A 260-hectare forest park built around sixteen natural hot springs that surface at temperatures between 45-58°C, mineral-rich with zinc, manganese, lithium, and iron. The park sits within old-growth forest home to giant salamanders and rare plant species, with a network of outdoor mineral pools, bathhouses, and resort accommodation. Many visitors combine a soak here with a Longji Rice Terraces trek.
Longsheng Hot Springs National Forest Park sits in the mountains of Longsheng County, roughly 132km northwest of Guilin, and is one of Guangxi's largest hot spring complexes. The 260-hectare park is built around sixteen natural mineral springs surfacing at temperatures between 45-58°C, with water rich in zinc, manganese, lithium, and iron. The setting is old-growth forest rather than an urban day-spa: outdoor soaking pools of graduated temperature are terraced into the hillside among tall trees, with the surrounding woodland home to giant salamanders and regionally rare plant species. Facilities include a network of open-air mineral pools, indoor bathhouses for cooler-weather soaking, changing and shower blocks, and on-site resort accommodation for visitors staying overnight rather than day-tripping. There is no single signature spa treatment in the Western sense; the draw is the mineral water itself, and staff on-site can advise on which pools suit particular skin or joint concerns. Reservations are recommended for accommodation and for weekend or holiday visits, when the park draws large domestic tourist numbers, though the pools themselves generally accept walk-in day visitors on payment of the entrance fee. Many visitors combine a soak with a day spent trekking the nearby Longji Rice Terraces, using the hot springs as an evening recovery stop after the climb. The forest setting keeps air temperatures noticeably cooler than Guangxi's subtropical lowlands, making the park a popular escape from summer heat as well as a warming stop in winter.
| Price | ¥100-380 ($15-57) |
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Treatments
- Mineral hot spring soak
- Graduated-temperature pool circuit
- Bathhouse soaking
Good to know
- Signature
- Sixteen graduated-temperature mineral pools; forest-set outdoor soaking pools; combination packages with Longji terrace tours
Highlights
- Sixteen graduated-temperature mineral pools set in old-growth forest
- Mineral water rich in zinc, manganese, lithium, and iron
- On-site resort accommodation for overnight stays
- Combination packages pairing a soak with a Longji Rice Terraces trek
- Cooler mountain climate distinct from Guangxi's subtropical lowlands
Tips for visiting
- Book accommodation ahead for weekends and national holidays, when domestic visitor numbers peak
- Bring a swimsuit and sandals; towels can typically be rented on site
- Try the hottest pools last, working up gradually from cooler pools
- Combine the visit with an early-morning Longji Rice Terraces hike, then soak in the late afternoon
- Pack a change of warm clothing in cooler months, since air temperature drops quickly after leaving the pools
When to visit
Autumn and winter are popular for the contrast between cold mountain air and hot mineral water; visit on a weekday to avoid the domestic holiday crowds.
Accessibility
The forested, terraced terrain includes stairs and sloped paths between pool levels, which may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility; specific wheelchair-accessible routes are not confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need a reservation to use the hot springs?
Day admission is generally available on a walk-in basis, but accommodation and weekend visits are best booked in advance given the park's popularity with domestic tourists.
How hot are the pools?
The sixteen pools range across roughly 45-58°C at the source, with cooler blended pools available for visitors who prefer a milder soak.
Can the hot springs be combined with the Longji Rice Terraces?
Yes, the park is commonly visited alongside a Longji terrace trek, with many visitors soaking in the evening after a day of hiking.
Is overnight accommodation available at the park?
Yes, the park includes on-site resort accommodation for visitors who want to stay longer than a single day visit.