A Getaway Near Guangzhou: Everything at Congdu

The Conghua hot springs near Guangzhou are truly a hallmark of hot spring destinations.

Though the Start of Autumn has already passed, the scorching heat in Guangdong shows no sign of letting up.

Knowing well that soaking in hot springs during summer can be even more beneficial for health and cooling down,

I planned a getaway with a good friend to the Congdu International Manor, nestled in Conghua, Guangzhou.

Congdu International Manor: a landscape at every glance.

Set at the tranquil foot of Phoenix Mountain in Conghua, the manor blends seamlessly into the lush natural surroundings.

The estate spans nearly 2.8 million square meters, encompassing a hotel, hot spring villas, sports and social facilities, a health management center, a museum, and more.

It is a serene urban oasis, where every view is a picturesque scene.

From an aerial view, the manor, with its blue-tiled roofs set against the emerald Phoenix Mountain, looks like a gem embedded in the verdant hills and clear waters.

Congdu International Manor is a feast for the eyes both inside and out, incorporating the essence of traditional Chinese architecture.

Buildings rich in Chinese charm are half-hidden among lush vegetation and reflective ponds.

The grand dome of the hotel lobby exudes an air of majestic grandeur.

The perfect fusion of classical Chinese aesthetics and refined modern textures, evocative art pieces adding a touch of vitality, makes every step through the manor a discovery of new beauty.

The grounds are lush with fragrant flora. Wandering through the corridors and pavilions, you're surrounded by an elegant Oriental grace.

The modern personalized butler service at Congdu International Manor has long been highly praised.

With a dedicated team of 800 staff members, including a professional security team and state-level security facilities, a vacation here not only offers strong safety assurance but also delivers an ultimate sense of privacy and comfort.

The Pinxiang Pavilion piano café bar next to the lobby is a spot I particularly adore.

Colorful wine bottles are neatly arranged, looking more like works of art in my eyes.

On a sun-drenched afternoon, enjoying a delicate afternoon tea here allows you to slow down from life's hectic pace.

The indoor setting is elegant, with textured carpets and sofas that together double the comfort.

Outdoors, the environment is delightful, and you'll find the birdsong the perfect accompaniment to your tea.

The afternoon tea set for two is lavish, a feast for both palate and eyes:

Peach and jasmine mousse cake

Caramel banana cake

Mint ganache chocolate tart

Strawberry mousse with white wine jelly

Crispy golden cup with fried prawn and avocado

Italian cured meat and onion cheese tart

Marinated salmon with mascarpone and asparagus roll

Cranberry scone with jam and Chantilly cream

And a cup of hand-ground coffee just sends happiness spinning in your heart.

Slowness is a way of pampering yourself, carving out a pause.

Slowness is a leisurely stroll, eyes closed in bliss.

Phoenix Residence, Courtyard Villas, and Tongquan Terrace Suites

As the first all-suite hotel in China, Congdu International Manor boasts the Phoenix Residence, 37 courtyard villas, and 90 Tongquan Terrace suites.

Phoenix Residence is the tallest building in the manor, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire estate from its heights.

The 37 courtyard villas are scattered across Rongxi Valley, Mingfeng Valley, and Tianhui Valley, each named after a flower—plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, peony, osmanthus, lily, lilac, peony, and more.

Every standalone villa features a private courtyard entrance, complete with a separate living room, underfloor heating, massage room, outdoor swimming pool, and hot spring bath, striking a perfect balance between socializing and privacy.

In these courtyard villas that exude the fragrance of traditional Chinese culture, you'll find every moment a delightful pleasure.

This time we stayed in a Tongquan Terrace suite.

Each Tongquan Terrace building has 3 to 4 floors, with only two suites per floor, ensuring ample privacy.

The ambiance and layout of the suite were also very satisfying.

The over-100-square-meter room is thoughtfully zoned from outside in into a sitting area, sleeping area, walk-in closet, vanity area, separate wet and dry bathroom, and a spacious balcony.

The room's palette is a soft, elegant light coffee hue.

Multiple USB ports and a smart alarm clock are particularly suited to modern travelers' needs.

A warm welcome card, exquisite desserts, and a fruit platter greeted us, filling our hearts with warmth.

Attention to detail is evident in the amenities provided:

The bedding is soft, fine, and gentle on the skin, and if needed, you can call housekeeping to request a memory foam pillow, latex pillow, or contoured pillow, ensuring a perfect fit for your preference.

Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and facial soap are all from the Bamford geranium series, delivering a high-quality bathing experience.

Simply turn on the tap to fill the tub, add some bath salts, laze in the bath while watching TV, and let relaxation soak into every pore.

Then brew a cup of coffee with the capsule machine, and all fatigue and stress just melt away.

Sliding open the glass doors to the oversized scenic terrace, you're greeted by the natural beauty of Phoenix Mountain.

The sea of green, and the serene environment make you feel as if you're in a natural oxygen bar.

This is exactly the kind of vacation I yearn for.

Conghua is renowned as a hot spring village, and Congdu International Manor draws on rare radon-rich hot spring water.

We informed our butler of our wish to bathe, and he promptly drove us by electric cart to the hot spring on the mid-slope of Phoenix Mountain.

The spring water, at around 38°C, contains no added herbs, so you can clearly see its pristine clarity.

Surrounded by rocks and lush plants, with the misty vapor, you feel as if you've stepped into another world.

This must be what a hidden paradise looks like.

Hot spring bathing in summer is a unique pleasure, soaking in a world-class radon spring comparable to those in Switzerland.

The fatigue is lifted away by the rising steam, and long-accumulated tiredness gradually fades, leaving you completely at ease, and every breath brims with joy.

For even greater health benefits, you can sip a specially brewed wellness tea.

I personally love the roselle tea, its subtle sweet-sour taste soothing to the throat.

Congdu Recreation Center

The recreation center at Congdu International Manor offers personalized fitness and entertainment facilities.

The gym is equipped with 21 high-end exercise machines and a dedicated aerobics room, so you can maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle even while traveling.

The outdoor scenic swimming pool sits along the central landscape axis, nestled among the gardens, with blooming flowers, shady trees, and a babbling brook.

The sleek indoor heated pool offers a consistently comfortable temperature, providing a pleasant space for a relaxing swim.

The center also features a kids' club, with a playground, slides, swings, archery area, sandpit, and more.

No need for itineraries or rushing around, you can enjoy wonderful family moments right here.

The manor has several different restaurants to satisfy every palate.

We enjoyed our buffet breakfast and dinner at Yuxiang Garden.

The breakfast buffet there is plentiful, most memorably featuring traditional Cantonese dim sum.

The rising steam carries the unique fragrance of the dim sum, with siu mai, shrimp dumplings, steamed spare ribs, chicken feet, and more.

A bowl of seafood congee, brimming with fresh ingredients, wins your stomach over instantly with its sweet, delicate flavor.

Individually packaged corn chips, Kashi yogurt, and Yakult are very popular, and Demae Itcho noodle soup is a go-to breakfast choice for many.

Colorful fresh-squeezed juices are both tasty and healthy.

The Western-style dinner at Yuxiang Garden was even more impressive.

The dinner, composed of appetizer, soup, main course, and dessert, was full of ceremonial flair.

Scallop with Mango and Asparagus Vegetable Salad

Plump scallops pan-seared to golden on both sides, paired with mango, asparagus, and greens, created a mouthwatering symphony of an appetizer.

Prawn Caesar Salad

Fresh prawns with a firm, springy texture, tossed in a thoughtfully balanced dressing, offering richly layered flavors in every bite.

Truffle Mushroom Cream Soup

The truffle mushroom cream soup was stunningly delicious, its intense flavor waking up the taste buds with just one spoonful, the smooth, creamy sensation gliding over the palate, with a lingering hint of black truffle fragrance.

Grass-Fed Tomahawk Steak

The tomahawk steak, grilled to a perfect medium, was impressively generous in portion.

Cutting through it slowly with knife and fork, the pink, marbled interior was incredibly tempting.

If you prefer a lighter taste, just a sprinkle of salt brings out the natural flavors, while a richer taste calls for a dip in black pepper sauce, revealing the steak's tender, juicy character.

The pan-fried sea bass fillet was cooked to perfection, retaining the fish's succulence while fully releasing its delicate aroma.

The mango mousse's presentation was love at first sight, the bright mango mousse clinging to a buttery biscuit base, each bite refreshingly pleasant with a gentle aftertaste.

This journey to Congdu International Manor, while savoring the tranquility away from the outside world and taking in the mountain, forest, and stream views, made me grateful for such small, happy moments.