The Oriental Miracle of Buoyancy: China Dead Sea and the Ancient Salt Lake Spa

The "Oriental Dead Sea" in the Sichuan Basin

1.Located in Penglai: Town, Daying County, Suining City, Sichuan Province, the China Dead Sea (Zhongguo Sihai) is a unique resort destination that brings the miraculous floating experience of the Middle East to the heart of China. Situated approximately 120 kilometers from Chengdu and 50 kilometers from Suining city center, this National 4A Tourist Attraction covers a core area of about 3 square kilometers. It is celebrated as the "China Dead Sea" and a "Floating Paradise in the Sichuan Basin." Unlike ordinary water parks, this site is built upon a massive underground ancient salt lake formed 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period. The resort taps into these deep subterranean brine resources, creating a vast saltwater lake where the salinity exceeds 300 grams per liter—similar to the actual Dead Sea in Jordan. This high density allows visitors to float effortlessly on the water's surface without any swimming skills, offering a magical sensation of weightlessness that is both fun and therapeutic.

A Natural Spa of Brine and Black Mud

2.The core appeal of the China Dead: Sea lies in its health and wellness properties. The brine is rich in over 40 kinds of minerals and trace elements such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and bromine. Soaking in these waters is believed to relax muscles, improve skin conditions, and alleviate fatigue, earning it the reputation of a "Natural Beauty Salon." Complementing the floating experience is the famous Black Mud Bath. The mineral-rich black clay, derived from the salt lake deposits, can be applied all over the body. Visitors often cover themselves in this dark, smooth mud, letting it dry in the sun to exfoliate and nourish the skin, resulting in a unique "black sculpture" visual that is a favorite for photography. The combination of floating in the warm brine and playing in the mineral mud creates a comprehensive "Sanbao" (Three Treasures) experience of salt, mud, and heat that revitalizes the body and mind.

An All-Weather Water World

3.The China Dead: Sea is designed as a year-round destination, featuring both vast outdoor pools and a magnificent Indoor Tropical Rainforest Hall. The indoor hall maintains a constant warm temperature, filled with artificial waves and lush tropical plants like palms and cycads, creating a "winter warm and summer cool" environment. Even in the chill of winter, visitors can float in the warm water or enjoy the thrill of water slides surrounded by greenery. For adventure seekers, the resort offers exciting Colorful Slides that spiral down from heights, splashing into the mineral waters below. The integration of modern water park facilities with the natural salt resources makes it a perfect family getaway. In the evenings, the resort comes alive with spectacular light shows and cultural performances, often featuring the energetic dances of the Yi ethnic minority, blending the ancient salt culture with modern entertainment.

The Legacy of Ancient Salt Heritage

Beneath the fun and relaxation lies a deep layer of history. Daying County has been a significant center for salt production since the Tang and Song dynasties. The region is dotted with ancient salt wells and remnants of the drilling technology that once drove the local economy. Legends speak of the "Salt God" and the miraculous healing powers of the local brine, stories that add a mystical dimension to the modern resort. Visitors can explore the Salt Culture Museum or see the reproduction of ancient salt-making processes, understanding how this "liquid gold" was extracted from the earth centuries ago. Whether you are seeking a therapeutic escape to soothe aching joints, a fun-filled family vacation sliding into saltwater, or a historical journey into the origins of the Sichuan salt industry, the China Dead Sea offers a deeply immersive experience that balances natural wonder with cultural depth.