2013 China-Dongjiang Lake (Tangxi) Shennong Hot Spring Tourism and Culture Festival was launched in Yan Empire of Tangxi town on September 29, 2013. More than 3000 tourists gathered there to enjoy the hot spring and ancient historical culture.

The theme “hot spring and tea” was highlighted in the festival. Various activities as lion dancing, wind music, worships, photographs, tea art performance, etc. were presented on the festival. Before the opening ceremony of the festival, Li Ping- Member of Chenzhou Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee and First Deputy Mayor of Chenzhou and Chen Rongwei- Secretary of Zixing Party Committee Standing Committee led an investigation team to check the preparation work of the festival.

Tangxi town was one of the places visited by Yan Empire in ancient times. It locates in the very east of Zixing city where is about 20kms away from Yan Empire Tomb. In recent years, Tangxi government paid much attention on the upgrading of the abundant tourism resources of the town, especially on Yan Empire culture and special Tangxi tea. Now, both the Yan Empire hot spring and Tangxi tea are two famous brands attract more travelers to visit the town.

According to the legend handed down by Tangxi ancestors, Yan Empire visited Tangxi town in ancient times to use the hot spring to cure the disease and teach people accordingly. The hot spring covers about 5000 square meters’ area. With the abundant minerals and micro-elements, it is very helpful for keeping health. It was awarded as “5A leisure villa”by Hunan Leisure Agricultural Association in 2008, and “5A rural tourism landscape” by Hunan Tourism Bureau in 2011.

Tangxi tea plays an very important role in Chinese tea’s history. According Chinese legend, Yan Empire taught the villagers how to make the tea with the water from the hot spring after he tested hundreds of herbs and learned the unique features of tea in Mishui river of Tangxi town. With the efforts of Tangxi government and Tangxi people, now the Tangxi tea has been improved with over 22000mu.

Some municipal leaders of Chenzhou city attended the opening ceremony as well.