Vegetables float in the reddish hot spring water, while some pools have a faint aroma of Sichuan peppercorns. These features are part of the unique charm of the hot springs in Shiqian, Guizhou province.

Among China's oldest hot springs, dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), they are rare natural mineral springs suitable for bathing and drinking.

With the arrival of winter and falling temperatures, the hot springs have become a favorite local getaway.

Liu Boqian contributed to this story.