Soak in hot springs and stay at Tujia for a healthy winter getaway

    The howling northern winds have chilled the air, and temperatures across both the north and south have become less than friendly. The north is dry and cold, while the south is damp and chilly—there are few places left in the country that are ideal for fun outings. Actually, you might want to consider a hot spring vacation. Soaking in hot springs during the cold winter not only benefits your health but also makes your holiday more relaxing. It’s best if you can enjoy the hot springs right where you’re staying, so after a day of sightseeing, you can unwind in the warm waters and fully enjoy the comfort of your vacation. However, although there are many famous hot springs, it’s not easy to find places where you can soak in high-quality hot springs without leaving your accommodation. Don’t worry—today we’re highlighting several such accommodations for you to choose from on your next trip.

 

    Tangshan, formerly known as “Hot Spring,” got its name from the thermal springs and has a history of over 1,500 years. The waters of Tangshan Hot Springs are slightly yellow, fairly clear, and odorless. With a daily output of 5,000 tons, the springs maintain a constant temperature of 60–65°C and contain over 30 types of minerals and trace elements. Identified as calcium-magnesium thermal water with traces of strontium and radon, these hot springs are effective in treating skin diseases, arthritis, and various chronic conditions. In 1918, Dr. Sun Yat-sen praised Tangshan Hot Springs as a “place of beauty and goodness” in his “Program for National Reconstruction.” 

    Aside from its long history of hot springs, Tangshan also offers several attractions worth visiting. The aforementioned Hot Spring Villa used by Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling was exclusively for their use. The building combines Chinese and Western architectural styles, appearing dignified and elegant with both ground and underground levels; the basement includes the “lovers’ bathing pool” for the Chiangs and a bath area for their bodyguards. The entire compound is quiet and refined, exuding great charm. Tangshan Ancient Karst Cave, the birthplace of the famous Nanjing Man, features massive cave systems spanning tens of thousands of square meters. Currently open to visitors are the Leigong Cave and Huludong Cave. There’s also the Yangshan Stele Material, standing 73 meters tall and weighing 31,000 tons, hailed as the “world’s largest.” This enormous stone, quarried by Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty for a memorial to his father, towers atop Yangshan Mountain. Viewed from below, it’s an awe-inspiring sight.

    Although Tangshan isn’t particularly known for its cuisine, the town has several distinctive restaurants serving local home-style dishes. These mostly include salted chicken, salted goose, and red-braised pork, all of which are quite tasty. Tangshan Salted Chicken is a local specialty that visitors highly recommend for its excellent flavor and texture. Travelers planning to soak in the hot springs and explore Tangshan should definitely give it a try.

Recommended accommodation: Tujia Sweetome Resort Apartments (Tangcheng Dongjun, Nanjing). The apartments are located in the renowned Tangshan Tourist Scenic Area in Nanjing, near the Chiang Kai-shek Hot Spring Villa and the Tangshan Ancient Ape Man Cave. The natural surroundings are superb—with lush trees, fresh air, and crystal-clear lake water. The rooms come with direct access to natural hot spring water, allowing you to enjoy authentic Tangshan hot springs without leaving the apartment. The rooms feature fashionable and cozy designs with spacious layouts. From the rooms, you can admire the beautiful “mountain-water-green-island” scenery, and no matter where you go in the community, it’s like strolling through a healthy and picturesque landscape. A variety of room types are available, with prices ranging from 205 to 440 yuan.