Hot Springs, Bamboo Forests and Private Bath Retreats—A Complete Guide to Conghua Getaways
❤ Set out from Guangzhou before the morning mist clears, and within an hour's drive, you'll find yourself embraced by Conghua. Hot spring hotels hide behind bamboo forests along the Liuxi River. Push open the wooden door, and the scent of sulfur wrapped in osmanthus fragrance wafts over.
❤ In the afternoon, slip into an outdoor hot spring pool, gradually immersing yourself in the warm waters as Chinese tallow trees drop yellow leaves overhead. Distant mountains hold thin clouds, like wet ink paintings dissolving in the mist. Close your eyes to listen to the mountain streams and wind playing together, and suddenly your phone notifications seem more distant than cicada songs.
❤ Take a stroll along stone paths in the twilight, encountering villagers carrying freshly harvested kudzu roots home. For dinner, try steamed chicken with mountain snails. The restaurant owner points to the back mountain with a smile: "At 5:30 tomorrow morning, you can see silver pheasants coming to drink water."
❤ When city neon lights become just a faint glow on the horizon, you realize that this utopia is simply about setting your clock back three notches, letting nature dictate your breathing rhythm.
Conghua Hot Spring Resort Area is located in Conghua District, Guangzhou, famous for its natural hot springs and ecological scenery, perfect for leisure vacations. Here's a detailed guide:
I. Transportation Guide
Self-driving (about 1.5 hours)
Guangzhou city → Huanan Expressway → Beijing-Hong Kong-Macau Expressway → Daguang Expressway → Wenquan Town exit.
Public Transportation
Subway + Bus: Take Metro Line 14 to Conghua Bus Station → Transfer to Conghua Bus Route 4/Hot Spring Scenic Area Special Line to Hot Spring Hotel Station.
Direct Bus: Guangzhou East Railway Station/Tianhe Bus Station have direct buses to Conghua Hot Spring Town.
II. Accommodation Recommendations
High-end Resorts
Bishuiwan Hot Spring Resort: Five-star, variety of hot spring pools, wellness SPA included, suitable for families/couples.
Dusit Thani Hot Spring Resort: Thai style, strong privacy, villa rooms with private pools.
Value Options
Wanggu Hot Spring Resort: Garden-style environment, in-room hot springs, suitable for mid-budget travelers.
Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel: Traditional state-owned hotel, good value, tranquil surroundings.
Boutique Homestays
Jingshe Hot Spring Homestay: Strong design elements, perfect for young people's photo opportunities.
Fangyuan Yunya Hotel: Adjacent to Liuxi River, Japanese style, quiet and private.
III. Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences
Hot Springs
Recommended: Bishuiwan Hot Springs (sulfur springs), Zhuosidao Hot Springs (soda springs).
Tips: Bring your own swimwear, soak for 15-20 minutes each time, avoid soaking on an empty stomach or after drinking alcohol.
Natural Scenery
Liuxi River National Forest Park: Hiking, cycling, plum blossoms in March-April, entrance fee 40 yuan.
Shimen National Forest Park: Red leaves in autumn (November-December), rapeseed flowers in spring, entrance fee 40 yuan.
Qianlong Gorge Waterfall: South China's largest waterfall cluster, cool in summer, entrance fee 68 yuan (including electric cart).
Cultural Experiences
Guangyu Ancestral Hall: Ancient Song Dynasty ancestral hall, representative of Lingnan architecture, free admission.
Hot Spring Memorial Arch: Landmark building, great for photos.
IV. Food Recommendations
Must-Try Specialties
Lütian braised pork, Guifeng stuffed tofu, clay-baked free-range chicken, mountain snails, Liuxi big fish head.
Recommended Restaurants
Tao Jie Farm: Authentic farm cuisine, signature firewood chicken.
Biquan Sky Restaurant: Scenic views overlooking Hot Spring Town, recommended bamboo tube rice.
Wenquan East Road Food Street: Night market snacks, try ai ci (glutinous rice cake) and mountain spring tofu pudding.
V. Itinerary Suggestions
2 Days 1 Night Leisure Trip
Day 1: Arrival → Check in → Hot springs → Farm dinner → Evening stroll along Liuxi River Greenway.
Day 2: Liuxi River/Shimen Forest Park → Lunch → Return.
3 Days 2 Nights In-depth Trip
Day 1: Same as above.
Day 2: Qianlong Gorge Waterfall → Lunch → Guangyu Ancestral Hall → Hot Spring Town night view.
Day 3: Shimen Forest Park → Buy specialties (dried lychee, honey) → Return.
VI. Important Notes
Best Season: Autumn and winter (October-March) are most comfortable for hot springs, spring and summer are good for escaping heat.
Health Tips: People with high blood pressure or heart disease should be cautious about hot springs.
Suggested Equipment: Light clothing, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, swimwear.
Ticket Discounts: Some hotels include attraction combo tickets, check with the front desk in advance.
VII. Surrounding Areas
Conghua Eco-Design Town: Popular photo spot, suitable for parent-child handicraft experiences.
Nanping Meditation Town: Known for lychees, summer picking available (June-July).