Xiaotangshan

小汤山

Xiaotangshan is located in Xiaotangshan Town, Changping District. It is named Xiaotangshan because of its rich geothermal resources and hot springs at the foot of the mountain. The ancients called hot water "tang", so Xiaotangshan was named after it. Xiaotangshan can be traced back to the Liao Dynasty. In the Ming Dynasty, it was used as a royal forbidden garden. In the 54th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign in the Qing Dynasty, Tangquan Palace was built here, and a lotus pond was dug next to the spring for the emperor and dignitaries to bathe. The most famous thing in Xiaotangshan is the hot spring. It is said that boiling water will come out if you dig a hole here. The hot spring water here is endless, the water temperature is high, and the water quality contains multiple elements, which has a significant effect on the treatment of skin diseases, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases and other diseases. Nowadays, there are many hot spring resorts in Xiaotangshan.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: "Changping District, Beijing, China (北京市昌平区小汤山)"

  • History: Xiaotangshan is historically famous for its hot springs, used for both health and leisure purposes. The area has been known since the Qing Dynasty for therapeutic bathing and was later developed into a modern hot spring and resort destination. It also played a role in medical isolation and recovery during historical outbreaks due to its natural hot spring properties.

  • Architecture: Modern resort architecture blends with traditional Chinese courtyard-style buildings. The hot spring resorts feature pools with natural mineral water, spa facilities, wellness centers, and landscaped gardens. Some areas retain classical Chinese design with pavilions, bridges, and stone pathways.

  • Cultural Value: Xiaotangshan represents the integration of natural resources, traditional health practices, and modern leisure culture. It is valued for its wellness tourism, historic significance, and scenic surroundings, offering relaxation and insight into local Chinese bathing culture.

  • Other Information: Visitors enjoy hot spring bathing, spa therapies, nature walks, and seasonal sightseeing. Nearby villages provide a local cultural experience, including traditional cuisine and handicrafts.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: "9:00–22:00 daily for hot spring resorts; some hotels may open 24 hours for guests"

  • Ticket Price: "Hot spring entry: 180–350 CNY depending on resort and season
    Private room/spa: 400–800 CNY per session
    Children (under 1.2 m): Free"

  • Best Photo Spots: "Outdoor hot spring pools with steam in the morning
    Landscaped resort gardens
    Nearby hills and natural streams
    Traditional-style pavilions and courtyards"

  • Time Reference: "Winter months (December–February) for the classic hot spring experience with mist and cold air contrast; Spring for pleasant outdoor walks"

  • Other Information: "Bring swimwear and towels; some resorts provide them. Morning visits are less crowded, and evening baths offer a relaxing ambiance with lights"

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: "Xiaotangshan Hot Spring Resort Hotel (小汤山温泉度假酒店)
    Beijing Yanqi Lake Resort (北京雁栖湖度假酒店)"
  • Mid-range: "Xiaotangshan Wellness Hotel (小汤山养生酒店)
    Changping Hot Spring Inn (昌平温泉酒店)"
  • Budget & Boutique: "Xiaotangshan Youth Hostel (小汤山青年旅舍)
    Local family guesthouses near Xiaotangshan Village (小汤山村民宿)"

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: "Hot spring tofu (温泉豆腐)
    Steamed fish from local streams (小汤山清蒸鱼)
    Beijing-style braised pork (红烧肉)"
  • Famous Spots: "Xiaotangshan Hot Spring Resort Restaurant (小汤山温泉度假酒店餐厅)
    Local countryside restaurants (小汤山村餐馆)
    Yanqi Lake Resort Dining (雁栖湖度假酒店餐厅)"

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • "Hot spring minerals and bath products
    Local herbal teas and medicinal herbs
    Handmade crafts from nearby villages
    Traditional snacks such as dried fruits and candied nuts"

Transportation

  • "Subway: Take Line 13 to Xiaotangshan Station (小汤山站), then taxi or shuttle bus to resorts"
  • "Bus: Routes 980, 993 stop near Xiaotangshan area; then walk or take local shuttle to resorts"
  • "Taxi or Didi: About 45 minutes from Beijing city center depending on traffic"
  • "Private car: Many resorts provide parking for self-driving visitors"

Nearby Attractions

  • "Yanqi Lake (雁栖湖) – 1.8 km, taxi or bike ride, scenic lake with boating and resorts"
  • "Changping Ancient Town (昌平古镇) – 1.5 km, taxi or walk, traditional architecture and local culture"
  • "Xishan Scenic Area (西山风景区) – 2 km, taxi or shuttle, hiking trails and temples"

Tips for Visitors

  • "Wear swimwear and bring towels; some resorts provide them"
  • "Visit in winter for classic hot spring experience with steam and cold contrast"
  • "Morning visits are less crowded; evenings are scenic with lights"
  • "Book resorts in advance during peak holidays"
  • "Use the local shuttle buses or taxis; walking between resorts can be long"
  • "Follow hygiene rules; showers are mandatory before entering hot springs"
  • "Bring light snacks and water for outdoor areas"
  • "Respect local customs and quiet environment in wellness areas"

Recommended Itineraries

  • D1: "Xiaotangshan (小汤山) – enjoy hot spring bathing, spa, and resort gardens
    Transportation: Walking within resort, optional shuttle between pools"
  • D1/D2: "Xiaotangshan (小汤山) → Yanqi Lake (雁栖湖, 1.8 km, taxi or bike) → Changping Ancient Town (昌平古镇, 1.5 km, taxi)
    D2: Explore local village culture and take a hike in Xishan Scenic Area (西山风景区, 2 km, taxi or shuttle)"
  • D1: "Xiaotangshan (小汤山) → nearby wellness resorts for spa hopping → local village restaurants for traditional dishes"
    Transportation: Walk or short taxi ride between resorts and village"

User Reviews

By Chu Yunfei QQ |

Beijing Xiaotangshan is located in Changping District. The water temperature of the hot springs here is mostly maintained at around 40-60 degrees Celsius. Even in the cold winter, the area around the hot springs is filled with thick fog. It is so pleasant to soak in the hot springs outdoors, soaking in the warm water while enjoying the snow!

By Mani |

Xiaotangshan Town is mainly based on hot springs. It is the location of the springs. There are hundreds of private hot springs. Anyone who wants to soak in hot springs can come here.

By Small zinc |

Xiaotangshan is famous for its hot springs in Beijing. Now there are many hot spring baths in Xiaotangshan, including Jiuhua Villa, Longmai Hot Spring Resort, Fulai Hot Spring Villa, Telecom City Hot Spring Resort, etc. Jiuhua Villa has changed a lot in recent years. It has more and more Beijing-style architectural features, attracting many Chinese and foreign tourists. Jiuhua is a little overcrowded now. Although there are so many people that it is sometimes difficult to book a room, people still flock to it.