Although not as famous as other scenic spots such as Potala Palace in Tibet, Yangpachen attracts visitors for its unique hot springs. About 54 miles from Lhasa and covering an area of 15 square miles, Yangpachen is known for the abundant geothermal heat. First uti­lized in the 1970s, it was the earliest hot spring put into use in China. At an altitude of more than 14,000 feet, it is also the highest power plant generating geothermal heat in the world.

Yangpachen was originally used as grazing land. Now indoor and outdoor pools have been constructed, and visitors can swim (at a cost of 40 to 100 yuan). Sometimes people are lucky enough to experience a snowfall while they are bathing. The water from the hot springs is rich in hydrogen sulfide, which is beneficial to the health. However, strenuous sports are not recommended since this could lead to breathing problems due to the thin atmosphere.