On the west bank of the upper reaches of Mountain Lianyu Reservoir, 15km southwest of Shancheng County and in the Dabieshan region, lies the famous attraction which is noted for its magic healing effects of spring water. With an area of 30km2, the place stretches 5km from east to west and 6km from south to north, shaping like an inverted triangle.
Well-known for the healing effects of spring water, the place derived its name after them. The hot spring came into being around 100-million years ago. Now it has three springs with a daily output of 60 tons of water. The clear and pure water has an average temperature from 56℃ to 58℃. The quantitative analysis done by the optical spectrum shows that the water contains elements such as strontium, silver, titanium, chromium, copper, lead, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, fluorine and so on. The spring has a low salt concentration and degree of mineralization. Medically it is categorized as silicate spring and fluoride spring. Owing to its thermal-mechanic and medical effects, the spring is particularly effective to diseases like dermatology, rheumatism, intestinal tract disease and malfunctions related to nervous system, respiratory system, surgery and gynecology. Taking a bath regularly also provides a good solution to skin care and beauty as well as to enhance appetite and sleep quality. For this reason the spring enjoys a fine name of Medical Spring. In the book of A Record of Prefectures and Counties by Li Jifu of the Tang Dynasty, it is called warm water. The book says that local people gathered to live near the spring and the bath business thrived. Jingfan Temple was built on Mountain Leishan and Tangkeng Bridge spanned across Guan River. In the 25th year of the reign of Emperor Qian Long of the Qing Dynasty, the emperor visited Tongquan Spring Lake and named it “Tangkeng” (Spring Lake). A tablet was erected to mark this event. During the reign of Emperor Jiaqing, Tangkeng Academy was built by the local government. Along the history, countless learned men and officials have been attracted to pay a visit here.
The place is endowed with beautiful sceneries and agreeable climate. Besides the springs there are a lot of natural and historical sights. In the middle of the reservoir stands a little island. It is a real pleasure watching and listening to the water waves slamming on the banks. On Shenshui Pavilion, one can have a panoramic view of springs. On Mountain Xiangbi, a pavilion is built to remember Li Zhi, a thinker and writer of the Ming Dynasty. A boat ride is also recommended in the lake. The rocks in this area have taken on various shapes like boats, persons, monkeys, horses and so on. There are other sights like Mountain Leishan, Jimei Peak, Huangpozhai Village and Xiangshui Beach.
Affected by the transitional climate, the place has rich natural resources. The survey indicates that there are more than 2,000 kinds of plants, among which ten kinds are under state level protection, such as stone pine. The provincial level protected plants are over 20, such as Illicium henryi Diels and so on. The place is the home to more than 1,300 species of herbs for medicinal use, among which Chinese Paris Rhizome and rhizoma gastrodiae have enjoyed unparalleled reputations.
Abundant plant resources provide a fine habitat for wild animals of various species. There are over 250 species of vertebrate animals including ten plus state level protected animals like leopards, Reeves's pheasants, and Giant Salamanders and 20 plus provincial level protected animals like Pitta nympha, Indian bullfrog. On Bird Island in Mountain Lianyu Reservoir, tens of thousands of egrets rest there. The pure water in the reservoir makes it an ideal place for fresh water aquiculture.
Tangquan Spring Lake, a wonderful land, is waiting for tourists from all over the world. |
Asia Travel 
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