Types of hot springs

According to the mineral composition, there are 12 kinds of hot springs in China. We will introduce some of the common ones in Guangdong province.

Radon spring

This kind of hot spring contains radioactive radon gas dissolved in the water. Those with an amount of radon above 15 Eman per liter could be called medical springs, which are effective in treating over 10 kinds of chronic diseases, including arthritis, skin diseases, gout, hypertension and bronchitis. Radon hot springs can be found in Conghua district, Guangzhou (从化温泉) and Jinglyulun town of Shaoguan city (韶关经律论温泉).

Carbonated spring

Carbonated springs refer to those with over one gram of carbon dioxide per liter in the water. The amount of carbon dioxide in the water is closely related to the water temperature. Therefore, springs with a high level of carbon dioxide are likely to be cold ones. They are characterized by the fine bubbles that form on bathers’ skin. This type of hot spring supposedly dilates capillaries, improves blood circulation and boosts immunity.

Hydrogen sulfide or sulphur hot spring

This kind of hot spring can be recognized by its distinctive odor. Sulphur hot springs, such as Longshan hot spring in Xinxing county, Yunfu city (云浮新兴龙山温泉) of Guangdong province, soften the skin, detoxify the body and are said to help bring relief for skin ailments and rashes.