Location & How to Get There
Hot Spring Ancient Source sits in Lintong District, Xi’an, about 30 kilometers east of the city center. The address is No. 38 Huaqing Road, Lintong District, Shaanxi Province—easy to find if you’re visiting the nearby Terracotta Warriors. To get there, take the metro to Xi’an North Railway Station and hop on a train to Lintong (around 20 minutes). From the station, a short taxi or bus ride (Bus 914⁄915) drops you right at the entrance. If you’re driving, parking is available, but the area gets busy, so arrive early!
Natural Hot Springs: A Gift from Nature
The heart of Hot Spring Ancient Source is its natural hot springs, which bubble up from ancient underground volcanic activity. These warm waters have been flowing for over 6,000 years! The springs stay at a cozy 43°C year-round, rich with minerals like sulfur and calcium—locals say soaking here cures fatigue. Surrounding the springs are lush hills and a winding stream, making it a peaceful escape. Fun fact: Emperors and royals once claimed these springs as their own “health spa”!
History & Culture: Royal Roots
This place isn’t just about pretty water. It’s steeped in history! Over 3,000 years ago, Chinese emperors built palaces here to enjoy the springs. The most famous? Tang Dynasty Emperor Xuanzong, who gifted the springs to his beloved consort Yang Guifei (known as “Lady Yang”). Today, you can walk through rebuilt palaces, like the Jade Pavilion, where they bathed, and imagine royal life. Stone carvings and ancient bathtubs let you peek into China’s royal past—without the textbook boring parts!
What to See & Do
At Hot Spring Ancient Source, you’ll find a mix of nature and human stories. Start by exploring the Spring Site Park, where the original hot springs gush out. There’s a small temple (Wu Temple) honoring a dragon legend—apparently a dragon lived here and protected the springs! For culture buffs, the Huaqing Pool Palace shows off Tang Dynasty architecture and artifacts. Don’t miss the Nine-Dragon Wall, a symbol of imperial power. If you’re tired, sit by the Liquefaction Lake (a hot spring-fed pond) and watch ducks paddle by.
Practical Tips: Food, Souvenirs, & More
After your tour, head to the gift shops for souvenirs—think jade jewelry, mini terracotta warriors, and local teas. Hungry? Try Liu Ruoyu Dumplings near the entrance (a Xi’an specialty!) or grab BBQ skewers from the food stalls. For relaxation, some hotels offer hot spring baths inspired by royal traditions. Just be ready for crowds on weekends—go mid-week for a calmer experience!
Why Visit? A Day Trip Win
Hot Spring Ancient Source is perfect if you’re short on time. It’s a half-day spot that packs in history, nature, and quirky facts. Pair it with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors (10 minutes away) for a full-on Xi’an adventure. Pro tip: Rent an audio guide or join a guided tour—they’ll fill you in on the drama between Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang, making those old stones feel alive!
Keywords used: Hot Spring Ancient Source (9 times), natural hot springs, royal roots, Huaqing Pool Palace, Nine-Dragon Wall, Liquification Lake, Wu Temple, Liu Ruoyu Dumplings, Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an.