Full | 2018-12-14 | 51500

What are some special winter activities around Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai? Skiing and hot springs tips and recommended venues

Preface

Sanmao once said: "The beauty of time lies in its inevitable passage. Spring flowers, autumn moon, summer days, winter snow." As the seasons rotate, you may inadvertently encounter beautiful scenery, hot soup and white snow, the blend of ice and fire, and the romance of winter.

Xu Xiake once wrote in a poem: "The sun rises, the steam rises, the heat waves rise; the whole body feels refreshed as if it were butter, the disease is cured miraculously; I do not envy the birds of Tianchi, but would rather be a hot spring dweller." It is clear that people have been deeply captivated by the charm of hot springs since ancient times. So how much do you know about hot springs? Let me tell you one by one~

The picture comes from the Internet

About hot springs

Hot springs gush out naturally from underground. The temperature of the spring mouth is significantly higher than the local annual average temperature, and it contains mineral spring water with trace elements that are beneficial to human health.

The mineral elements in hot spring water depend on the geological and geographical environment in which it is located, primarily derived from the rocks, soil, and magma it came into contact with during its formation. Common cations include sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, aluminum, and hydrogen. Some hot spring waters may also contain small amounts of lithium and ammonia, as well as trace metals such as arsenic, lead, zinc, mercury, copper, silver, and gold.

The picture comes from the Internet

Classification of hot springs

Hot springs are generally divided into cold springs, low-temperature hot springs, medium-temperature hot springs, high-temperature hot springs and steam springs according to their temperature.

Hot springs are classified as high-temperature springs above 75°C; those between 40°C and 75°C are medium-temperature springs; those below 40°C are low-temperature springs; and those below 25°C are cold springs. Some hot springs are even hotter than the local boiling point, and can boil or even vaporize into steam.

The picture comes from the Internet

The picture comes from the Internet

Benefits of hot springs

Prevent disease

Soaking in hot springs in winter can promote circulation, keep blood vessels unobstructed, and prevent the "four highs"; alternating hot and cold can increase the heart's contraction function, promote blood circulation, stimulate the unobstructed flow of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular vessels, prevent high blood pressure, high blood lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood thrombosis, adjust endocrine system, enhance immunity, improve resistance, and prevent colds and other infectious diseases.

Relaxing muscles and soft scars

Hot spring water contains a high concentration of natural sodium chloride. With the help of the buoyancy of hot spring water, it can relax joints, exercise muscles and soften scars.

Nourishing and Healthy Living

Hot springs in winter, when the weather is dry, can help treat dry, itchy skin. They can also treat summer illnesses in winter. Hot spring water contains powerful repair factors that can treat dermatitis, allergies, and other symptoms, while also enhancing cold tolerance and immunity. Winter is the perfect season for hot springs, as they're both beneficial for your health and a welcome respite from the cold.

Relax muscles and promote blood circulation

The climate is cold in autumn and winter, and people are less active, which can easily lead to blood stagnation and blocked meridians. The warmth, buoyancy and pharmacological effects of hot spring water can enhance blood circulation and activate meridians.

Detoxification and beauty

For women, soaking in hot springs in cold weather can tighten pores, absorb nutrients, moisturize the skin, and combat aging. This benefit is especially pronounced in a bath with added ingredients. Adding milk, flower petals, or red wine to the hot springs can also achieve whitening and detoxifying effects.

Reduce dryness and relieve fatigue

The alternation of hot and cold and the minerals in hot spring water can stimulate the skin's contraction and expansion, enhance the skin's adaptability and elasticity, moisturize the skin that becomes dry in autumn, and eliminate the fatigue accumulated in summer!

Relieve fatigue

Looking at the autumn colors of the mountains and fields, feeling the breath of nature, you can sweep away the accumulated fatigue in a lazy and comfortable manner, especially when you are surrounded by hot spring mist, which allows your body and mind to relax and relieve fatigue.

