A 'Soul Massage' Journey: Discovering Forest Sea in Zengcheng

Travel isn't everything, but it can be a small blessing in an otherwise dull life, adding a touch of ritual.

Recently, I've often seen friends on social media recommending Forest Sea Resort. As someone who yearns to live amidst scenery, my heart itched with excitement when I saw the resort offered RV camping, water sports, helicopter rides, and more. With spring in full bloom, my friends and I headed straight to Forest Sea Resort, seeking a new 'helipad'—a fresh escape from the daily grind.

Forest Sea Resort is located in Paitan Town, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou, adjacent to the Baishuizhai Scenic Area and nestled at the southern foot of the Nankun Mountain. It falls within the 'one-hour living circle' around Guangzhou. Driving east from downtown Guangzhou, we shed our worries and escaped the urban cage. At Forest Sea, we found ourselves fully embraced by spring.

The resort offers two options: Forest Sea Hot Spring Hotel and the International RV Campground. This time, I tried the courtyard-style RV campground, which was truly distinctive.

Upon arrival, Forest Sea Hot Spring Hotel immediately catches the eye. The lobby is bathed in warm yellow light, with ceiling decals of branches reaching for the sky, reflected in the glossy tiles, enhancing the sense of depth. It is simple yet elegant, intimate yet grand, with extraordinary style.

After inquiring at the hotel, we headed to the International RV Campground reception center, about a minute's drive away. GPS can take you directly there.

We checked in at the reception center at the campground entrance, then were whisked away by electric cart to the RV sites, eagerly anticipating the encounter with our own spiritual castle.

The International RV Campground has 20 independent RV courtyards, each with slightly different interiors and layouts. The RVs are scattered around the lake, and several on the south shore offer distant views of Baishuizhai, with endless scenery.

I stayed in a lakeside hot-spring RV courtyard. A long white RV with black windows and doors, accented by a couple of decorative patterns; under the extended awning sat a black square table and chairs. A large swimming pool and a private hot spring completed the romantic outdoor courtyard. Surrounded by high mountains and thick forests, I looked out over a blue-green lake, where spring sunshine shattered into glittering fragments on the water, and a breeze carried the ripples to my face.

Inside, the RV was surprisingly spacious, with a simple yet stylish interior. Though small, it had everything needed: a private bathroom, sofa, bar counter, and dining table—just like a cozy home.

Even more delightful was the little wooden pet house and blanket at the front of the RV, allowing our furry friends to join us in embracing the glorious spring sunshine.

The children of our friends were thrilled, as if discovering a giant new toy. They darted in and out of the RV, bouncing on the soft bed and flopping onto the window-side sofa, amazed that a vehicle could hide a whole home—just like the secret base they'd always dreamed of.

A Kung Fu tea set and tea leaves were provided in the courtyard. At dusk, sipping tea and watching the sunset with companions was pure bliss.

After settling in and resting, we immediately headed to the helicopter base on the south shore to soar into the sky and get a bird's-eye view of Baishuizhai!

As the rotor blades whirred louder and a weightless feeling set in, we ascended toward the clouds. From the helicopter, we saw Baishuizhai Waterfall plunging down the mountain, its mist blending with the clouds, smearing the surrounding greenery into a dreamlike, breathtaking scene.

At Forest Sea Resort, you can enjoy a full 'land, sea, and air' experience. After the helicopter, we went to the boat dock. Nestled by mountains and a lake, the resort's unique location has created Tianyang Lake, a natural playground for water sports, offering a range of activities like yachting, kayaking, and water biking.

Paddling our little boats, we felt as if we'd stepped into the landscape, becoming part of a poetic painting of mountains and water. Even the boisterous kids seemed captivated by the beauty, unusually quiet for once.

Staying in an RV comes with complimentary kayaking and pedal-boating tickets, though motor boats cost extra. The waterside hot-spring RV courtyards even have private docks; guests can board a boat at the main dock and paddle it right to their own dock—a charming touch.

At night, our group soaked in the private hot spring pool in our own courtyard. In the warm water, under a watery night sky, we stargazed and chatted, letting all stress and worries melt away.

Beyond the private pools, the hotel offers a variety of public hot springs, such as the Boat House Hot Spring, Tree House Sky Hot Spring, Lantern Bubble Pool Hot Spring, and Lone Island Hot Spring, each with its own character.

In the evening, we headed to the buffet restaurant on the hotel's first floor to begin our culinary adventure.

The restaurant, bathed in warm yellow light, exuded a classic elegance. It offered everything from Cantonese cuisine and East-meets-West fusion dishes to original, healthy fare and a variety of international delights. Of course, there was an abundance of Japanese sashimi, seafood, sushi, barbecue, noodles, and desserts. The rich and diverse selection truly satisfied our taste buds. As a foodie, I experienced the sheer joy of having to 'lean against the wall to walk out'—so full was I.

Amid today's fast-paced urban life, our connection with nature is shrinking, making it harder to find respite for our weary hearts. Forest Sea Hot Spring Resort offers a slice of paradise for those living in Guangzhou and its neighboring cities. In Zengcheng, Guangzhou, you can face the Forest Sea and encounter spring in full bloom.

Other Tips:

1. Parking and check-in: Check in at the reception center at the RV campground entrance first; then staff will take you to your courtyard by electric cart. You can park your own car right at the courtyard gate—very convenient.

2. Service: If you don't want to drive, just call the campground front desk anytime to request an electric cart; they can shuttle you around the entire resort, specially designed for 'lazybones'.

3. Booking: I booked the RV through Forest Sea Resort's official WeChat account. Weekend prices are higher than weekday rates; you can check the official account or call the hotel for details.

4. Nearby: Baishuizhai Scenic Area and Baishuizhai Wetland Park are nearby, and Zengcheng is also famous for Zhengguo wontons—perfect for a sightseeing and dining excursion.