If you've ever wanted to bathe in the same hot springs as Ming and Qing dynasty nobles, its a good bet that the Conghua Hot Spring Resort has got what you're looking for. About 75 kilometers from Guangzhou proper, this sprawling Guangzhou hotel and resort area comprises 40 buildings for accommodation and entertainment (the resort's got a bowling alley and tennis court among other things) and offers access to 12 different springs. Clear waters are enriched with more than 10 kinds of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium and with average temperature of 60 degrees centigrade (140 degrees Fahrenheit).

Although the resort's design is typically campy and family friendly, there are also a variety of nearby natural attractions to take in. Just 2 kilometers from the resort are three waterfalls: the Fragrant Power Falls (Xiangfenpu), Rainbow Falls (Feihongpu), and Hundred Meter Cascade Falls (Baizhanggeitao).

The serene, bucolic landscape that surrounds the resort offers a plethora of fresh air, green mountains, meandering streams, and ancient landmarks to take in. You can wander the many hiking trails and make your way to historical sights such as Bi Lang Bridge, Di Cui Pavilion and Tao Ran Hall. Also of interest might be the slightly pricey Conghua Hot Springs Golf Club, a par 72, 18 hole course just a short drive away.

Temperatures here bottom out at mild during the winter but can get scorching hot, as with the rest of Guangdong province, though the mountainous terrain does manage to filter out some of the oppressive humidity. The hotsprings are open year round, but it might be best to avoid them during national holidays such as Golden Week (around Oct 1 to Oct 7) and Chinese New Year (last week January to first week February).