The picture comes from the Internet

The picture comes from the Internet

Precautions for hot spring bathing

1. Choose a hot spring pool with a high, medium, or low temperature that suits your body. Generally, soak in a hot spring for 15-20 minutes at a time, starting from low to high. Avoid soaking in a hot spring for extended periods, as this can cause chest tightness, thirst, and dizziness.

2. Do not soak in hot springs that are too hot or too acidic. The temperature should be between 30 and 45 degrees Celsius.

3. You can take a shower with shower gel before taking a hot spring bath. After taking a hot spring bath, you can just rinse with water. Do not use shower gel, otherwise it will wash away the minerals attached to your body during the hot spring bath.

4. Remove any metal jewelry you are wearing, as it may react chemically with the minerals in the hot springs and cause discoloration of the jewelry.

5. Avoid soaking in hot springs on an empty stomach, after a meal, or after drinking alcohol. Leave at least one hour between soaking in hot springs and eating to avoid symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, and indigestion.

6. Patients with hypertension and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases may soak in hot springs as long as they are taking medication regularly or have their doctor's approval, but each soak should not exceed 20 minutes. If you feel dry mouth or chest tightness in the hot springs, you should rest by the pool or drink some water to replenish your water.

7. People with dry skin should apply moisturizing lotion immediately after soaking in hot springs to avoid excessive loss of moisture and discomfort.

8. People with skin injuries, allergic skin diseases, etc. should not take a hot spring bath to avoid urticaria caused by accelerated evaporation of skin moisture and damage to the skin's protective layer.

9. It is best not to go bathing alone to avoid accidents.

10. Not suitable for pregnant women. Studies have shown that "high fever" can cause birth defects.

11. After soaking in a hot spring, the body's moisture evaporates quickly, so you need to drink water to replenish it.

12. It is cold in winter. When you leave the pool after soaking, please keep warm to prevent colds.

The picture comes from the Internet

The picture comes from the Internet

The picture comes from the Internet

Recommended hot springs in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai

Hantian Half Mountain Hot Spring

Tips:

If you haven't been to Banshan, you've never experienced a hot spring. Nestled on the shores of Tianmu Lake, where 95% of the area is covered by forest vegetation, the average negative ion content is over 15 times higher than in urban areas. Opening the doors and windows, you can smell the fresh air, offering a rare moment of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Forty-five open-air hot spring pools, each with its own therapeutic benefits, are cleverly separated by floral and bamboo groves, offering both scenic views and privacy.

Yushui Hot Spring

Tips:

Nestled in a 35,000-acre (approximately 1,000 acres) of beautiful bamboo forest, a hidden gem awaits you at this outdoor hot spring resort. Six functional areas offer a variety of 57 outdoor pools, including a feeding pool, a dynamic pool, a couple's pool, and a bamboo pool. The rare calcium bicarbonate hot springs refresh the skin, relieve fatigue, and promote blood circulation, creating a truly rejuvenating and healthy environment.

Couples Area: There are 12 hot spring pools with good privacy. They are usually hidden in the forest or behind the rockery, effectively blocking the view of the outside world.

Dynamic Area: There are 13 hot springs, where spring water flows down the mountain and gushes out from the bottom of the pool, showing a wonderful and dynamic feeling.

Adding material area: There are 10 soaking pools. The materials added to the pools are either precious materials or rare items. Soak in them to relax yourself and maintain your health.

Natural area: 15 hot spring pools are placed under thousand-year-old trees, adapted to local conditions. The unique natural resources make the hot springs seamlessly connected with heaven and earth.

Bamboo Top Hot Spring Area: It is a hot spring area located at a high place with the design style of an infinity pool, where you can enjoy the scenery of the bamboo forest.

Parent-child children's area: It features themed pools with interesting shapes such as the dinosaur pool, pumpkin pool, and dinosaur egg pool.

Fu Tao Hot Spring

Tips:

The natural high-temperature hot spring water is taken from more than 2,000 meters underground. The water temperature at the outlet alone reaches 53°C, so even in sub-zero weather, you will not feel cold when soaking in the open-air hot spring. It can also give your skin a smooth and comfortable feeling like handmade soap.

