Benxi Hot Spring Temple

Benxi Hot Spring Temple

Benxi Hot Spring Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Hot Spring Temple Scenic Area is located 8 kilometers northwest of Xiaoshi County Town, 5 kilometers south of Benxi Water Cave, and east of the Taizi River. The Xiaoxiao Railway Line and Xitian Railway Line pass through here, making transportation very convenient.

The hot springs of Hot Spring Temple have long been famous. Legend has it that Nurhaci, the founding emperor of the Qing Dynasty, often came to hunt in the area around Hot Spring Temple. His hunting dog suffered from mange, and after being treated by countless doctors with no success, it accidentally ran into the hot spring to “scratch its itch.” In just a few days, its skin was renewed, and the disease was suddenly cured. Nurhaci was overjoyed and named the spring “Dog’s Spring.” According to the Manchurian Veritable Records, Hot Spring Temple is relatively close to Qinghe City and was once called “Qinghe Hot Spring.” Additionally, temple inscriptions record that during the Ming Dynasty, a “Three Officials Temple” was built next to the hot spring. During the Kangxi and Qianlong reigns of the Qing Dynasty, it was renovated and expanded three times with “grand construction and solemn temple appearance,” and it was officially renamed “Hot Spring Temple,” a name which has been used to this day.

The hot spring water temperature is 41°C, with a maximum daily output of 470 tons. The spring water is of the potassium-sodium sulfate type, contains calcium ions, is weakly alkaline, slightly radioactive, and has low mineralization. In addition to being suitable for general bathing, it is also therapeutic for various types of arthritis, rheumatism, numbness in the limbs, neuritis, sequelae of trauma, chronic adnexitis, sciatica, and various skin diseases.

Hot Spring Temple is a famous health resort, home to the Bengang Hot Spring Sanatorium, the Benxi Municipal Cadres’ Sanatorium, and the Benxi Municipal Workers’ Sanatorium, among others.

The environment of Hot Spring Temple is serene, surrounded by green mountains on all sides, nestled against the mountain and by the water, with fresh air. In spring, mountain flowers bloom abundantly; in summer, lotus flowers and green grass are admired; in autumn, maple leaves turn crimson red; in winter, the trees are covered in silver blossoms. Each season brings different scenery and unique views.