Didn’t emperors bathe here once? Xiaotangshan is more than just a name. It is a place steeped in history and brimming with geothermal riches. I am excited to share its story.
Xiaotangshan Town sits just outside Beijing’s 6th Ring Road. It is north of the city in the Changping District. In 2020, over 80,000 people called Xiaotangshan home.
Xiaotangshan’s name tells a story. The Chinese name translates to “Small Hot Spring Mountain”. This name reflects the town’s abundance of geothermal springs. For over 1,500 years, people have tapped into these springs. Emperors even sought medical baths here. Qianlong Emperor, from the Qing Dynasty, built his palace here. He even left an inscription. It reads “Nine Luxuriant and Beautiful”.
The hot spring water has special properties. It contains strontium, lithium, selenium, and silicic acid. These minerals make the waters unique. The geothermal resources are abundant. Groundwater lies within 30 kilometers of the surface. In the central area, the water temperatures can reach 55-64 °C.
Xiaotangshan has seen many changes. From 1949 to 1956, it was the 4th District of Changping County. It later became Sixiao District, then Xiaotangshan People’s Commune. In 1982, it became Xiaotangshan Township, and later Xiaotangshan Town. Since 1999, it has been part of Changping District.
Xiaotangshan is divided into smaller parts. There are 6 communities and 24 villages. These subdivisions contribute to the town’s vibrant community.
Xiaotangshan has earned recognition over the years. In 1994, it was a pilot town for small town construction in Beijing. In 1995, it was a national pioneer town for comprehensive reform. The United Nations Development Programme recognized it for sustainable development in 2002. In 2003, it became a “National Environmentally Beautiful Town”. The China Mining Association even named it “Chinese Hot Springs Town” in 2005.
Xiaotangshan is home to interesting sites. There is the Xiaotangshan Palace, the Hot Springs, and the Dragon Venture Hot Springs Plaza.
Xiaotangshan Hospital gained fame during the 2003 SARS epidemic. A new hospital was built quickly to handle the outbreak. It was rebuilt again during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Xiaotangshan Modern Agricultural Science Demonstration Park. It is the largest modern agricultural park in China.
Xiaotangshan has a story of healing waters. It showcases rapid responses to health crises. It is a blend of ancient history and modern development. As we conclude our tour, remember the story of Xiaotangshan. It is a place where hot springs meet history.