Xi’an has more to offer than the Terracotta Warriors and the Xi’an City Wall. If you want to slow down during your trip, consider setting aside half a day for a hot spring experience. Especially in the chilly autumn and winter, an outdoor hot spring bath is a relaxing way to see a different side of Xi’an.
Most of Xi’an’s hot springs are clustered in Lintong, Lantian, and the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains. If it’s your first time in Xi’an, Lintong is the easiest to work into your trip, as you can visit the Terracotta Warriors in the morning and head straight to a hot spring in the afternoon, without having to go back downtown.
If you’re not sure which hot spring to choose, here’s a quick guide:
- Huaqing Yutang Hot Spring: Experience Xi’an’s imperial hot spring culture.
- Angsana Hot Spring: Indulge in a half-day hot spring bath or stay overnight.
- Huaqing Aegean Hot Spring: Soak among lush greenery and landscaped gardens.
- Tangyu Tiantan Hot Spring: Try a more local hot spring experience.
- Nanshan Hot Springs: Take in the Qinling mountain views as you soak.
Insider tip: If you only have 2–3 days in Xi’an, there’s no need to spend a full day at a hot spring. Instead, enjoy a hot spring bath after visiting the Terracotta Warriors, and you’ll get a smoother route and more time in downtown Xi’an.
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- Xi’an Hot Springs at a Glance
- 1. Huaqing Yutang Hot Spring: A Distinctly Xi’an-Style Hot Spring
- 2. Angsana Hot Spring: Enjoy the Best All-Around Hot Spring Experience
- 3. Huaqing Aegean Hot Spring: Relax in an Eco-Garden Hot Spring
- 4. Tangyu Tiantan Hot Spring: Experience a Local-Style Hot Spring
- 5. Nanshan Hot Springs: Soak with with Qinling Mountain Views
- Can You Bathe in Huaqing Palace?
- Can You Visit the Terracotta Warriors and a Hot Spring on the Same Day?
- Best Times for Hot Spring Bathing
- Skiing + Hot Spring Bathing: A Fun Winter Combo in Xi’an
- First-Time Tips for Hot Spring Bathing in Xi’an
- FAQs
- How to Add a Hot Spring Visit to Your Xi’an Itinerary
Xi’an Hot Springs at a Glance
Hot Spring |
Best for |
Area |
From Downtown (Approx.) |
Recommended Stay |
Huaqing Yutang |
First-time visitors, history lovers, couples |
Lintong |
27 km |
Half a day / overnight stay |
Angsana |
Families, couples |
Lintong |
24 km |
Half a day / overnight stay |
Aegean |
Families |
Lintong |
25 km |
3–4 hours |
Tangyu Tiantan |
Visitors who want a local hot spring experience |
Lantian |
37 km |
Half a day |
Nanshan |
Families, visitors who prefer mountain views |
Chang’an District |
28 km |
Half a day |
Note: Before you head out, check the available facilities, prices, and opening hours, as they may vary by date.
1. Huaqing Yutang Hot Spring: A Distinctly Xi’an-Style Hot Spring
- Address: 38 Huaqing Road, Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi
- Chinese Name: 西安华清御汤酒店
If this is your first time to travel to Xi’an and you want to experience the most distinctly Xi’an-style hot spring culture, Huaqing Yutang is well worth considering.
Sitting near Huaqing Palace in Lintong, this hot spring resort combines a relaxing hot spring experience with Xi’an’s history. At Huaqing Palace, you can still see the remains of the Tang Dynasty imperial hot spring pools, including Haitang Pool and Lianhua Pool.
For an actual hot spring experience, visit Huaqing Yutang’s Baoji Pool. Bathing here is a more relaxing resort-style experience, and it works well for couples or anyone who’d like to stay overnight in Lintong.
If time allows, you can try a route like this:
Terracotta Warriors in the morning → Huaqing Palace in the afternoon → a hot spring in the evening
Explore Xi’an’s must-see historic sites during the day, and bathe in a hot spring in the evening. It’s a far more relaxed pace than rushing from one sight to the next.
- Best for: first-time visitors to Xi’an, history lovers, and couples
- Not ideal for: travelers who just want a cheap two-hour hot spring bath
2. Angsana Hot Spring: Enjoy the Best All-Around Hot Spring Experience
- Address: 8 Angsana East Road, Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi
- Chinese Name: 西安临潼悦椿温泉酒店
If you’re looking for a more comfortable, resort-style experience, Angsana Hot Spring Xi’an is the one you won’t want to miss.
