Huquan Banshan Hot Spring in Mile City, Honghe

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📍 Location: A Secret Haven in Central Yunnan

Located within the Lake Spring Eco-Park (湖泉生态园) on Wenquan Road in Mile City (弥勒市), Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan, the hot spring area sits at an altitude of 1,450 meters and lies just 2 kilometers from the city center.
Positioned at coordinates 24°25′N, 103°26′E, the site borders a 1,700-mu (approx. 113 hectares) lake and features a stepped design that follows the mountain slope — creating a visually stunning setting of “hanging pools in the hills, springs mirrored by forest”.
From Kunming South Railway Station, it takes just 40 minutes via high-speed train to arrive.

🕰️ Historical Timeline: From Ancient Chronicles to Modern Wellness

📜 Ming Dynasty Origins

In 1638, famous Chinese traveler Xu Xiake recorded the spring in his Yunnan Travel Diary (滇游日记), noting its “rising steam, warming skin with clarity and vigor” — evidence of its long-standing healing tradition.

🏗️ Modern Development

The hot spring was built in tandem with the eco-park in 2003, opening its first 12 poetically themed pools in 2008.
By 2020, it was recognized as a National 4A-Level Scenic Spot, and in 2025, it was selected among the “Top 50 Global Hot Springs”.

🔥 Cultural Continuity

Local Yi ethnic “water therapy” customs have been integrated with modern spa techniques, creating the unique and holistic “Mile Wellness Soak” (弥勒养生汤) experience.

🏛️ Cultural Appeal: A Multicultural Expression of Hot Spring Art

🌿 Architectural Aesthetics

• Pools are terraced like Hani rice fields, blended with Balinese-style gazebos

• Resting areas combine French-style columns with Southern Yunnan arcade architecture (滇南骑楼)

🎉 Seasonal Festivities

• Summer: Starlit Hotspring Concerts, held every Saturday evening in August

• Winter: Yi Medicinal Wellness Season, from December to January, featuring herbal bath rituals

🖋️ Poetic Naming

Each pool is named with literary flair, such as:

• “Feige Liudan” (飞阁流丹) – Flying Pavilion with Crimson Flow

• “Hulin Yulu” (湖林玉露) – Jade Dew Among Lakes and Woods
  These names evoke a romantic mountain-and-water imagery.

💧 Signature Experiences

▶ Themed Pool Highlights

▶ Classic One-Day Itinerary

09:30 – Morning soak at Lanyuetai (揽月台)
→ 11:00 – Sip Yunnan Pu’er tea at the garden pavilion
→ 14:00 – Korean-style herbal sauna in Yao Re Gong (药热宫)
→ 17:30 – Relax in the Red Wine Pool at sunset
→ 20:00 – Enjoy the Starlit Outdoor Cinema

🧭 Visitor Tips

🎟️ Ticket Offers

In August 2025, discounted tickets are available for 158 RMB (originally 166 RMB) via the “Travel Yunnan” (游云南) app.

🧴 Essentials to Bring

• Sunscreen (highland UV is strong)

• Waterproof phone pouch (hooks available near pools)

⚠️ Health Precautions

• Avoid staying in high-temperature pools (>42°C) for more than 15 minutes

• Cardiovascular patients should use caution when soaking in hotter baths