Yingcheng Travel
Yingcheng City, Xiaogan, Hubei Province — the Hometown of Hot Springs in China and the Capital of Gypsum. Tangchi Hot Spring is known as the "First Spring in Central China". The thousand-year gypsum mining history has nurtured a unique industrial culture, coupled with historical sites such as Wenfeng Pagoda. It is a tourist destination integrating hot spring wellness, industrial exploration, and cultural heritage tours. Experience the warmth of springs and cultural heritage in a 2-day 1-night tour.
2-Day 1-Night Hot Spring Cultural Tour in Yingcheng
Soak in thousand-year hot springs, explore gypsum secrets, trace ancient city cultural context, taste Yingcheng flavors, and experience the unique charm of warm springs intertwined with history
After arriving in Yingcheng, head straight to Tangchi Hot Spring to experience various hot spring pools and wellness programs; visit the Gypsum Museum in the afternoon to learn about the thousand-year mining civilization; enjoy a hot spring-themed dinner in the evening.
- Tangchi Hot Spring Hotel
- Hot Spring Homestay Cluster
- Puyang Avenue Hotels in Urban Area
- Hot Spring Soft-shelled Turtle Hot Pot
- Yingcheng Braised Pork
- Gypsum Tofu Pot
- Tangchi Rice Wine
- Do not soak in hot springs for more than 15 minutes at a time
- Gypsum Museum requires reservation 1 day in advance
- It is recommended to bring your own swimsuit (available for rent/sale at the scenic area)
Climb Wenfeng Pagoda in the morning to overlook the whole view of Yingcheng and explore the history of the ancient pagoda; stroll through Old West Street in the afternoon to visit century-old shops and taste traditional snacks; purchase gypsum handicrafts, Yingcheng braised pork and other specialties in the evening before returning.
- Bus No.9 directly connects urban area to Tangchi Hot Spring
- 10-minute walk from Wenfeng Pagoda to Old West Street
- Specialty Center is 2km from the railway station
- Tangchi Hot Spring: ¥188
- Gypsum Museum: Free
- Wenfeng Pagoda: ¥10
- Old West Street: Free
- Wear non-slip shoes to climb Wenfeng Pagoda (stone steps are steep)
- "Li Ji Braised Pork" on Old West Street is a century-old time-honored brand
- Gypsum handicrafts are afraid of moisture, it is recommended to purchase them last
Must-Try Foods in Yingcheng
Yingcheng Braised Pork
A traditional famous dish in Yingcheng, made of pork belly through blanching, frying and slow stewing. The meat is crispy but not greasy, and the soup is rich. It is named because the finished product lies in the bowl, and it is a necessary main course for banquets.
Gypsum Tofu
A local specialty bean product in Yingcheng, made with local gypsum as a coagulant. The tofu has a firm texture and rich bean flavor. It can be eaten cold, fried or made into tofu pot, and is the first choice for home cooking.
Tangchi Soft-shelled Turtle
Using ecological soft-shelled turtles from Tangchi Town as the main ingredient, stewed slowly with hot spring water. The meat is tender, the soup is mellow, rich in collagen, and it is a good nourishing product in winter in the local area.
Yingcheng Sesame Candy
A local variant different from Xiaogan sesame candy, made with sesame, maltose and osmanthus. It has a softer taste with osmanthus fragrance, and is a traditional pastry in Yingcheng.
- Winter (Nov-Feb): Most suitable for soaking in hot springs, can be combined with wellness programs
- Autumn (Sep-Oct): Cool climate, suitable for visiting historical sites and old streets
- Summer (Jul-Aug): Tangchi Hot Spring Water Park is open, suitable for family travel
- Yingcheng Braised Pork with Rice
- Gypsum Tofu Stewed with Fish Head
- Tangchi Soft-shelled Turtle Hot Pot
- Old West Street Sesame Candy
- Yingcheng Fried Noodles
- Tickets: About ¥200
- Accommodation: ¥260-400/night (hot spring hotels are slightly higher)
- Catering: ¥80-120/day
- Transportation: About ¥50
- Total: ¥600-1000
- Are there private hot springs in Tangchi Hot Spring? → Yes, 12 independent hot spring rooms (reservation in advance required)
- Where to get the most authentic gypsum tofu? → "Wang Ji Tofu Workshop" on Old West Street
- Is Wenfeng Pagoda suitable for the elderly to climb? → Those over 65 are recommended to visit at the foot of the pagoda
- What does the hot spring ticket include? → Includes public pools and rest areas, SPA requires additional payment