Scholarly Family Shushan Hot Spring

Tips:

After a light hike, take a dip in the granite fissure hot springs and enjoy the courtyard-style open-air hot spring spa. This hot spring leisure resort meets the national medical hot mineral spring standards. It is like being in a paradise, connecting with the wonderful springs of nature, and experiencing the exquisiteness and delicacy of Suzhou life. Nourishing and warming, it relieves fatigue.

Hangzhou Yunman Hot Spring

Tips:

The Japanese architectural style restores the essence of hot spring culture, allowing you to enjoy a tropical rainforest hot spring bath without leaving your home in the bustling city, and experience a hot spring resort paradise.

Skiing Tips

origin

Skiing is a competitive sport in which athletes use skis attached to the soles of their boots to perform speed, jumps, and descents on snow. Skiing originated and developed in Scandinavia. Slalom is also a Norse word, meaning to slide down a slope. In 1924, the first Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix, France. Generally speaking, Scandinavian countries have an advantage in Nordic skiing, while Alpine countries have an advantage in Alpine skiing.

The picture comes from the Internet

Classification

Skiing is divided into alpine skiing, snowboarding, freestyle skiing and Nordic skiing.

Alpine skiing

Simply put, it is the sport of sliding downhill on a snowboard. The main types of competitions include slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill, parallel giant slalom, etc.

Snowboarding

Similar to alpine skiing, it originated in North America and is quite popular in East Asia. Because it focuses more on technical skills, it is less common in speed-oriented competitions, with the only exception being the parallel giant slalom.

Freestyle skiing

This sport, which focuses on technical skills and originated in the United States in the 1960s, offers both snowboard and skiing. The main competitive styles include freestyle skiing, aerials, obstacle course, halfpipe, and slopestyle.

Nordic skiing

Cross-country skiing is primarily performed on flat ground, while ski jumping involves sliding down a 70- or 90-meter-long platform, using speed and bounce to launch into the air, flying for about 4-5 seconds before landing on the slope. Competitive sports include cross-country skiing, ski jumping, cross-country skiing combined with ski jumping, and cross-country skiing combined with shooting.

The picture comes from the Internet

The picture comes from the Internet

The picture comes from the Internet

FIS Decathlon Rules

1. Respect the principle

Whether skiing or snowboarding, everyone should follow this code of conduct: Never act in a way that will injure or cause injury to others.

2. Principle of self-control

Whether skiing or snowboarding, skiers should keep their skiing under control. Their speed and style should be consistent with their individual skiing level and should be based on the terrain, snow quality, weather, and population density of the ski resort.

3. Principles for choosing safe routes

The skier behind must choose a line that does not endanger the skier in front.

(Skiers ahead have priority in using the slopes)

4. Overtaking Principles

When passing other skiers from behind or to the side, keep adequate distance.

5. Principles of entering the snow track, starting, and climbing

When taking a break to resume skiing or climbing up the slope, make sure you do not endanger yourself or others.

6. Stop location principle

Unless necessary, skiers should avoid staying in the middle of the snow trail, on the track, on narrow snow trails, or in places where vision is easily obstructed. If passing through the above places, please pass as quickly as possible.

7. Principle of walking on both sides

If you need to walk on the snow trail, please be sure to walk on both sides of the trail.

8. Pay attention to the principles of warning signs

Skiers are requested to pay close attention to signal boards, signboards and indicators.

9. Principle of assistance

In the event of an accident, every skier has the obligation to help the injured.

10. Principles for determining identity in accidents

Skiers or witnesses after an accident, regardless of whether they are responsible or not, should leave each other contact information.

