Chongqing's Mini Version of 'Bali' Resort: Sleep in a 280sqm Private Villa with Hot Spring, Play Mahjong While Soaking

A private villa, meaning a residence attached to the main house but belonging to the same owner. I've always dreamed of sleeping in a single-villa private hot spring retreat. So when that bamboo gate hidden among greenery opened, I was completely captivated—this is exactly the mini 'Bali' resort for a suburban getaway I've dreamed of: surrounded by greenery, steaming hot springs, a private courtyard, and room service breakfast...

This place is called Longshui Lake Hot Spring Resort (Longshui Hu Wenquan Dujiaqu). As the name suggests, coming here is all about soaking in hot springs. But how to soak, where to sleep, what to eat, and what to do—a resort should be planned for maximum comfort. See how I lazily enjoyed it:

The entire Chongqing Longshui Lake International Tourism Resort covers 180 mu (about 12 hectares), with a total building area of 32,000 square meters. It consists of three parts: the hot spring center, the hot spring pool area, and a large themed water park, integrating physiotherapy, health preservation, relaxation, dining, leisure, entertainment, and shopping.

Accommodation: Longshui Lake Hot Spring Private Villas

The Longshui Lake Hot Spring Private Villas are right next to the hot spring center. Although they share the same complex, they offer excellent privacy. A winding path also shaded by greenery leads to the villas. There are 8 villas in total. The one I stayed in, V3, is the only one with a mahjong room—they really understand the hobbies of us Chongqing women!

This independent villa, with a Zen-inspired design, sits amidst lush nature. The villa door uses a combination lock, so you don't need to carry a key card—convenient for going anywhere.

From the exterior, the villa features clean, straight lines, giving a strong sense of design. Upon entering, the first thing you see is a wall of greenery, filling your eyes with peace and love.

On both sides of the green wall, you can enter the living room. The entire villa has one living room, two bedrooms, one open-plan bathroom, and one courtyard. It's suitable for a family of 4 or two families of 4–6 people sharing one villa. Staying in the villa includes free breakfast for 4 people (4 adults and 2 children; children are not charged separately).

On the corridor beside this green wall, one side has a wardrobe and cabinets, and the other side is the mahjong room. This means the sound of mahjong at the entrance won't disturb the rest and relaxation of those inside.

I love this green wall so much—here's a close-up of the details:

Entering the main living room, wow, the view opens up. The 280-square-meter villa feels truly spacious, directly overlooking the steaming private hot spring pool in the courtyard.

Looking up, outside the window is the villa's private hot spring: layered garden scenery surrounded by lush trees.

The room already provides a basket of bottled water and a fruit plate, thoughtfully covered with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

The coffee table is fully set for traditional Chinese tea. That's why it's called the "Zen Questioning Villa" (Wen Chan Bie Yuan)—the interior's new Chinese style instantly relaxes you.

To the left of the living room is the bathroom area, with dual sinks so guests can use them separately without crowding.

All toiletries are for 4 people. If you bring children, you can ask the staff for more. The toiletries are tied with purple silk ribbons—purple was the 2018 fashion color. I wonder if 2019 will switch to coral-colored silk, haha.

Besides the separate toilet and shower, the room also has a separate dry sauna room with an hourglass to remind you not to stay over 15 minutes each session.

There are two bedrooms in the villa, arranged side by side to the left of the living room: one with a 1.8m bed and one with a 1.35m bed. My friend sleeping in the inner room said she couldn't tell it was morning—it was so dark and comfortable. I stayed in the outer room facing the courtyard; with two thick curtains drawn, it's also very dark. So I think besides family trips, 2 to 4 girlfriends are also perfect for a relaxing getaway here. Besides hot springs, Longshui Lake also offers spa and other activities—I'll introduce them later.

Guests staying in the hot spring villas can also customize various herbal baths according to personal preferences. On weekends, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast at the elegant Japanese-style tea restaurant. On weekdays when there are fewer guests, breakfast can be served via room service.

