Conghua Hot Springs: Healing Private Baths and Rustic Leisure in the Cooling Season

When the autumn breeze in Guangzhou carries a chill through the streets, the swimsuit in the trunk finally gets its moment — heading to Conghua for a hot spring getaway is the most fitting ritual for this cooling season. This land, known as the "Pearl on the Tropic of Cancer," hides a rare radon bicarbonate hot spring, uncommon outside Switzerland. The misty steam carries a healing power where nature and culture intertwine.
A Soul-Stirring Hot Spring Experience: From Private Baths to Wild Charm
The essence of Conghua Hot Springs lies in the gentle warmth of this "world rare hot spring." Upon entering the hot spring area, a faint mineral scent greets you — a key sign of authentic hot springs. After soaking, your skin feels naturally smooth, not greasy like fake hot springs; even dry elbows soften.
For privacy, the Thai-style villas at Duoxilai are an excellent choice. Open the terrace door to find a cliffside pool facing a vast coconut grove. Sip hot tea while soaking in the 38°C pool, watch the Liuxi River shimmer gold in the dusk, and occasionally see egrets skim the water — even the breeze feels gentle. At night, try adding some local lychee leaves, said to promote blood circulation and nourish skin, paired with a 5-yuan hot spring egg from the scenic area; warmth spreads from your stomach to your limbs.
Families with kids will prefer Bihaiwan Hot Spring Resort. The children's water play area has moderate temperatures, and the "Double Festival Parent-Child Fun Pass" lets kids make sugar paintings and greeting cards while adults relax in the creekside pools under orange-red bald cypress trees. The evening creekside fireworks show is the perfect finishing touch, with the warmth of the springs and the sparkle of fireworks creating the best backdrop for family time.
On a budget? Biquan Sky Hot Spring’s golden medicinal pool offers great value. For 98 yuan, you can overlook the entire Liuxi River panorama. When tired, enjoy a cup of ginger tea on the viewing platform while watching boats drift by — pure relaxation.
Mountain and Wilderness Wandering Beyond the Springs
Between soaks, explore Conghua’s mountains, waters, and local life. Rent a bike and ride along the Liuxi Hot Spring Tourism Road, which connects the "Liuxi Smoke Islet," one of the New Eight Views of Yangcheng. Along the way, find trendy cafes and camping sites. When tired, rest at the Liuxi Hot Spring Plaza Station, try bamboo rafting or lawn camping.
Autumn is peak red-leaf season at Shimen National Forest Park. The maple leaves at Baimang Pond dye the valley red. Just a 30-minute drive from the hot spring town, you can enter this "Guangdong Xiangshan." A 3-km family-friendly creek trekking route lets kids catch mountain snails with nets while adults immerse in the colorful forest scenery. For culture lovers, the Lingnan architecture at Guangzhou National Edition Museum and the egret colonies in the Liuxi River wetlands make for a balanced half-day trip.
Your taste buds won’t be left out. At Taojie Farm, lychee wood-roasted chicken has crispy skin and tender meat, bursting with juice at the first bite. At Xiangzhu Farm, bamboo tube rice should be split open while hot, with the aroma of preserved meat, taro, and bamboo filling the air. Don’t forget to try Lütian’s braised pork with bamboo shoots — the rich but not greasy meat pairs perfectly with the fresh sweetness of mountain bamboo shoots, a delicious gift from the wilderness.
Practical Tips: Avoid Pitfalls and Prepare Well
Transportation: It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Guangzhou city to the hot spring town, with the most convenient exit at "Hot Spring Station" on the Jingzhu Expressway. For those without a car, take Metro Line 14 to Conghua Bus Station, then transfer to Bus 11 directly to the hot springs. On the return trip, a bike-friendly shuttle bus makes travel easy and worry-free.
Avoid: Choose accommodations away from National Highway 105 to avoid noise from large vehicles disturbing your rest. To identify genuine hot springs, check for a faint sulfur smell and skin that doesn’t wrinkle after soaking.
Essentials: Bring non-slip slippers (the hot spring area floors are wet), moisturizing skincare products (skin can dry after soaking), and mosquito repellent spray containing DEET, as the mountain area has many insects.
After the temperature drops, Conghua’s warmth from the hot springs, the tranquility of the forests, and the aroma of local cuisine combine to create the most healing travel experience. No need to rush your itinerary — just relax in the pools and stroll through the wilderness, letting this gentle warmth soothe you through autumn and winter.

Post by CodeCrusader_678 | Oct 21, 2025