Road Trip | Must-Visit Heyuan Within a Two-Hour Drive, A Light Two-Day-One-Night Getaway

In Heyuan, Guangdong, there is a hidden European-style treasure resort—Heyuan Bavaria Manor! With its castle-style architecture, strong German ambiance, and colorful windmill elements, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

Driving from Guangzhou to Heyuan Bavaria Manor is the best way to get there; the journey takes about two hours, all on highways. After exiting the highway, there are very clear signs. The main entrance of the manor is under construction, so it is more convenient to use the east gate.

I have visited Bavaria Manor several times and experienced it in different seasons, but this is my first time bringing my child. This time we directly checked into the private hot spring luxury lake-view room at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel inside the manor. As soon as we opened the door, my baby was very excited. Although he has stayed in many hotels, rooms with an in-room hot spring pool are rare. Seeing the hot spring pool, he eagerly said he wanted to soak!

Additionally, the large hotel balcony offers a very comfortable feeling. Below the balcony, the emerald green lake and the distant mountains and buildings create a beautiful picture.

The hotel's Jiayuan Chinese restaurant specializes in Hakka cuisine and Cantonese dishes. Here you can taste authentic Hakka foods: Hakka salted chicken and Hakka stuffed tofu are must-haves. Then enjoy a fresh river delicacy from Wanlv Lake or the signature braised goose—a truly satisfying feast!

For kids, the first choice is the Black Forest Amusement Park in the manor, which combines different themed areas. Children can freely choose their favorite activities: amusement rides, cable cars, walk-through roller coasters, carousels, spinning teacups, etc. An active child will have so much fun they can't stop!

The hotel's children's playroom offers a variety of games. Every child can find something they love, and there are dedicated staff on hand—perfect for giving parents a break.

Take the cable car to the highest point of the manor, the hilltop platform, where you can try spinning disco, hurricane flying chairs, and the Instagram-famous walk-through roller coaster. Enjoy a high-altitude strolling experience that is also great for photos. Kids can happily play there too.

On the Bavaria Bridge, my baby played with his newly acquired toy car, completely immersed in his own world, as if he had the whole bridge to himself.

Under the night sky, the family strolled hand in hand along the Rhine River, surrounded by the enchanting fragrance of the Mai Lang Hua Gu valley and the dazzling night lights. Isn't this happiness?

You can also visit the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) hot spring pool. Bask in the comfort of the hot springs for a winter nourishing journey that rejuvenates your body and mind. Hotel guests have complimentary access to the hot springs and can enter unlimited times during the day—pretty great, isn't it?

Another must-visit spot in the manor is Fuyuan Temple, the first Hakka enclosed-house-style temple. Inside stands a gilded bronze Bodhi sacred tree, 13.7 meters tall, made from 18 tons of gilded bronze, inspired by the story of Shakyamuni attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The entire tree has 4,800 golden leaves, lush and canopy-like, emitting a brilliant light.

Detailed address: Wan Dong Tourism Area, Gaopugang, Yuancheng District, Heyuan City, Guangdong Province

1. High-speed rail: After the Ganzhou-Shenzhen High-Speed Railway opened, you can take a high-speed train from the Pearl River Delta region.

2. Self-driving: For family trips, driving is the best option. The highway exit is just 10 minutes from the manor!