The Longsheng Hot Springs Tourism Area (龙胜温泉旅游区) primarily refers to a comprehensive resort area centered around Longsheng Hot Springs, featuring a concentration of numerous high-quality tourist attractions within a radius of 50 kilometers. It mainly includes the Longsheng Hot Springs Scenic Area, Longsheng Hot Springs Forest Park, Yanmen Gorge Rafting, Tianying Bridge for monkey viewing, Dagang Scenic Garden, and various ethnic and folklore villages, among others.
Travel Information about Longsheng Hot Springs
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 100 CNY for Longsheng Hot Springs.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Approximately 3,300 meters northeast of Longsheng County, Guilin.
Transportation: Take a special Longsheng line bus from Guilin Bus Station, which takes about 2 hours. Then, transfer to a bus from Longsheng Bus Station to Longsheng Hot Springs, which takes about 40 minutes.
Departure Times: Buses run daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with an average frequency of every 20 minutes.
Attraction Ratings
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★
- Adventure: ★★
- Cultural Experience: ★★
- Special Features: ★★
Highlights of Longsheng Hot Springs
Red Army Rock
Red Army Rock, also known as “Dragon Tongue Rock” or “Bright Rock,” is the first attraction you encounter when entering the Longsheng Hot Springs area. This unique rock formation seems to rise dramatically from the mountains, resembling the outstretched arm of a giant. Visitors often compare it to a “soaring shark,” “flying wing,” or “piercing sword,” marveling at the incredible artistry and grandeur of nature.
Sanmen Hong Yao Village
Located just 100 meters south of Red Army Rock, Sanmen Hong Yao Village is a vibrant ethnic village inhabited by the Hong Yao people. The village is named “Sanmen” (meaning “three gates”) because it is home to only three surnames: Yu, Wei, and Pan. Sanmen Hong Yao Village has largely preserved the historical and cultural traditions of the Hong Yao community in various aspects of social production and life, earning it the title of “Ecological Museum.”
The village boasts an ancient and pristine environment, with clean and beautiful surroundings. The hospitable residents are simple and warm-hearted. They live in traditional half-wooden stilt houses and wear vibrant red traditional costumes, characteristic of the Hong Yao people. The clothing features intricate patterns, and each garment displays the Yao king’s seal and a tiger claw on the back.
Visitors can hear the ancient and mysterious legends of the Hong Yao people, witness the enigmatic Hong Yao pillars, and savor the unique Hong Yao pearl oil tea. Additionally, they can participate in traditional Hong Yao singing contests, enjoy captivating songs and dances, admire exquisite Hong Yao embroidery, and experience thrilling performances like “Walking on Knife Mountain and Crossing Fire Sea.”
Datang Bay Health and Wellness Scenic Area
Longsheng has long been renowned for its breathtaking scenery, often described as “Guilin’s Shangri-La,” where the profound and enchanting ethnic culture is deeply rooted. The Datang Bay Health and Wellness Scenic Area serves as the cultural development center for Longsheng’s ethnic folk traditions. It boasts a pristine ecological environment and showcases the diverse customs of the various ethnic groups within Longsheng Autonomous County.
Visitors to Datang Bay can immerse themselves in the rich folk atmosphere, witnessing a microcosm of local cultural heritage while enjoying the fragrant flora and fauna that change with the seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The area’s folk customs and culinary traditions reflect the essence of Longsheng’s ethnic minorities. Upon entering the scenic area, guests are welcomed by unique bonfire parties and vibrant cultural tourism activities that create an unforgettable experience.
Folk Customs Exhibition: The Datang Bay Health and Wellness Scenic Area showcases various ethnic minorities’ most traditional lifestyles and agricultural products, many of which are on the brink of extinction. Visitors can witness ancient practices such as traditional papermaking, oil pressing, winemaking, and hunting, alongside crops like millet, copper rice, chili peppers, and shiitake mushrooms.
Ethnic Culinary Culture Center: This area also serves as the “Guilin World Food Expo Park’s Northern Guangxi Ethnic Culinary Culture Research Base.” The center features a long corridor known for its Long Dragon Banquet, which captivates visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and distinctive flavors, drawing in numerous food enthusiasts.
