A premium hot spring wellness resort is set for a soft opening during the upcoming 8-day Golden Week Holiday (from Oct. 1-8) in Huizhou, a scenic city in Guangdong province positioned as the "Outdoor Sports Capital of South China."
Resort villa and outdoor pool
The retreat is located in Longmen County in northwestern Huizhou City, known as the "Hometown of Chinese Hot Springs."
Transformed from Changtan Village, a historic settlement, it is now an integrated complex featuring themed boutique B&Bs, private hot spring baths, and cultural experiences.
Interior of a villa of the resort's Bed and Breakfast
It is easily accessible, with a two-hour drive from both Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Guests can soak in mineral-rich thermal waters sourced locally, savor regional delicacies like mountain-spring tofu, Hakka ai ci (mugwort rice cakes), Changtan rice noodles, and dried tangerine peel, or participate in hands-on workshops to learn intangible cultural heritage crafts such as making ai ci. The site also includes cafes, bars, and a cigar lounge to cater to diverse tastes.
The design preserves architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with original brick-and-tile structures adorned with woodcarvings and brick reliefs. A harmonious blend of traditional Chinese elements—such as grey-brick walls and dark-tiled roofs—and Western-style balconies and open-air hot springs creates a unique aesthetic.
The project reflects Huizhou's broader initiative to rejuvenate ancient villages, aiming to improve the living conditions of the rural population.
Changtan Village was once a fading "hollow village" plagued by population decline and dilapidated homes. The rejuvenation brought an investment of approximately 300 million yuan to the village.
Villagers can share the benefits of the hot spring resort project through multiple channels: land compensation, rental income, profit-sharing from resort operations, and job opportunities for residents as guides, service staff, or entrepreneurs running shops within the complex.
In trial operation for the Golden Week Holiday, the Changtan Village hot spring retreat project is expected to officially open by February 2026, coinciding with the Chinese New Year holiday.
By then, the resort is projected to attract 50,000 visitors monthly, generating over 50 million yuan in annual revenue. It is expected to increase village collective income by 500,000 yuan annually, raise individual household earnings by more than 6 million yuan, and create over 100 local jobs.
Traditional architecture in old villages attracts visitors to dress in Hanfu for vintage-style social media posts.
Changtan is one of many rural revitalization projects underway along the corridor linking Mount Nankun and Mount Luofu—two major natural attractions in Huizhou.
Outdoor sports enthusiasts cycle on Huizhou's 218-kilometer scenic highway.
A 218-kilometer scenic highway, opened in June 2025 for transportation and outdoor sporting activities, connects nine towns and 54 villages, boosting outdoor tourism and local commerce. As of late 2025, the area had 145 projects under construction and 128 completed, with total investments exceeding 51.7 billion yuan.
Related news:
Huizhou galvanizes rural economy with grand launch of 218 km "most scenic tourism highway"
Reporter | Huang Xinyi
Photo | Qin Shaolong, Previous report of South
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