Now, the highlight: this private hot spring courtyard surrounded by greenery offers excellent privacy. If you want to be free-spirited and soak naked without a swimsuit, you don't have to worry about being seen.

These bamboo-woven decorations shaped like camel bells are actually lamps—they look beautiful at night. You can soak in the private courtyard pool 24 hours a day.

The layered garden scenery with lush trees makes every casual shot a beautiful picture. The villa is so photogenic—here are a few more angles.

For a romantic couple's getaway or a family trip, this paradise-like retreat is truly refreshing, letting you forget worldly worries. It's a perfect feng shui place for relaxation, health, and rejuvenation.

When the sun comes out, it's absolutely wonderful.

The most awkward thing about public hot spring pools is that it's inconvenient to take photos—going from one pool to another wet, holding a phone, and posing in front of many people can be a bit embarrassing. But with a private villa hot spring, you don't have to worry about that. Wear a beautiful swimsuit and let your companions take as many photos as you want.

I would go to the courtyard to soak whenever I felt like it, then go to the steam room. It was so relaxing, comfortable, and freeing. As for the villa price, it's usually over 1500 yuan on weekdays and over 2000 yuan on weekends. Divide by four people, it's only 300–500 yuan per person, including breakfast for four and access to the public hot springs (single entry is 138 yuan per person). Since there are only 8 villas, you must book in advance. Currently, it's bookable on Ctrip. I've screenshotted a Ctrip price for your reference:

It's really great value. I'll definitely bring my mom, dad, and younger brother—a family of four—next time.

Activity 1: Longshui Lake Hot Spring Water World Theme Park

If you feel that soaking in just the courtyard pool isn't enough, guests staying in the hot spring villas have a special benefit: unlimited access to the open hot spring area during their stay.

So I wrapped myself in the room's bathrobe over my swimsuit and went out to experience the various public pools at the hot spring center. This is the lobby of the Longshui Lake Hot Spring Center—the design is still impressive.

On the first floor of the lobby are the changing rooms and indoor large hot spring pools.

Single-entry visitors without villa accommodation handle their hot spring procedures here.

The entire rest area also features a new Chinese style; the environment is really nice.

The spring water has a pH value of 7.5 and an outlet temperature of 62°C. There are 68 outdoor pools (3 lakeside pools and 68 themed pools and pool houses divided into: 15 Chinese herbal pools, 16 water fun pools, 16 romance pools, 13 Zen pools, and 8 private pool houses).

Notice that each pool's "faucet" design is different—such attention to detail, kudos! It's no wonder the hot spring water world was rated a national five-star hot spring in 2016.

Under the nourishment of sulfur hot springs, the skin becomes smooth and delicate.

Sulfur hot springs are said to be especially effective for warming the meridians, dispelling cold, improving blood circulation, and boosting immunity.

The most distinctive feature is this "hot spring mahjong"—gather four people and you can play mahjong while soaking!

You can also enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain views of Longshui Lake while soaking.

I love steam baths, so the public hot spring area also has this section: Zen-style decorative paintings with an antique charm, very Chinese.

Of course, besides quiet soaking, you can also go to the wave pool and rock out to live stage music.

Look at the steaming atmosphere of this large pool—it's so warm.

Besides the winter hot springs, Longshui Lake also has a water park in summer.

Right next to it is a summer water park that looks thrilling—I'll try it in the summer.

Activity 2: Game Arcade and SPA

Besides soaking, what else can you do? Upon entering the lobby, I realized that the second and third floors of Longshui Lake Hot Spring Center offer other activities: arcade machines, a small internet cafe, a small pub, billiards, and a gym on the second floor, and SPA on the third floor.

Each overnight guest receives 20 game tokens. Free WiFi is available, so you can play online games with friends.

For winter hot spring nights, they offer a 24-hour all-inclusive package at 268 yuan per person, which includes: hot spring, mineral salt bath, luxury lounge, dry/wet sauna, billiards, gym, Hantang Street arcade (50 tokens), TV, computer use, WiFi, toiletries, fine dinner, a warm late-night snack, and a health breakfast. All hot spring and entertainment included—very cost-effective, perfect for young people to enjoy together (pictured: computer room).