Sitting at the foot of Mount Li in Lintong, Angsana is a hot spring resort hotel that combines hot springs and leisure. It features multiple outdoor hot spring pools, along with spa services, relaxation areas, and family-friendly amenities. For international visitors, it’s easier and more comfortable than a simple public hot spring.
In autumn and winter, you can slow down and take a few hours to unwind in an outdoor hot spring pool.
Angsana is also conveniently situated near both the Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Palace.
For first-time visitors to Xi’an, the real challenge often lies in how to fit the Terracotta Warriors, Huaqing Palace, hot spring bathing, and your hotel all into one efficient itinerary. If you plan to visit all of them in one day, China Xian Tour can arrange a private transfer and plan the route based on your hotel location and schedule.
Angsana is a good option if you:
- Are traveling as a couple and want a more relaxing resort setting.
- Are traveling with kids and want family-friendly amenities.
- Are new to hot springs in China and prefer an easier experience.
- Want to stay overnight rather than return to Xi’an after a hot spring bath.
3. Huaqing Aegean Hot Spring: Relax in an Eco-Garden Hot Spring
- Address: 8 Shangu Avenue, Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi
- Chinese Name: 华清爱琴海国际温泉酒店
Also located in Lintong, Huaqing Aegean Hot Spring can fit easily into a Terracotta Warriors day trip.
If you don’t want to continue visiting historic sites after the Terracotta Warriors, allow around 3–4 hours for a hot spring bath.
This relaxed schedule works well for travelers who want a few hours of bathing without staying overnight.
Some hotel packages don’t include hot spring tickets, and English-language support may be limited. Check the ticket options, package details, and opening hours before you head there. For any assistance, feel free to contact our travel consultant.
Angsana or Aegean?
- Choose Angsana if you’d like a resort-style stay with accommodation and spa services.
- Go to Aegean if you mainly want to enjoy a few hours of hot spring bathing after visiting the Terracotta Warriors.
4. Tangyu Tiantan Hot Spring: Experience a Local-Style Hot Spring
- Address: Tangyu Town, Lantian County, Xi’an, Shaanxi
- Chinese Name: 汤峪天潭温泉酒店
If you prefer a more local hot spring experience or are not looking for a resort-style hot spring hotel, Tangyu Tiantan Hot Spring is a good option.
About 37 kilometers from downtown Xi’an, Tangyu Tiantan is a traditional hot spring area popular with local visitors. Compared with the high-end hot spring hotels in Lintong, it has a more casual atmosphere and a simpler setting.
There are both indoor and outdoor pools. Here, the experience is all about slowing down. Set aside a few hours to bathe in the hot spring, take a break, and simply take your time.
Best for: travelers who prefer a more local hot spring experience, families, and groups of friends.
Tip: Try to avoid weekend afternoons and China’s public holidays, when this destination can get much busier.
5. Nanshan Hot Springs: Soak with with Qinling Mountain Views
- Address: 008 Wenquan Avenue, Dongda Subdistrict, Chang’an District, Xi’an, Shaanxi
- Chinese Name: 西安地建南山温泉酒店
Nanshan Hot Springs sits at the foot of the Qinling Mountains, about 28 kilometers from downtown Xi’an. Unlike the hot springs in Lintong, it’s a better option for mountain views and a short break from the city.
After a few days of sightseeing, a half-day hot spring bath at the foot of the Qinling Mountains can be a refreshing change of pace. Nanshan Hot Springs offers indoor and outdoor pools, accommodation, and a range of leisure facilities. Some of the facilities, however, are less modern.
If you prefer Qinling Mountain scenery, outdoor activities, and an escape from the city, Nanshan Hot Springs is worth considering.
Can You Bathe in Huaqing Palace?
No. Huaqing Palace is a historic and cultural attraction. Its ancient imperial bathing pools are preserved as historic sites and are not open to visitors for bathing.
Inside, you can visit the remains of Tang Dynasty imperial pools such as the Lianhua Pool and Haitang Pool. If you want to enjoy a hot spring bath, it’s better to choose a modern hot spring resort or hotel.
Quick takeaway:
Huaqing Palace: a place to explore the history of imperial hot springs
Hot Spring Resort: a place to bathe in a hot spring
Can You Visit the Terracotta Warriors and a Hot Spring on the Same Day?
Yes. You can visit the Terracotta Warriors and a hot spring on the same day.