The picture comes from the Internet

The picture comes from the Internet

The picture comes from the Internet

ski equipment

Generally speaking, the following equipment is necessary: ​​helmet, ski goggles, gloves, ski suit, ski boots, skis, protective gear, etc.

helmet

A life-saving artifact, it is recommended that you must try it on when buying it, and choose a helmet that is of the right size and does not feel pressure on the left and right sides of the head but fits tightly, so that it can play the role of head protection.

The picture comes from the Internet

Snow suit

It can be divided into three main layers. The outer layer is a ski suit, which is windproof, waterproof, breathable and warm. Basically, there is not much difference between them, so just choose what you like. The middle layer is a sweat-wicking warm-keeping suit, which is mainly used to protect against wind, keep warm and breathable when the temperature fluctuates. The inner layer is a compression quick-drying suit, whose main function is to quickly drain away sweat.

Snow goggles

Functions of snow goggles

1. Protect eyes and face from being injured by external impact.

2. Effectively block snow blindness caused by ultraviolet rays and strong reflected light that irritate the eyes.

3. Some mid-to-high-end snow goggles can increase the contrast between the snow trails and scenery, and improve visual resolution.

4. Block the wind and protect your facial skin.

Choice of snow goggles

face shape

It's recommended to try on various goggles before choosing one that best suits your cheek width, nose bridge height, and cheekbone shape. Once you put on the goggles, make sure every part of your face is in perfect contact with the frame, with no discomfort or gaps. The nose should also be comfortable; if the fit isn't right, don't choose the goggles.

space

Snow goggles fog up because the temperature inside the goggles is higher than the outside, creating a temperature difference. Goggles with a small internal space tend to heat up quickly, leading to a temperature difference between the inside and outside, making them more prone to fogging. The larger the internal space of the goggles, the less likely they are to fog.

mask

The spherical mirror's surface shape is similar to that of a sphere, close to the shape of the human eyeball, effectively reducing parallax and expanding the field of view. The cylindrical mirror's protruding surface increases the internal eye space, providing ample circulation space and providing excellent anti-frost effect.

Frame

Frameless snow goggles offer a wider field of view and are less likely to fog up. The disadvantage is that the lenses are prone to fingerprints.

straps

The strap and frame design will directly affect the compatibility of the helmet. Choose straps with anti-slip mechanisms and silicone lining to effectively prevent slipping.

Light transmittance

Light transmittance is the ratio of transmitted light intensity to incident light intensity, expressed as a percentage. Generally, a higher value indicates a higher light transmittance. The standard light transmittance for all-weather skiing is 30-50%. Legitimate snow goggles must have their lens transmittance indicated on their packaging, so be sure to check this before purchasing.

Security

German and American snow goggles place great emphasis on technical specifications, undergoing impact tests that include dropping a metal rod (over a pound) from four feet and subjecting a quarter-inch steel shot to a velocity of 102 miles per hour. They must withstand the impact of heavy objects at low speeds and lightweight objects at high speeds, while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable feel from high-quality materials. Therefore, the value of snow goggles lies not only in their appearance but also in the performance behind them.

The picture comes from the Internet

The picture comes from the Internet

Gloves

A pair of waterproof, warm, and comfortable ski gloves not only improves your skiing quality but also helps you quickly improve your skiing technique! Therefore, it's recommended to choose ski gloves that are the right size and comfortable enough to hold your ski poles for extended periods. There are two main types of gloves: closed-finger gloves and split-finger gloves. Close-finger gloves are more commonly used for snowboarding, as they involve less finger engagement, while split-finger gloves are more commonly used for skiing.

snowshoes

Ski boots are generally categorized as alpine, cross-country, ski jumping, and snowboard. Ski boots should be comfortable and fit well, allowing the toes to move freely while tightly enclosing the sole, instep, arch, and heel. The clips on the outer shell should be properly engaged, allowing the ankle to bend forward. This is essential for controlling the skis and skiing speed. Beginners should choose lightweight, flexible, and elastic boots, which offer ample maneuverability.

