Chongqing sits on a geological structure that produces hot mineral water in quantity, and the city promotes itself as the hot spring capital of China. There are dozens of developed springs within a couple of hours of the centre, ranging from municipal bathing complexes to resort hotels with dozens of outdoor pools.
Beibei
Beibei, northwest of the city, has the oldest hot spring in the area, in use for well over a thousand years and set in a wooded gorge with a river running through it. The bathing area has been rebuilt in recent decades, but the park around it, with pavilions, temples and stone inscriptions, retains its character. Water temperatures sit in the thirties Celsius, which makes it comfortable for long soaking. The town of Beibei is a university district and is easy to reach by metro and bus.
Tongjing
Tongjing, further northeast, has springs beside a river and a reservoir, with hot water coming out of the ground on the riverbanks. There are simple public pools and larger resort facilities, and the surrounding hills are good walking. It is quieter than the big resorts near the city.
Where the hot water meets the river
Chongqing's signature sight is a hot spring emerging directly into a cold river, where bathers sit in the warm water within metres of the current. One or two spots like this still exist on the Yangtze banks at the edge of the city, used mainly by local people in winter, and they are worth knowing about if you are comfortable with a rough, uncommercial bath.
Practical notes
Resorts rent swimwear and towels, but it is easier to bring your own. Almost all require swimwear and separate pools by gender at the more traditional public baths. Do not stay in very hot water for more than fifteen minutes at a time, drink water, and avoid alcohol before bathing; anyone with heart or blood pressure problems should keep to the cooler pools. Most sites are busiest at weekends, and many run until late in the evening.