This is the super luxury lounge area, where each sofa has a TV with on-demand content.

I think the 286 yuan package is incredibly good value, suitable for college students and young professionals. Since accommodation is in the lounge, it's great for a large group. The package is rich in content with lots of entertainment. On weekends, it's a buffet dinner served at the small pub; on weekdays, it's a hearty set meal. Many choices for different budgets.

What is the 268 yuan package dinner like? A picture is worth a thousand words:

The buffet dinner has a wide variety. Soaking in hot springs and playing games can be energy-consuming, so a full dinner in the evening is perfect.

Of course, if you stay up late and get hungry, there's a small pub open until 1 AM.

The bar counter is lined with all kinds of drinks—no stopping until drunk.

In this small pub with a Japanese style, under warm yellow lights, paired with cold rabbit and dried chicken with tangerine peel, a small glass of ice-cold beer—the fatigue of the day's travel, after the sulfur hot spring bath, is swept away.

Go up the stairs around the central atrium (this domineering design) to the third floor for a SPA.

I picked up a price list and found it really affordable.

At Longshui Lake, you can also enjoy a flavorful dinner; the lakeside West Lake courtyard has roast whole lamb (requires advance order).

Activity 3: Longshui Lake Island Visits: Go-Karting, Real-Life CS, Zip Line Adventure

Besides hot springs, Longshui Lake as a resort area has many islands scattered across the lake. And these islands offer plenty of activities. First, take a boat to the islands, sailing across the 6,000 mu lake area. You can choose sightseeing yachts, leisure water bikes, or fishing. Alternatively, you can take a lakeside hike. The area is surrounded by layered peaks and the beautiful Bayue Mountains, with a lakeside loop of about 10 km. A full loop is a solid 30,000 steps—good for weight loss—then return to the villa for a soak.

Take a boat to the 400-mu island park. The first thing you'll see is a CS arena—it's very well done, offering an immersive experience:

Then there's the zip line—Chongqing has only three zip line venues, and one is on Longshui Lake Island:

There are also beach landing, off-road motorcycles, outdoor expansion activities, etc., especially suitable for team building.

Back on shore, I saw that crazy go-kart prices are so cheap—I was eager to try: 50 yuan for 3 laps per person, 70 yuan for 3 laps for two. Compared to prices in the city center, you have to try it:

In the curves, you experience the thrill of centrifugal force, speed and passion. The go-kart base is in the dock area, very convenient. Take bus 208 or 305 to Dalongwan Hotel and walk 200 meters.

How to Get to Longshui Lake from Chongqing City Center

Now let's get to the most important part: transportation. Self-drive and bus routes:

1. Shuangsheng Bridge – Yuxiang Expressway – Ring Expressway – Yurong Expressway – Wangu Interchange transfer to Tongyong Expressway (Yongchuan direction) – get off at Longshui Lake and drive 2 km towards Longshui. Avoid rush hour; about 1 hour 10 minutes.

2. Chengyu Expressway – Youting exit – via Shuangqiao about 20 minutes.

3. Bus route: At Chongqing Chenjiaping Bus Station or Chongqing Bus Station, you can buy a direct bus ticket to Longshui Lake Scenic Area; 90 minutes to escape the city.

4. Take the high-speed train from Chongqing to Dazu South Station (20 minutes), then from the station to the scenic area is another 20 minutes by car; 40 minutes to escape the city.

During this 2-day-1-night stay at the Longshui Lake hot spring in Chongqing, the time spent at the Zen Villa made me temporarily forget worldly worries, fully relaxed, comfortable, and refreshed. Returning to the city, healthy and positive to face life. It's truly a great place for a vacation.

This 2-day-1-night hot spring trip offered both activity and tranquility. Enjoy stress-relieving extreme sports during the holiday, and fully relax. At the Chongqing Longshui Lake hot spring, let's soak together in a warm pool—right time, right thing, capturing the extraordinary experience time gives us. 2 days, 1 night—set off now!