Folk Customs Performances: Datang Bay highlights the authentic customs and cultural arts of the Longsheng’s ethnic groups, including the He, Miao, Yao, and Zhuang people. Notable performances include the He ethnic group’s bamboo pipe dance, the Zhuang’s grand songs, the Yao’s rice cake-making, the Miao’s emotional raincoat dance, and the Zhuang’s “Shigong Dance,” all of which vividly reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
Longsheng Hot Springs Forest Park
Known as the “Little Huangshan,” Longsheng Hot Springs National Forest Park is situated within the renowned Longsheng Hot Springs tourist area. The park is characterized by its lush green mountains, swirling white clouds, and babbling streams, earning it the nickname “natural oxygen bar.”
The landscape features towering peaks, unique rock formations, and dense forests, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. In addition to the dense primordial forests, the park boasts suspended iron suspension bridges, a rare plant garden, and a giant salamander world, making it an ideal destination for forest adventures and wildlife observation.
What to do:
- Suspension Bridge: The park features the Yamen Suspension Bridge, which stands 118 meters high and spans 120 meters in length. Suspended above the Yamen Gorge, it is renowned as the tallest suspension bridge in Asia. Walking on this bridge is an exhilarating experience, and for the brave-hearted, it’s definitely worth a try.
- Crab Fishing at Crab Valley: Within the forest park, Crab Valley offers the opportunity to catch crabs. Visitors can enjoy activities such as crab fishing and trapping, while also savoring local delicacies at the Crab Valley farmhouse, including roasted sweet potatoes, fried crabs, and farmhouse smoked meats.
Yamen Gorge Rafting
The Yamen Gorge rafting route stretches approximately 7,000 meters from the entrance of the hot spring river to the Bai Mian Yao Village. This thrilling section features numerous rapids, sharp bends, and a total elevation drop of 78 meters, including four major rapids and 18 smaller ones. The towering peaks and steep cliffs flanking the gorge create an ideal setting for rubber boat rafting, with a riverbed that is deep and narrow.
The rafting experience lasts about an hour, during which visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the original forest, including sights like the “Hundred-Meter Sky Bridge,” cliffside walkways, and playful monkeys. There are opportunities to stop and rest while immersing in the local customs of the Datang Bay area, as well as enjoy swimming and fishing in the river. The entire rafting journey is filled with excitement and fun, offering a delightful adventure without significant danger.
Hot Spring Area
Longsheng Hot Springs is unparalleled due to its stunning environment and exceptional water quality. The hot spring area is characterized by lush, verdant mountains and dense forests. Ethereal mist envelops the elongated green spaces, transforming them into a breathtaking, fairyland-like paradise.
The thermal springs originate from rock layers located 1,200 meters deep and consist of a total of 16 spring outlets, both large and small. These springs emerge from the mountainsides adorned with ancient vines and twisted trees, delivering pristine water that is even more exquisite than the finest nectar.
Related Details:
- Medicinal Bathing Pool: The medicinal bathing pool at Longsheng Hot Springs features a blend of over fifty traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. This therapeutic bath utilizes the water’s natural warmth to stimulate the skin, meridians, and acupoints, while the herbs allow for transdermal absorption. This combination aims to treat ailments and promote overall health.
- Children’s Water Play Pool: The children’s water play pool is located in the public area and boasts a variety of dynamic water spray designs and levels, providing endless fun for children. It stimulates their intellect while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Tranquil Bath Pool: The tranquil bath pool is the hottest soaking area in Longsheng Hot Springs, with water sourced from the rock crevices of the adjacent mountain (the Clear Pool is similar). With temperatures reaching 50°C, this pool is ideal for those adventurous visitors who enjoy pushing their limits.
- Accommodation: For lodging, Longfeng Mountain Villa and Jinqian Mountain Villa at Longsheng Hot Springs are excellent choices. Both venues feature convenient access to hot spring pools and offer a variety of room types with complete amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Fish Therapy
Longsheng Hot Springs features a unique therapeutic treatment known as “Kissing Fish Therapy.” Also referred to as spa fish or doctor fish, the species used for this therapy is scientifically named Garra rufa, commonly known as Turkish spa fish. These fish are a hybrid, bred from the Turkish Garra rufa males and local tropical females.
In this therapy, the fish are released into the hot spring pools. Due to their unique lifestyle, these fish thrive in water temperatures as high as 42°C. When a person enters the pool, the fish gather around, engaging in a gentle and intimate interaction. They nibble at the skin, specifically targeting dead skin cells and bacteria and microorganisms that are only visible under a microscope.
The sensation of the fish nibbling is painless and often described as extremely pleasant, allowing visitors to experience the delightful feeling of being “kissed” by these little fish. This natural therapy is known for its effectiveness in treating common skin conditions, scars, and athlete’s foot, all without any side effects.