Best hot springs in Guangzhou to unwind in

Guangzhou is one of Asia’s great destinations for bustling shopping streets, Cantonese food and gleaming skyscrapers. But after so much excitement and activity, both your body and mind will need a reset. The answer lies north of the city where you’ll discover Conghua, also known as Guangzhou’s “back garden” – a lush, mountainous district of lychee trees and hot springs.  

With natural geothermal waters, forested landscapes and serene resorts, Conghua is one of South China's premier wellness destinations. Just one hour from Guangzhou – easily accessible via Cathay Pacific flights, Air+Land cross-boundary coaches, and Direct Air+Sea ferry transfers from Hong Kong International Airport – the district offers an ideal opportunity to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature without leaving the Pearl River Delta region. 

Bishuiwan Hot Spring 

Blending restorative comfort with the understated elegance of Lingnan culture, Bishuiwan Hot Spring offers a tranquil escape and a quintessential Conghua bathing experience. As one of the region’s most popular hot spring resorts, it‘s set within a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and lush forest. Backed by mountains and facing flowing water, the resort’s feng shui‑favoured location creates a naturally serene atmosphere. Bishuiwan is especially renowned for its expansive open-air soda hot springs, with more than 30 thoughtfully designed pools, including temperature-tiered soaking pools (38–42°C), cooler recovery pools (34–36°C), and specialty mineral baths infused with soda carbonates. 

353 Yuquan Avenue, Conghua, Guangzhou 510960  

Biquan Kongzhong Hot Spring Hotel 

Biquan Kongzhong Hot Spring distinguishes itself from Conghua’s more traditional resorts with its elevated hot spring pools, which appear to float above the surrounding landscape and offer sweeping views of mountains and forest. Its contemporary design is seamlessly integrated into the natural terrain, resulting in a visually arresting, highly Instagram‑worthy setting. The resort features six themed hot spring zones and more than 45 pools inspired by the philosophy of the five elements, providing a varied and immersive soaking experience. One of its most distinctive highlights is a cave‑style hot spring pool, which creates the illusion of soaking inside a hidden cavern and adds an element of exploration to the experience. 

76 Wenquan East Road, Conghua, Guangzhou 510970 

Dusit Devarana Hot Springs and Spa Conghua 

For those seeking a more indulgent retreat, Dusit Devarana is set amid lush tropical greenery and delivers a distinctly Thai-inspired hot spring experience. Combining refined luxury with serene natural beauty, the resort offers both indoor and outdoor bathing spaces designed for deep relaxation. It’s a sanctuary for guests in search of tranquillity, elegance and quiet sophistication. The property features more than 20 specialised hot spring pools, including soaking pools, physiotherapy pools, fish pools and aromatherapy baths infused with coconut milk or even red wine, offering a unique and restorative escape. 

352 Yuquan Avenue, Conghua, Guangzhou 510960  

Just Stay Resort 

Just Stay Resort is enveloped by pristine forest, offering a quiet and restorative setting. The property adopts a restrained, minimalist Chinese aesthetic, artfully combining Anhui‑style architecture with elements of Lingnan culture to create a sense of balance and harmony with its natural surroundings. The hot spring zone features over 30 thoughtfully curated pools, including the Hundred Flowers Pool, Butterfly Love Pool, Mineral Sand Bath, Bubble Pool, Rose Pool, Milk Pool and the Four Seasons Hot Spring Pool. Set amid tranquil lakes, flowing water and lush greenery, the resort’s poetic layout evokes a landscape painting brought to life. With birdsong in the air and blossoms in bloom, it invites guests into a serene world designed for complete physical and mental relaxation. 

288 Yuquan Avenue, Conghua, Guangzhou 510970 

A quick resort comparison 

Best time to visit  

Conghua has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid weather from April through September. The cooler months of October through March are ideal for visiting. In spring, Shimen National Forest Park comes alive with seasonal blooms, offering a refreshing natural retreat. Winter brings comfortable temperatures perfectly suited to hot spring bathing, while November is especially striking, when red maple leaves blanket the surrounding mountainsides. 

Getting to Conghua 

Conghua is located approximately 80km from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, reachable by taxi and airport shuttle. The journey takes around 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic. Already in Guangzhou? You can reach the hot springs in just under an hour by car or 1.5 hours by Metro (take line 14 to Conghua Coach Terminal). 

What to expect  

Outdoor hot springs are typically set amid bamboo groves, forested hills or riverside landscapes, with separate changing and shower facilities for men and women. Swimsuits are required, so make sure to bring your own – though towels and lockers are provided on site. For those who are looking for a more sensorial experience, try one of the evening or night sessions. Many resorts also offer massage services, spa treatments and dining options for that extra indulgence. 

Top tips 

While it’s tempting to spend all day soaking, it’s best to limit each session to no more than 20 minutes to avoid overheating and rest for 10-15 minutes between sessions. Similarly, it’s important to stay hydrated between baths – one glass of water before entering and one between sessions – and avoid soaking immediately after eating food (wait 30 minutes) or drinking alcohol (wait one hour). Finally, guests with heart conditions or other medical concerns should consult a doctor before bathing.