A convenient way to arrange the day is:
Terracotta Warriors → lunch → Huaqing Palace → a hot spring in Lintong
For a more relaxed afternoon:
Terracotta Warriors → lunch → Angsana / Aegean → return to Xi’an
After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, you can unwind in a hot spring that afternoon without having to make a separate trip to Lintong another day.
Best Times for Hot Spring Bathing
Many hot springs in Xi’an are open year-round, but their opening hours and available facilities may change with the season. November to March is a particularly good time to enjoy a hot spring bath.
Winter
In the colder winter months, outdoor hot springs can be especially appealing, so you can plan a hot spring bath for your winter trip to Xi’an.
If you happen to see snow while you’re bathing in a hot spring, the experience can be even more special. Since it’s hard to predict when it will snow in downtown Xi’an and Lintong, don’t plan your visit around the chance to see snow.
When visiting Xi’an in winter, check the weather forecast before choosing a day for your hot spring visit.
Spring and Autumn
Spring and autumn are mild in Xi’an. If you are short on time, you can focus on outdoor attractions such as the Xi’an City Wall and Mount Hua.
Summer
Hot springs are still an option in summer, but they are generally less appealing than in winter. In July and August, an evening spa experience may be more comfortable.
Skiing + Hot Spring Bathing: A Fun Winter Combo in Xi’an
If you have extra time during your winter trip to Xi’an, you can go skiing and visit a hot spring to get a different experience beyond the city’s historical attractions.
Ski resorts and hot springs in Xi’an are spread out, so doing both activities on the same day may not be practical. Check the travel time in advance to see whether they can be combined into one day.
If you’re seeing snow or trying skiing for the first time, it can be great fun to add skiing and hot spring bathing to your trip.
First-Time Tips for Hot Spring Bathing in Xi’an
If this is your first time visiting a hot spring in Xi’an, you don’t need to bring much. Many hot spring resorts require swimsuits in shared pools, so it’s best to bring one. Other items that may be useful include:
- Waterproof phone pouch: It can protect your phone from water if you want to take photos around the hot spring area.
- Warm jacket: It can keep you warm when you leave an outdoor pool in winter.
- Slippers and towels: Many hot spring resorts provide them, but it’s best to check in advance.
Most hot spring pools are shared by men and women, while changing rooms and shower areas are separated by gender.
Avoid bathing immediately after a heavy meal or drinking alcohol. If you’re traveling with elderly people or kids, make sure the water temperature is comfortable and don’t let them bathe for too long.
You also don’t need to stay in one pool the entire time. It’s more comfortable to bathe for a while, take a break, drink some water, and then move on to another pool.
FAQs
Are there natural hot springs in Xi’an?
Yes. Natural hot springs are mainly found in Lintong District, Tangyu in Lantian County, and the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains. Among these areas, Lintong has the longest history of hot spring bathing.
Which is the best hot spring in Xi’an?
The best choice depends on what you are looking for. Huaqing Yutang is a good fit if you are interested in history and culture. Angsana is a better option if you seek comfort and a resort-style experience. For a more local hot spring experience, Tangyu Tiantan is worth considering.
Are there hot springs near the Terracotta Warriors?
Yes. There are several hot spring resorts near the Terracotta Warriors, including Angsana, Huaqing Yutang, and Aegean. Located in Lintong, any of them can be visited on the same day as the Terracotta Warriors.
How much time should you set aside for a hot spring visit?
If you simply want to try a hot spring bath, 2–4 hours is usually enough. For a hot spring hotel stay, a spa experience, or a trip with kids, consider setting aside half a day or staying overnight.
Are hot springs worth visiting on your winter trip to Xi’an?
Yes. Winter is one of the best times to enjoy a hot spring bath in Xi’an. The cold winter weather makes outdoor hot spring bathing particularly enjoyable, and it can also be a relaxing break from several days of sightseeing.
How to Add a Hot Spring Visit to Your Xi’an Itinerary
If this is your first time in Xi’an, you don’t need to set aside a full day just for a hot spring visit.
A convenient way is to combine a hot spring visit with other stops on your itinerary. Lintong’s hot springs are easy to combine with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, while a trip involving skiing or Mount Hua requires checking the travel route in advance. This allows you to enjoy a hot spring bath without spending too much time on transportation.
If you prefer a more relaxed way to explore Xi’an, China Xian Tour can help you plan an efficient itinerary combining the Terracotta Warriors, hot spring bathing, and skiing based on your travel dates and hotel location.
