Mian County Hot Springs

　　The hot springs are located in Guojiawan Village, Wenquan Township, about 3 kilometers south of Mian County, Hanzhong (southern Shaanxi), nestled at the foot of Ma’anshan Mountain and facing Dingjun Mountain across the Han River.

　　The hot spring water gushes out vigorously, flowing abundantly both in winter and summer. The average water temperature is 58.2°C. The water contains several chemical elements such as sulfur dioxide, arsenic, nitrogen, cyanide, fluorine, and soluble silicon dioxide, making it a natural high-temperature hot spring. Regular bathing can help treat skin diseases, arthritis, and rheumatism in the lower back and legs.

　　There is no clear historical record of when the hot spring water was first utilized. According to “Commentary on the Water Classic · The River Water”: “The Han River flows eastward, then joins the mouth of the hot spring water on the right. The spring water originates from the flat land north of the mountain, covering an area of several dozen steps. The spring boils vigorously, flowing year-round. From afar, white steam rises abundantly, believed to cure all ailments. It is said that those who bathe in it can smell the sulfur. On market days, hundreds often gather. The pool water flows into the Han River.” This shows the long history of the spring, which to this day remains an inexhaustible resource.

　　During the Anti-Japanese War, the hot springs served as a place for treating wounded soldiers. At that time, a few thatched huts were built near the springs but were later washed away by floods.

　　After the liberation, the government, concerned about people’s health and aiming to make full use of natural resources, built 10 tiled houses by the springs, officially establishing them as bathhouses. Facilities included men’s and women’s large pools, as well as single-person pools for both genders, accommodating nearly 100 people at a time.

　　Today, centered around the hot springs, sanatoriums have been built along with supporting facilities such as hotels, restaurants, and service industries, making it an ideal destination for recuperation. In 1984 alone, over 40,000 people visited for bathing and therapy.