By Mai Anh (Source: Douyin, SCMP)

A resort in Harbin, China, is drawing attention for its unusual new attraction: a hot spring pool designed to look exactly like a giant, two-compartment hot pot. Measuring 5 meters in width, the pool offers a quirky bathing experience that has quickly captivated visitors.

The innovative design features a pool divided into two distinct sections, mimicking the popular yuanyang hot pot style, which allows diners to enjoy two different broths simultaneously. To enhance the authenticity, the resort places various vegetables and fruits, such as corn cobs, tomatoes, and mushrooms, around the edges and floating on the water's surface. These "ingredients" create a strikingly realistic visual, making bathers feel as though they are literally immersed in a simmering pot.

Hot pot is a beloved culinary tradition across China, renowned for its communal dining experience. By transforming this iconic dish into a bathing concept, the Harbin resort taps into a deep cultural appreciation while offering a novel form of entertainment. This creative approach provides a memorable photo opportunity and a playful way for tourists to engage with local culture, generating considerable buzz, particularly on social media platforms like Douyin.

Visitors to the resort can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a hot spring bath while experiencing the whimsical setting. The playful design encourages interaction and provides a lighthearted escape, appealing to those seeking more than a traditional spa treatment. This unique attraction highlights a growing trend in China's tourism sector to create themed experiences that combine leisure with imaginative cultural representation.