Yongbao Hot Spring in Yunxian County, Lincang
Overview
According to legend, He Xiangu (何仙姑) and her son moved mountains and created lakes, which touched the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝). In response, he dispatched heavenly soldiers to create a hot spring in the center of the valley (热水塘). The hot water flows endlessly, providing a soothing experience for weary travelers who bathe in it, leaving them refreshed and relaxed.
Yongbao Hot Spring (涌宝温泉) is located south of Yongbao Street (涌宝街), at the foot of Shilong Mountain (石龙山). The spring water temperature ranges from 30°C to 55°C, making it ideal for bathing. According to local records, there are over 20 spring outlets, covering an area of more than 900 square meters. Currently, three buildings remain: one male and one female bathing area, along with a smaller bathhouse. Additionally, there are outdoor facilities, including a laundry pool, a face-washing pool, and a foot-washing pool.
Visitors flock to Yongbao Hot Spring year-round, not only locals seeking a place to wash clothes and bathe but also travelers who enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot spring. It is said that bathing in this spring refreshes the body and invigorates the spirit, and that the water can relieve muscle tension and treat rheumatic joint diseases.
Yongbao Town: “One Pool, Three Gardens, One Village, One Spring”
Yongbao Town (涌宝镇) boasts abundant water and forest resources, with a forest coverage rate of 67%, and has been recognized as a “provincial-level ecological township.” As part of its rural revitalization strategy, the town firmly adheres to the principle that “clear waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” It is committed to developing a rural tourism industry centered around the concept of “One Pool, Three Gardens, One Village, One Spring.”
Concept Breakdown
- One Pool: Liangshan Tianchi (亮山天池) – This scenic area offers photography, stargazing, and cycling around the lake to fully enjoy the beauty of the Tianchi.
- Three Gardens: This includes:
- A hundred-acre agricultural sightseeing and experiential garden.
- A thousand-acre high-quality ecological tea garden along the Xinzhai River (新寨河).
- A ten-thousand-acre Liangshan Forest Park (亮山森林公园).
- One Village: Beiyin Village (背阴寨) – This village preserves traditional resources like stone-paved paths and unique local houses, incorporating Yi (彝族) cultural elements such as totems and paintings, creating a homestay experience focused on Yi culture.
- One Spring: Yongbao Hot Spring – The hot spring will be developed comprehensively, with plans for indoor and outdoor natural hot pools, a children’s water park, an ethnic culture square, themed holiday hotels, and a visitor service center to provide comprehensive services for tourists.
The town aims to connect the “One Pool, Three Gardens, One Village, One Spring” into a linear path through the construction of forest trails, ginkgo paths, and Yongnuo Highway (涌糯公路), creating a new type of ecological tourism town characterized by green ecology and health.
Tourism Development
The development of rural tourism in Yongbao Town will fully leverage its unique agricultural products. It will integrate the agricultural product industry chain, construct a service chain, enhance the value chain, build brands, and expand markets. This will form a distribution center for agricultural products in the southeastern area of Yunxian County (云县), increasing the recognition of local specialties such as honey, ham, ferns, kudzu powder, fruits, and wild mushrooms. Through tourism, these rich local delicacies will be widely promoted, leading to the development of agricultural products and fostering an integrated “agriculture-tourism” model that aims for the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas, making them beautiful, prosperous, and strong.
How to Get There
By Car: From the center of Lincang (临沧), follow the signs to Yunxian County (云县) and then to Yongbao Town. The hot spring is located south of Yongbao Street at the foot of Shilong Mountain.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from Lincang to Yunxian County, from which you can take a local taxi or walk to Yongbao Hot Spring.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Yongbao Hot Spring is enjoyable year-round. However, visiting during the spring or autumn months may offer a more comfortable climate for outdoor activities.
- What to Bring: Bring swimwear, towels, and personal toiletries. While some facilities may provide basic amenities, it’s best to have your own.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local delicacies such as honey, ham, and wild mushrooms while visiting Yongbao Town.
- Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the region’s culture and history.
