Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, has recently launched a series of projects aimed at rejuvenating its millennium-old hot spring culture.

Fuzhou hot spring has a long history, which can be dated back to 1,700 years ago. In the early Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), an "official bath" and "civilian bath" were built.

As time has changed and people's living pace quickened, the traditional hot spring culture has been forgotten. Young people are not aware of the hot spring tradition and few ever visit the hot spring venue.

The predicament of the traditional hot spring industry is also reflected in the fast shrinking number of hot spring venues.

"Rong Hua City", once a busy and crowded hot spring road is gradually disappearing. Sanshanzuo, a once famous venue on the road, now struggles to turn a profit.

Prices are kept low to attract visitors. People can enjoy a hot spring bath for just 6 yuan. A monthly ticket costs only 120 yuan. At these prices the average daily number of customers is maintained at about 500, however, this is still only just enough to make ends meet with the high running costs.

Government support

The Fuzhou government has officially launched a support plan to promote the traditional hot spring industry.

A number of hot spring resorts and baths have been undergoing renovation and expansion. Seven hot spring spa houses including Three Mountains, Worker's, Detian Spring and Huaqing Tower baths are being refurbished.

Fuzhou will also rebuild three ancient bathhouses and promote them as special historical hot spring sites.

Fuzhou will promote hot springs as its top tourist attraction. Five hot spring resorts have been built including the Qingyun Mountain Royal Hot Spring Resort.

Another five hot spring projects are under construction with a total investment of 800 million yuan.

The local government is also considering launching 10 hot spring tourism development projects, for which they would seek foreign investment of 12 billion yuan.

(China Daily 06/28/2010 page6)