Tourist Attractions
Chongqing Parks
Northern Hot Spring Park
The Northern Hot Spring Park of Chongqing is located in the Beibei District, facing the Jialing River in the north and leaning against Jinyun Mountain. Initially constructed in the year 423 as a temple, the park is said to be the earliest hot spring discovered in China and is still in perfect condition. In the 1927 swimming pools and bathrooms as well as other facilities were added and the Northern Hot Spring Park opened to the public.
Blessed with ten springheads, the hot spring wells up about 6,000-8,000 tons of thermal water per day, and the water temperature is around 35- 37 degrees Centigrade (95F - 99F). The alkaloid water contains many trace elements that are good for ones health. And the thermal spring spa may benefit the sufferers of diseases such as neuradynamia, neuralgia, neck pain, strained lumbar muscles, high blood pressure etc. There are swimming pools and excellent bathrooms as well as hydropathical pools, flower bath pools and many others to meet different needs.
The Northern Hot Spring Park encompasses not only spring water; there is a great more to explore here. Covering an area of 10 hectares (14.7 acres), the park also preserves the original temple which comprised four grand halls. Strolling in the woodlands surrounding the temple visitors can enjoy the stone inscriptions carved in the Song (960-1279), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
A unique geological landscape and some unusual plants can be found here. An Increasing number of people come to the park for recreation. With ponds, statues, carved stones, and cavities dotted throughout, the park was elected a 4A-graded tourist site in 2002.
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Admission Fee: |
CNY 10 |
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Bus Route: |
252,253,254,255 |
Southern Hot Spring Park
Southern Hot Spring Park in the southeast part of the Chongqing Municipality is bestowed with thermal water of about 40 degrees Centigrade (104oF) all year round. With a water flow of 120 tons per hour, the thermal water contains rich minerals, which are good for health. Immersion in the water accelerates blood circulation and metastasis and acts on many diseases.
The spring was first found in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the swimming pools built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The park has been enjoyed by many celebrities including Zhu De, Deng Xiaoping, and Guo Moruo. After many renovations and reconstructions, the Southern Spring Park has become a modern bathing place with swimming pools and more than one hundred bathrooms.
Covering a total area of 20 hectares (49 acres) with 7 hectares (17 acres) of water surface, the park is also blessed with rich natural resources. There are mountains, waterfalls and fountains, springs and forests that live in harmony, creating relaxing picturesque scenes. Huaxi Stream wanders through the greens adding vitality to the park. And there is no lack of history in the park; it is said that Emperor Jianwen of the Ming Dynasty once lived a reclusive life here.
Loquat Hill Park
In the densely populated center of Chongqing Municipality, an oasis is set in Yuzhong District. This oasis valued by locals is the Loquat Hill Park, which is reputed to be the lung of the district. Located on the Loquat Hill about 340 meters (1,115 feet) above sea level, the park is beautifully designed with forests of varied trees and exuberantly grown grass and flowers. It is said that loquats (Pi Pa) are grown throughout the hill, thus the name. From the Hongxing Pavilion, one can get a view of the whole city, especially on a resplendent night.
The park was once a private compound yard belonging to a high official of the Sichuan Government in the period of Republic of China. After the founding of the P.R.C., it was expanded into a public park. Inside the park are pavilions, corridors and ponds as well as recreational facilities and service centers dotted in the flourishing woods. The park offers people a good place to relax and take a break from their turbulent lives.
More Visitor Attractions in Chongqing:
Jiefangbei, Chongqing Museums, Dazu Rock Carvings, Ciqikou