The picture comes from the Internet

ski

Skis are generally categorized as alpine, biathlon, ski jumping, freestyle, and single board. When choosing a ski length, the longest should be no taller than your wrist, and the shortest should be no shorter than your hips. Long skis offer greater speed and stability; shorter skis are slower, more wobbly, and less stable. For beginners, a ski length equal to your height plus about 5 cm is recommended. Skis that are too long are difficult to control, making turns difficult and hindering their skill development. Beginners should also choose skis with greater springiness. This reduces the risk of bumps on uneven snow, provides better braking, and is easier to maneuver. Advanced skiers can opt for longer, less springy, and slightly heavier skis, which increase stability and keep the track edges firmly in contact with the snow, allowing for full control and smooth arcing.

ski poles

Ski poles are used for support, balance, direction, and body support while skiing. They are generally categorized as alpine poles, cross-country poles, and freestyle poles. When choosing a pole, consider the height of your elbow from the ground when your arm is lowered. Beginners can choose longer poles, moving to shorter ones as their skills improve. Ski poles should have a strap that fits around your wrist to prevent them from falling off. Snow wheels prevent the pole from digging too deep into the snow and provide a stable base for high-speed skiing.

The picture comes from the Internet

protective gear

Skiing is an intensely dynamic and thrilling sport, and injuries are inevitable. Therefore, protective gear is crucial, and hip and wrist guards and knee pads are essential! Knee pads are typically divided into soft and hard types. Soft knee pads are lightweight, breathable, and easy to wear. They are usually sleeve-style, made of a soft material that can be deformed arbitrarily. They offer comprehensive protection, and a tight fit on the front and sides generally provides adequate protection. Hard knee pads feature a hard shell on the front of the pad that disperses high impact pressure to the surrounding protective layer, thereby dispersing the impact from the front of the knee to the cushioning layer of the pad. A good hard shell is resilient and resistant to breakage. For the average skier, a knee pad that stabilizes the patella and provides ligament protection is recommended. If you're injured or recovering from an injury, knee pads with support are also recommended.

The picture comes from the Internet

The picture comes from the Internet

Recommended ski resorts around Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai

Damingshan Hot Spring Skiing

Tips:

A beautiful combination of Daming Mountain Alpine Ski Resort and Lin'an Tuankou Zhong'an Radon Hot Spring.

Anji Hot Spring Skiing

Tips:

Enjoy the thrill of ice and fire at 1,000 meters above sea level: skiing in Jiangnan Tianchi and soaking in hot springs in the alpine bamboo forest. This is the largest outdoor ski resort in East China, with bamboo forests and mountains as the backdrop and multiple slopes built according to the terrain to meet the needs of ski enthusiasts of different skill levels.

Ninghai Hot Spring Skiing

Tips:

The preserved meats of Anchang Ancient Town are a must-buy for many Hangzhou residents during the Lunar New Year holiday. Skiing is a passionate, world-famous sport for the elite. The comfort of hot springs can soothe post-exercise fatigue. After working up a sweat on the slopes, soaking in a hot spring is the ultimate winter indulgence. A perfect blend of ice and fire! Embark on a journey with China-TravelNote and enjoy winter!

One-day Wuxi Ski World

Tips:

Experience dreamy Nordic skiing right at your doorstep. Enjoy a snowy carnival on the 138-meter-long indoor slope. Experience the thrill of speed racing through the snow on the downhill slope. Experience bumper cars and snow slides at the Snow World.

Shanglianggang·Hiking and Skiing

Tips:

Ningbo Shanglianggang Ski Resort, nestled on the "First Mountain of Siming," boasts a 16,000-square-meter snowmaking area. The main ski slope is 42 meters wide at the end and 80 meters wide at the bottom, stretching approximately 500 meters. The slope has a maximum slope of 18 degrees and a drop of over 30 meters. Besides skiing, visitors can also enjoy building snowmen and having snowball fights, experiencing the lively atmosphere of a northern winter. It's a must-try for everyone from children to adults.

Conclusion

Come and experience the short winter in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. Whether it’s skiing or hot springs, it can satisfy you!