Nige Blue Hot Spring in Gejiu City, Honghe
Overview
Nige Blue Hot Spring (尼格蓝色温泉) is also known as Gejiu City Workers’ Sanatorium (个旧市工人疗养院), a hidden therapeutic paradise nestled in the Baiyun Mountains (白云山) of Gejiu City (个旧市). Located in the Jasha Township (贾沙乡) near the confluence of Longcha River (龙岔河) and Lusha River (绿沙河), Nige Blue Hot Spring is a significant retreat for workers in Yunnan Province (云南省). Upon entering the sanatorium, visitors are instantly captivated by the beautiful scenery.
The initial sight is a cluster of uniquely designed European-style buildings that avoid a monotonous architectural style, with each structure showcasing its own characteristics. The roofs vary in shape—some are circular, others square or pointed. The gardens surrounding these buildings, featuring rockeries, ponds, and diverse flora, each present a distinct charm.
Location and Climate
Nige Village (尼格村) is part of Songyun Administrative Village (松云行政村) in Jasha Township, Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture (红河州), and is situated in a mountainous area. It lies 36 kilometers from Jasha Township, with a total area of 2.13 acres and an altitude of 910 meters. The region has an average annual temperature of 23°C and receives 830 millimeters of rainfall, making it suitable for growing crops like rice and sweet potatoes.
Natural Resources
Jasha Township (贾沙乡) is characterized by its mountainous terrain and rich natural resources. The area boasts significant forest cover and is a vital source of water for Gejiu City, known for its abundant hot springs. Nige Blue Hot Spring, part of the Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area (白云山景区), is one of the earliest developed geothermal resources in the city, located 69 kilometers from the urban center at an elevation of 883 meters, spanning 102 acres, with two perennial rivers, Longcha River and Lusha River, flowing gently around it.
Historical Significance
In April 2006, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (中华全国总工会) designated Nige Blue Hot Spring as a “National Model Worker Rest and Rehabilitation Base,” a prestigious title held by only 24 of the 127 sanatoriums across the country. The spring was originally established in 1956 with the assistance of Soviet experts, featuring entirely European-style architecture. Initially a retreat for industrial workers, it was not opened to the public until the mid-1980s. After nearly 50 years of operation, its facilities have continually improved, offering various services.
The resort currently has 260 standard beds and a dining hall capable of accommodating 260 guests simultaneously. With the increase in visitors, the abundant hot spring resources have been fully utilized, leading to the establishment of indoor public hot pools, garden hot springs, and outdoor swimming pools. A modern SPA system offers nine therapeutic functions, including percussion massage, pulse massage, bubble massage, waterfall massage, and whirlpool massage, enhancing the enjoyment of the hot spring experience. Each guest room is equipped with its own hot spring supply for personalized soaking.
Therapeutic Qualities
The water temperature at Nige Blue Hot Spring reaches 74°C. Locals often use the hot spring water for cooking, eliminating the need to boil water. The water is crystal blue, rich in beneficial minerals like potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, strontium, molybdenum, and radon. It is a composite mineral spring containing sulfur, metasilicate, and bicarbonate, which has been shown to alleviate over 20 ailments, including neurosis, muscle strain, rheumatism, skin itching, and gastrointestinal issues. Particularly noteworthy is its effectiveness in treating occupational poisoning from lead, arsenic, and mercury.
Guests often find that soaking in the springs significantly enhances their appetite and aids in the healing of cracked skin after just one visit. The area is tranquil and beautiful, with well-maintained gardens featuring gazebos and rockeries, creating an idyllic environment where many retirees live year-round, enjoying a carefree lifestyle filled with good food and hot springs.
Cultural Context
Nige Blue Hot Spring is located at the border of Gejiu City and Jianshui County (建水县), marked by the swift-flowing Longcha River. The historic Suolong Bridge (锁龙桥), a single-arch stone bridge built in the 54th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign (公元1789年), connects Gejiu with Jianshui. This bridge is unique due to its sloped surface, resembling a centipede, hence the local nickname “Centipede Bridge” (蜈蚣桥).
Surrounded by high mountains, Nige Blue Hot Spring boasts fresh, humid air, enriched by diverse flora and fauna. The adjacent Nige Village, an ethnic Yi (彝族) settlement, contrasts sharply with the European-style architecture of the hot spring. The local Yi community continues to celebrate traditional customs, contributing to the area’s vibrant cultural heritage. The sounds of roosters crowing, dogs barking, and smoke rising from cooking fires blend with the scenic terraced fields to create an ancient pastoral landscape.
An ancient festival called “Ga Yi Jie” (嘎蚁节) is celebrated by the local Yi community, centered around the seasonal proliferation of cicadas (知了). The community engages in a unique tradition of capturing cicadas using bamboo tubes filled with seeds and aromatic branches. During the festival, visitors can partake in cicada-catching and enjoy a grand bonfire party with traditional Yi songs, dances, and roasted lamb, making it an unforgettable cultural experience.
How to Get There
To reach Nige Blue Hot Spring, visitors can take a bus or taxi from Gejiu City, which is approximately 69 kilometers away. Local transport services are available for convenience, and it is advisable to call ahead for reservations and travel arrangements.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is during the spring when the surrounding flora is in full bloom.
- What to Bring: Swimwear, personal toiletries, and any preferred snacks or drinks, as dining options may be limited.
- Health Considerations: The mineral content in the hot spring water can have health benefits, but individuals with specific health concerns should consult a physician before visiting.
- Cultural Respect: Engage with the local Yi community respectfully and consider participating in their festivals for a richer experience.
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