit to a hot spring becomes a must-do for those seeking a rejuvenating escape in the midst of China’s vibrant culture!
Happy Hot Spring-ing!
Rachel Meets China 
Wowww. China has EVERYTHING!!! Amazing guide and post too, as always. Absolutely amazing. 🤩
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