The Natural Bridge Hot Spring (天生桥温泉, Tianshengqiao Hot Spring, Tiansheng Bridge Hot Spring), located 10 kilometers southeast of Zhongdian County in Yunnan Province, is a remarkable geological and cultural site, created by the Shodugang River. This bridge stands over 60 meters high, 10 meters wide, and approximately 200 meters long, with a flat and straight surface that almost seems man-made. The bridge’s sides are sheer cliffs, adding an element of thrill to the stunning natural beauty. At the base of the bridge, the river water gushes from south to north through the cave, merging with hot spring water that spews from the rock walls, creating a misty and magical scene of alternating hot and cold water streams.
In addition to this natural marvel, there is another hot spring site known as Xiagei Hot Spring, located 5 kilometers southeast of the Natural Bridge. This area is rich in geothermal activity, with over 20 hot springs spread across nearly 1 square kilometer. These springs can be found in various locations, including swamps, at the foot of rocks, and inside caves, flowing throughout the year with temperatures reaching up to 69°C.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Legend about Natural Bridge Hot Spring
- Attractions near Natural Bridge Hot Spring
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 118 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 23.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0887-8288166 |
Location and Transportation
The Natural Bridge Hot Spring is located within the Tian Sheng Qiao Geothermal Park, 11 kilometers east of Zhongdian County in Shangri-La City. There are no public transportation options available, so visitors must either drive themselves or hire a car to reach the site.
Legend about Natural Bridge Hot Spring
The Natural Bridge Hot Spring holds significant cultural and religious importance. It is called “Duzong Cuoka” or “Baijiu Naoyang” in Tibetan, meaning holy water hot spring, which resonate with the area’s rich Tibetan heritage. According to legend, during the Tubo Kingdom era, the Tibetan king sent a minister to India to invite the esteemed Buddhist monk Padmasambhava to Tibet to spread Buddhism. Padmasambhava, devoted to spreading the Dharma and saving sentient beings, traveled extensively throughout Tibet, including the Kham region.
One summer, Padmasambhava arrived at the banks of the Shodugang River, but due to the river’s high waters from seasonal flooding, he was unable to cross. He decided to rest at the foot of the mountain nearby. That night, the mountain deity learned of Padmasambhava’s presence and used magical powers to place a huge stone across the river, creating a natural bridge for him to cross. Noticing the master’s fatigue from his long journey, the deity also used a divine staff to create several hot springs near the bridge, forming a hot spring pool. Padmasambhava enjoyed a refreshing bath before continuing his journey to spread the teachings of Buddhism.
After Padmasambhava bathed in these hot springs, the local Tibetan people began to refer to the Natural Bridge Hot Spring as the “Holy Spring.” Every year around the Tibetan New Year, villagers from nearby areas flock to the Holy Water Hot Spring to participate in the annual Bathing Festival. During this event, the hot spring pools are filled with people of all ages, who come together to enjoy the soothing and nourishing natural waters. This communal bathing experience is believed to wash away the worries and illnesses of the past year. The Bathing Festival, traditionally lasting seven days, involves daily bathing sessions that foster a sense of community and spiritual renewal.
