Wudalianchi Mineral Springs

Wudalianchi Mineral Springs in the Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark of Heilongjiang province in far northeast China are located at one of the world's most remarkable and geologically recent volcanic landscapes — five interconnected lakes formed as recently as 1719–1721 CE when twin volcanic eruptions dammed the Bei River and created a landscape of lava fields, crater lakes and naturally carbonated cold mineral springs of extraordinary therapeutic repute. The bicarbonate mineral waters of Wudalianchi — which bubble naturally with CO2 from the still-active volcanic geology — have been used for therapeutic drinking cures and bathing for centuries by the indigenous Daur and Evenki peoples, and today the springs are bottled under several brands. The volcanic geopark encompasses 14 shield volcanoes, 60 lava caves and hundreds of spring outlets of varying mineral composition. This combination of geological novelty and ancient therapeutic tradition makes Wudalianchi one of China's most scientifically and culturally interesting thermal destinations.