Huaqing Hot Spring

Huaqing Hot Spring is situated about 25 kilometres away in the northeast of Xi'an. It used to be a former winter resort for emperors. Its natural beauty and many historical episodes connected with this spot are the attractions. Emperor You of the Western Zhou Dynasty (8th century BC) was the first to take a liking of the place and build a palace here for himself. Emperors of 11 dynasties followed his example. The place did not gain national fame until 747, when Emperor Xuan Zong (685-762, reigned 712-756) of Tang Dynasty extended the palaces and built Huaqing Hot Poll, using water from the natural hot springs, hence the name Huaqing Hot Spring.
     The resort is located at the foot of the Mount Lishan. Several big Chinese characters are carved on the cliffs indicating the source of the hot springs. Just below the sign is a steaming pool surrounded by green balustrades. These hot springs were founded 3,000 years ago. They have a voluminous, regular flow and a constant temperature of around 43°C or 109.4°C . The water contains various minerals, which make it suitable for medication and bathing as well.
     When the tourist enters the park area through a moon gate and comes upon the artificial Nine Dragons Lake. Even in winter the trees here grow luxuriantly. Nestled among the willows by the lakeside are dainty buildings topped by golden glazed tiles. At its southern end, the lake is linked to lotus Pond into which crystal clear water pours from the nine dragon head spouts in the wall. North of the lake is a hall built in traditional Chinese style, with upturned eaves shaped like a prostrate dragon. A phoenix cast in bronze stands in front of the porch.
    The Tang Emperor Xuan Zong (685-762,reigned 712-756) spent his winters at this hall with his favourite concubine Yang Guifei(719-756).Close by is Huaqing Pool, the bathing poll of the beautiful Yang Guifei. It is housed in an inner room and built in the shape of lotus petals. In an outer room adjoining the pool is a soft bed and a painting of the imperial concubine emerging from her bath. The room has been refurbished.
    At present, Huaqing Pool is a recreational centre open to the public, with all the old imperial halls, and pavilions renovated. Over a hundred new bathing pools have been added to accommodate more people at a time.