Buyun Mountain Hot Springs (Zhuanghe)

Hot springs (radon springs) at the foot of Buyun Mountain (1,130 m), the highest peak of southern Liaoning. Buyun Mountain, at 1,130 m, is the highest peak of southern Liaoning, and the hot springs gushing at its foot are famed as radon springs: colorless and odorless, the water is rich in radon and various minerals, and its soothing effect on rheumatism and strained joints is passed on by word of mouth among Northeast China's hot springs. The resort's pools are built up the mountainside, and soaking wrapped in forest feels far more private than any urban spa; in winter, with snow settling at the pool's edge, "soaking in the snow" is southern Liaoning's signature winter experience. At approx. CNY 150 the bathing fee is friendly among resorts of its kind; open 08:00-22:00 all day, and approx. 1.5 hours by self-drive from Zhuanghe. It is not far from Bingyu Valley as the crow flies—"canyon rafting by day, a Buyun soak by night" makes the classic two days of Zhuanghe's mountains and waters. Hikers can also take on the Buyun Mountain main-peak trail; when a sea of clouds churns at the summit, the name "stepping on clouds" truly lives up to itself.

Getting there: Self-drive from Zhuanghe