TWO weeks ago we were wearing t-shirts like it was still summer, then the sudden plunge of temperature in Guangdong successfully brought winter to town as usual, leaving everyone trembling in the freezing air. In such cold weather, the best thing to do is to take a soak in a hot spring, relaxing your muscles before wrapping yourself inside the warm quilt in bed. The mineral-rich baths, which can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, offer a slew of natural health benefits you may not know about. Guangdong, a province rich in hot spring resources, may still pose a headache to people who are worried about taking a “fake” hot spring bath, which would be qualitatively no different from a bath at home. The good news is that a meeting on expert certification for the water temperature and quality of hot spring sites in Guangdong was held recently, releasing the first official list of quality hot spring sites to the public. Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel Type: Sodium bicarbonate hot spring Sodium bicarbonate hot springs are the rock star of hot springs. Its unique effect on all sorts of ailments ranging from rheumatic arthritis, skin diseases, neurasthenia, and the common cold makes it a favorite of the body-conscious. It clears away excess natural skin oils, promotes liver vitality, and promotes beautification not only in the surface skin but from the inside of the body as well. Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel, located in Conghua and endowed with quality hot springs and beautiful scenery, has received numerous dignitaries from home and abroad. It is reputed as “the first hot spring in Lingnan.” Add: 112 Wenquan Road East, Wenquan Town, Conghua District, Guangzhou 广州市从化区温泉镇温泉东路112号广东温泉宾馆 Transport: Take a high-speed train from Shenzhen North Railway Station to Guangzhou South Railway Station, then take a Huadu-Conghua bus to Conghua Coach Station, and then take a taxi to the destination. Guangzhou Zengcheng Xiangjiang Hot Spring Type: Carbonated hot spring The hot spring here contains traces of 78 elements including silicic acid, fluorine, sulphur, zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium, all of which are universally recognized as beneficial to the human body. This place is known for its quality water, high water temperature, unique scenery and effective treatment. Guangzhou Zengcheng Xiangjiang Hot Spring is nestled against Baishuizhai Waterfall, a scenic spot dubbed “the Emerald of the Tropic of Cancer,” which is embraced by mountains and is blessed with an enchanting ecosystem of fresh air, unique waterfalls, dense forest and vegetation, green mountains, clear streams, dancing butterflies and bees. Joining hands with Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the hot spring initiated the first TCM-themed hot spring in the country, blending the TCM concept of “preventive treatment of disease” with the rare soda hot spring in order to promote the cultivation of TCM practices in everyday life. Tourists can choose between different types of hot springs based on their own needs. Add: Paitan Town, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou 广州市增城区派潭镇增城香江温泉 Transport: Take a high-speed train from Shenzhen North Railway Station to Guangzhou South Railway Station, then take a bus to Zengcheng Guangming Coach Station, and then take a taxi to the destination. Sanying Spa Resort Type: Carbonated hot spring A dip in a carbonated hot spring is good for alleviating ailments such as rheumatic arthritis, skin diseases, neurasthenia, and colds. It has been said to have a special effect for treating skin diseases and tumors. Sanying Spa Resort, nestled in mountains, is a comprehensive tourist resort combining hot springs, health care and a spa. It sits against national forest parks including Nankun Mountain and Shimen Mountain. It is also close to Baishuizhai Waterfall Scenic Spot. Add: 2 Wenquan Road, Gaotan Village, Paitan Town, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou 广州市增城区派潭镇高滩村温泉路2号三英温泉度假酒店 Transport: Take a high-speed train from Shenzhen North Railway Station to Guangzhou South Railway Station, then take a bus to Zengcheng Guangming Coach Station, and then take a taxi to the destination. Nankun Hot Springs Villa Type: Silicic acid hot spring Silicic acid is a triple-action treatment that encompasses skin cleansing, anti-inflammatory, and immunity-boosting effects in one fluorinated water-based bath. Nankun Hot Springs Villa is hugged between two lush mountains on both sides. The Gaosha River runs nearby and connects with the wetland park. This place is filled with fresh air and a revitalizing atmosphere. With an invaluable combination of Hakka culture and natural resources, the villa offers five parent-kid themed suites including Hello Kitty, Minions and Boonie Bears, making it a nice choice for family outings. Add: Shajing Town, Longmen County, Huizhou 惠州龙门县龙华镇沙迳南昆山居温泉度假村 Transport: Take a bus from Longgang Coach Station to Longmen County in Huizhou, and then take a taxi to the destination. Dipai Hot Spring Resort Type: Silicic acid-carbonated hot spring The high quality hot spring of Dipai is nicknamed “the king of hot springs.” It contains radon, which is good for the heart and blood vessels, the stomach, and the growth of bones. Additionally, it is said to have a softening effect on the aorta. Located in the mountain range of Yungui in Longmen County, Dipai Hot Spring Resort is surrounded by thousands of stalks of bamboo. It blends elements of China’s classic music into the culture of hot spring. Add: Dipai Town, Longmen County, Huizhou 惠州龙门县地派镇 Transport: Take a bus from Longgang Coach Station to Longmen County in Huizhou, and then take a taxi to the destination. (Chen Xiaochun) | 