The hot springs, rich in minerals and with a temperature of 43°C (109°F), were highly regarded more than 3000 years ago.
The Tang Emperor Xuanzong often spent the winter here in the company of his favourite concubine Yang Guifei. (image of him from http://www.chinapage.com/emperor/tang0816.html) and (image of her
http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_aboutchina/2003-09/24/content_22669.htm).
(entrance)
The imperial baths were destroyed at some point and then in the 1980s, the foundations and bath basins were excavated, and the original buildings in the style of the Tang period were rebuilt on top.
There were many buildings for living in and for conducting business in where necessary, but for the most part there were separate bath houses for various people, from the Emperor, to his wife, and his concubines and other workers. There was even a bath for his cooks near the dining hall, so they could bathe before they cooked his meals.
All of the buildings are spread out in a beautiful park-like setting with beautiful gardens and 
sitting areas, fountains, pagodas, and monuments of beauty.In one area there was a garden of tablets, that depicted pieces of poetry from many ancient poets.
The interiors of the buildings were also exquisitely designed. And each pool took on a different shape, depending on the purpose and who it was for, such as the Star Pool, the Crabapple Pool (pictured).
None of the pools were in operation, but there was a fountain outside one of the main buildings where one could pay to stick your hands into the hot flowing water, which is said to have
healing properties. (Yes, I paid a couple of yuan and washed my hands and face, then took a photo of it with one woman who kindly waved to me.)I also managed to take photos of some of the ancient buildings, hidden partly behind the reconstructed ones. Although their colours are gone and they are in much disrepair, I enjoyed them the most. They had a really special quality and feel about them. One could more easily imagine what it would have been like in the past.
