Learn About Hot Springs

What are Hot Springs?

A source of flowing water that emerges onto the surface of the earth from underground that had been heated by contact with hot or molten rock while underground; often associated with areas of earth crust activity

Formation of Natural Hot Springs

Hot spring water is formed when moisture seeps down through cracks in the earth's crust, and is gathered in non-porous pockets deep in the earth. Geo-thermal power heats this water and the water is again forced up through fault cracks to reach the surface of the earth. Throughout its journey, the water collects minerals from the earth, causing hot spring water to be both warm and rich in mineral content.

Types of Hot Springs and Beneficial Effects

There are many types of hot springs, distinguished by the minerals dissolved in the water. Different minerals give the hot springs different colors, smells and health benefits. Generally, all hot springs do have a relaxing effect on the body and mind but choosing the right type of hot springs to bathe in can help provide an effective cure for some illnesses.

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate Springs:

The colorless and odorless water from these springs beautifies the skin, accelerates tissue regeneration, and promotes metabolism and blood circulation. It also has positive effects on gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, external injury, liver disease, allergies and skin diseases.

Sodium Carbonate Springs:

Water from this type of springs has no color, a clear appearance, and is known to help treat athlete's foot, arthritis and skin diseases. It is especially helpful for those with painful joints. It also helps lower blood pressure and reduces stress. The springs can be made into a refreshing beverage to relieve constipation and improve one's appetite as well as gastro-intestinal health.

Salt or Hydrogen Sulfide Springs:

The water from these springs has positive effects on skin disease, women's diseases, and problems of the intestines and stomach.

Sulfur Springs:

Water from these springs appears either yellow-brownish or milky and emits the strong smell of rotten eggs. Although the springs can irritate sensitive skin, the minerals in the water can have a therapeutic effect on skin disease, women's diseases, asthma, neuralgia, rheumatism and shoulder, neck and wrist pains; they also have a detoxifying effect.

Ferrous Springs:

Water from these springs contains a high concentration of metallic elements. It can help treat anaemia, women's diseases, menopausal problems and chronic eczema.

Mud Springs:

The water from these springs appears gray or even black, and helps treat skin disease, neuralgia, and gastrointestinal disorders.

How to enjoy Hot Springs

Hot Springs Bathing Etiquette

1. Similar to exercising, soaking in hot springs can increase your heart rate and cause you to be tired, so rest for an hour before going for your hot springs bath.
2. Cleanse your body and hair before entering the pool. This will allow your skin to better absorb the minerals in the hot springs.
3. Test the temperature of the water and enter the bath slowly. Lower your body into the water such that the water level reaches below your heart level. After about 3 to 5 minutes, when your body has warmed up and adjusted to the heat of the springs, lower yourself further to cover your shoulders.
4. Enjoy, as the warmth from the hot springs relaxes your body and mind.
5. For the enjoyment of those around you, do not make too much noise, splash around or swim in the bath. However, you may like to exercise by taking long, deep breaths or slowly rotating your limbs in the water.
6. Exit the pool every 10 minutes for a rest. Enter the pool again after cooling down completely. To enjoy the best results from the hot springs, repeat this process several times.
7. If this is your first experience with hot springs, you may feel thirsty or uncomfortable. If this happens, exit the pool and take a rest. Have a drink and cool down completely before entering the pools again.
8. After taking the hot springs bath, retain the goodness of the minerals and the warmth of the hot springs by simply toweling-off moisture. Soaping or rinsing-off is not necessary.
9. After the hot springs bath, it is best to lie down and rest for an hour.

Words of Caution

1. Children or the elderly should be accompanied at all times.
2. Exercise caution when walking on wet ground.
3. When entering the hot springs bath, avoid the area where the hot springs water is being injected into the pool. Hot springs water ranging from 38°C to 42°C is most enjoyable and can be enjoyed for a longer period of time.
4. Do not enter a hot springs bath on an empty stomach as it may cause you to feel faint or uncomfortable.
5. Do not use hot springs immediately after exercise.
6. Do not make too much noise or behave in a boisterous manner while using the hot springs.
7. Before, during and after your hot springs bath, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
8. Do not eat excessively before or after a hot springs bath.
9. After a hot springs bath, avoid caffeine, alcohol or cigarettes to extend the beneficial effects of the hot springs.
10. Guests with heart problems or high blood pressure should only enter the hot springs after medical consultation.
11. Do not have a hot springs bath if you are pregnant, tired, under the influence of alcohol or have a communicable disease.
12. If uncertain whether hot springs are appropriate for your condition, please consult a doctor.

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Riyuegu's Hot Springs

Some History

A weathered stone plaque was discovered by a school teacher, Mr Bai Yu Sheng in the early 1980s. During the Ming Dynasty, a high ranking official, Ding Yi Zhong, came to know of the hot springs at Tang'an as it was widely rumored to cure diseases. Curious about this phenomenon, Ding Yi Zhong immersed himself into the springs. He felt exceptional joy and was inspired to write a verse about his experience. He noted that this heavenly gift is found not in cities and mountains, instead, it is found next to the road so that the common people would easily be able to enjoy a hot bath. Ding Yi Zhong stated the location of the hot springs to be South Lian Hua Village, which is where Riyuegu Hotsprings Resort now stands.

Riyuegu's Hot Springs

Riyuegu's hot spring water bubbles to surface at the rate of 10 litres per second and 82°C. It is moderate with a PH value of 6.6 and contains trace minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, manganese, iron, etc.

Beneficial Effects of Riyuegu's Hot Springs

A hot springs bath is always enjoyable and frequent bathing is beneficial to health. Heat and minerals from natural hot springs encourage blood circulation and cell regeneration, relieves symptoms of arthritis and insomnia and can help to improve the digestive and cardiovascular system. Buoyancy of the springs will also help to relieve stress. Emerge feeling wonderfully relaxed.

Fresh Natural Hot Springs

The hot spring water at Riyuegu Hotsprings Resort naturally surfaces and is pumped directly to each hot spring pool. At all times, there is a continuous flow of fresh hot springs into each pool to replenish those flowing out. Every four hours, each pool is entirely drained, washed and disinfected, then re-injected with fresh natural hot spring water. All hot spring water used is fresh and never re-circulated, guaranteeing the quality of your experience.

Riyuegu Hotsprings Park