Machi town in Baotou's Jiuyuan district held a promotional conference on Sept 18, announcing that its therapeutic hot spring resources will be opened for large-scale development.

Geothermal exploration in Machi town began in 2009. In 2016, the town completed its feasibility study report on geothermal resources, followed by reviewing and filing mineral resource reserves. Covering a total area of 35.26 square kilometers, the geothermal field is a medium-sized low-temperature geothermal reservoir, with a daily recoverable hot water volume of up to 11,280 cubic meters.

The geothermal hot springs in Machi town have a total dissolved solids content of 12,390 milligrams per liter, meeting the standard for therapeutic natural mineral water. Rich in beneficial trace elements such as strontium, iodine, and boron, the water offers strong commercial development potential for health and wellness tourism, aquaculture, and potable water production.

Project evaluation shows that the homestay and hot spring park are expected to generate total operating income of 295 million yuan ($44.01 million) and cumulative net profit of over 100 million yuan over five years. After implementation, the project will create hundreds of local jobs, increase collective village income through industrial cooperation, and enable villagers to benefit from homestay operations.

The project enjoys a superior geographical location. Adjacent to the Yellow River and well connected to famous scenic spots, it serves the consumer market of the Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos economic golden triangle.

Once completed, it will fill a gap in high-quality hot spring wellness tourism in Baotou and surrounding areas, and transform underground mineral resources into a new driver of regional economic growth, empowering rural vitalization through cultural and tourism development.