I first learned about Beijing’s No. 9 Hot Spring Lifestyle Pavilion on TikTok while searching for interesting places to explore in the city before my trip to the Land of the Great Wall. It appeared on several lists of must-visit spots for foreign travellers – myself included at that time. The social media posts I found made me excited to try the 24-hour spa.

However, when I arrived in Beijing in August, it was the height of summer. On top of that, the hectic schedule of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) Programme – with its provincial trips and tight itinerary – kept forcing me to postpone the visit.

Now, with just over two weeks left before completing my programme, and with temperatures dipping below zero, I finally made the trip. It turned out to be a wonderful and refreshing winter escape.

Knowing that the hot spring offers an 18-hour package, I planned my time carefully so I could reach before 6 pm and check out before noon the next day.

To get there, I took the subway from my diplomatic residence and alighted four stations away, at Sihui Station. From there, I walked 1.4 km – guided by Amap, a Chinese mapping and navigation app – to reach the pavilion.

I arrived around 5 pm. The lobby staff found a colleague who spoke some English to facilitate communication. They informed me that for 399 yuan (RM232), I would enjoy an 18-hour stay with free-flow food and drinks and full access to all facilities. Electronic games and massage services were available for an additional fee, and a night-stay surcharge of 59 yuan (RM34) applies after 2 am.

There was no notification system for the end of the 18 hours, so I had to keep track of the time myself. After agreeing to the terms, I changed into spa slippers and received a wristband with a number matching both my locker in the ladies’ changing room and my shoe locker at the reception.

In the basement changing room, I was provided with pyjamas like the other guests. After changing, I began exploring the facility.

The first floor houses a buffet dining hall with a wide selection of food and drinks, from Chinese dishes such as fried rice and noodles to Western options like pasta. My favourite was the seafood counter, where I enjoyed black tiger prawns and northern sweet shrimps. I also had salmon and even salmon pizza. For dessert, I chose a slice of matcha cake. The PS5 corner and other electronic games are also located on this floor.

The author at one of the hot springs.

I noticed that many local visitors came as big family groups, with children and elders. The kids flocked to the game sections, while the elders relaxed over plates of food. The 24-hour spa concept works well because it allows families to spend time together while each person enjoys activities suited to their interests. There were only a few foreign visitors like me.

After dinner, I asked a staff member to direct me to the outdoor hot springs. There were both large pools and small pools. After changing into my swimming attire, I relaxed in one of the outdoor pools under the moonlight, with water temperatures ranging from 39 to 42  degrees Celsius. Sitting in the warm water while gazing at the sky was a wonderful way to de-stress.

The choices of drinks available.

After soaking for some time, I felt hungry for a snack. I changed back into the spa pyjamas and explored the other wing on the first floor, where I found more drinks, fruits and dessert. I took popcorn, two cups of ice cream, a cup of coffee, cherries, strawberries, blueberries and a banana. I enjoyed them while charging my phone at the workstation and reading area. After that, I continued exploring.

I discovered that the sleeping hall and spa services, including massage and reflexology, were located on the second floor. There was also a large heated stone pool and a section with indoor games, including snooker.

The third floor housed karaoke rooms, movie-watching area, another reading area and a working area.

After completing my tour, I returned to the second floor because the heated stone pool had caught my interest. Lying on the warm stones for a while made me thirsty, so I returned to the dining hall for drinks and a light supper before heading to the sleeping hall for the night.

The next morning, after breakfast, which offered another variety of options, I tried the indoor pool and the sauna. I checked out at about 10.30 am, 30 minutes before my 18-hour session was due to end at 11 am. My shoes were already placed on the reception counter, ready for collection.

The heated stone pool.

I left the hot spring happy and refreshed. The visit relieved my tense muscles, stiff joints and fatigue. The variety of food and drinks even made me feel as though I had been at a party.

I am glad I finally made the trip. Now, whenever I see posts from foreign visitors around the world sharing their experiences at Beijing’s No. 9 Hot Spring, I can proudly say: “Been there.”

-- BERNAMA

Rohani Mohd Ibrahim, a journalist with BERNAMA, is currently in Beijing to attend the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) Programme from Aug 18 to Dec 15, 2025.

The initiative, organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), serves as a platform for practical cooperation between Chinese media organisations and those from emerging markets and developing economies.

The programme also provides foreign journalists with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China’s society, development and international engagement.

This marks BERNAMA’s eighth participation in the CIPCC since 2018.