Beijing has ample hot spring resources. During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), many emperors and imperial families visited the hot spring sites and enjoyed special treatment.

Among these sites, Xiaotangshan in Changping District is the most famous for its hot underground water. That's why eight recreational resorts have been built there in the last decade.

About 30 kilometers north of downtown, Xiaotangshan was a lake before the Cretaceous period (that's around 65 million years ago). The lake sank with the passing of time.

The temperature of water here ranges from 29 C to 90 C, offering a good choice for different hot spring resorts. People have used hot spring water in therapeutic baths for more than 200 years to treat rheumatism and other ailments.

Jiuhua Hot Spring Villa

This was one of the earliest resorts to open.

The site eventually developed into a well-known resort in Beijing because it attracted not only the wealthy but also indigent health seekers from around China, thanks to the special treatments and various Chinese medicated diets offered there.

By using and protecting the hot springs and their watersheds, the resort continues to provide visitors with historic leisure activities such as hiking, picnicking and scenic drives.

Many other indoor entertainments are also provided in the resort.

Price: About 900 yuan (US$108) per person per day, including dining, accommodation, hot spring bathing and any other entertainment offered here.

How to get there: Drive north from Anhui Overpass in the North Fourth Ring Road. It is 25 kilometres north of the overpass.

Tel: 6178-2288

Fulaigong (Floral Palace) Hot Spring Resort

About 5 kilometres east of Jiuhua Hot Spring Villa, it is a four-star resort opened early last year.

Both outdoor and indoor hot spring pools are found here.

The most popular activity is to bathe in spring water with peach blossoms in it. That is a tradition favoured by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The once privileged enjoyment by the imperial family is available for common people in the Floral Palace.

Xiaotangshan High-tech Agriculture Garden, Yinshan Pagoda Forest, International Golf Course and China Aviation Museum are located around the resort.

Location: 200 metres north of Daliushu Huandao, Xiaotangshan Town, Changping District.

Tel: 6178-5588 ext 85007.

Longmai Hot Spring Resort

It is just one kilometre east of the Floral Palace. The Qing Emperor Qianlong left his writing here when he was visiting the hot spring site.

Hotel services are available here. Chinese traditional medicine bathing is an attractive draw for visitors.

How to get there: follow the route to the Floral Palace. When you get to Daliushu Huandao, turn right.

Tel: 6178-1021

Badaling Hot Spring Resort Village

About 75 kilometres northwest of Beijing, it is one of the favourite resorts in the city's outskirts. It is 45 minutes drive from downtown along Badaling highway.

The resort is centred on a three-star international hotel combining full functions of accommodation, dining, meeting and entertainment.

The buildings within the resort are exquisitely designed in European style, with a beautiful red roof and white walls. Leaning against the magnificent mountain range with green lakes and bridges, the village hosts a new resort complex with all the comforts of modern hospitality.

Spring water here is taken from 2,000 metres under the ground and the temperature is 54 C, comfortable for the human body. The water also contains mineral substances and trace elements, which are reputedly good for the skin and body health.

You can enjoy hot pot near the hot spring as well as lakeside barbecue and various typical local dishes. Performances are staged in the centre of the lake.

The resort is full of activity and leisure possibilities. The most featured entertainment is the 4,800-square-metre indoor water wonderland with standard swimming pool, surfing pool, slide, kids' play pool, hot spring massage pool and bathing pool.

Lot of other sports facilities including bowling, indoor tennis, a billiard room, racked ball house, badminton court, outdoor rock climbing, boating, skiing and car driving are available here.

How to get there: Drive along Badaling Highway to the town of Yanqing and then ask a local for directions to Badaling Wenquan Dujiacun. It is just 2 kilometres north of the town.

Tel: 6914-8833

(Beijing Review January 21, 2003)