Daytripper is a regular column that aims to help people get the most out of their PRD experience by proposing fun excursions that can be made in a single day to explore the local culture and nature of the region.
We’re lucky here in South China. Not only do we have two of the mainland's four largest cities (and Hong Kong) a quick train ride away, but we’re also close to mountains in the north (Yingde) and a tropical island to the south (Hainan). Of course, no daytrip quite compares to the relaxation derived from bathing in a natural hot spring, and this month’s destination saw former US President Richard Nixon himself visit for a bit of steamy R&R in 1976.
First, the town. It’s literally called ‘Hot Springs Town’ or ‘Wenquan Zhen,’ and is located in the northern part of Conghua, which is now a district of Guangzhou’s ever-expanding megalopolis. There’s absolutely nothing to do in Hot Springs Town except, you guessed it, lounge in revitalizing mineral water, so hibernating in your hotel room all weekend won’t bring pangs of guilt.
Dozens of resorts compete along the river, but the one at the very end of the road – Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel – has our vote as the oldest and most scenic lodge that housed not only Nixon but Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin and countless other heads of state back in the day.
You can book the suite where they stayed for about USD5,000 a night, or opt for a room with a private patio spa that seats four to six for around RMB1,000. Simpler rooms (RMB300) still let you fill your indoor bathtub with hot spring water, but if you want to squeeze in more than one person at a time you’ll have to venture outside to the public pools.
The grounds are spectacular in the springtime, when mist rises from the hills and fiery Kapok tree blossoms look particularly bright against the backdrop of gloomy winter vegetation. It’s also the best season to go for a dip according to traditional Chinese medicine, which claims bathing in a hot spring can help remove excess moisture from the body.
Aside from a few historic plaques and two lengthy outdoor corridors that were clearly intended for leaders to pace back and forth while mulling over world problems, there’s nothing political about the hotel, which, although built in 1955, is still refreshingly well-designed by China standards.
For a bite to eat, check out the on-site restaurant Taoran, which serves an amazing mix of Sichuan dishes (the shuizhu niurou 水煮牛肉 is on point) and Cantonese dim sum. There are also countless nongjiazhuang, or farmhouse restaurants, in town that serve regional dishes like spicy baked rice (lawei jufan 腊味焗饭) and roasted pigeon (kaoge 烤鸽).
Located just two to three hours away by public transport, Conghua combines a healthy dose of nature, relaxation and exploration into a two-day weekend without breaking your budget.
How to get there:
From Guangzhou
Take a cab or metro to any major bus terminal in the city (Tianhe Coach Terminal, Guangzhou Railway Station, etc.) and ride a bus two hours to Conghua station (从化汽车站). Take a 30-minute cab to Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel (广东温泉宾馆). From there, you can easily walk to other hot spring resorts.
From Shenzhen
Sharing a Didi with friends is most convenient but will cost about RMB650. To travel on public transport, take a bus from Futian or Nanshan Bus Station about three hours to Conghua station (从化汽车站) and then follow the directions above.
See listing for Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel.
[Images via Jocelyn Richards, photo of Nixon from ycwb.com]
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