Longsheng Hot Springs National Forest Park and Holiday Areas
Situated in Longsheng, a multi-ethnic autonomous county in Guangxi Autonomous Region, Longsheng Hot Springs National Forest Park is 132 kilometers (about 82 miles) northwest of Guilin. Covering an area of 260 hectares (about 642 acres), the park boasts a dense primeval forest, various rare animals and plants, as well as its famous hot springs. The weather here is very pleasant with an average year round temperature of 17C (about 63F) providing a nice escape from the summer heat.
There are many mountains in the park including Five Swords, Monkey and Chessboard mountains, etc. On these mountains, several varieties of green trees form a large forest that is home to some unique mammals including black bears, macaques, civets, and giant salamanders. Additionally, there are over 1,500 kinds of rare plants, such as ginkgos, yews, and Chinese tulip trees.
The best known attraction in the park is the sixteen hot springs. These springs can spout over 1,200 meters from underground with water temperatures ranging from 45C(113F) to 58C(136F). Experts have determined that the waters contain various elements including zinc, manganese, lithium, strontium and iron that are beneficial to health. Bathing in the springs is not only healthful, but can reputedly alleviate diseases such as cardiopathy and rheumatism as well as certain skin conditions. Unlike other hot springs, the water here is so pure and limpid that it can be drunk directly from the source. It is no wonder that Longsheng is the most famous hot springs in south China.
As Longsheng has a diverse population, there are many opportunities to observe different Chinese minority groups. The Zhuang, Miao, Dong and Yao sminorities are well represented in the county. Visitors are invariably impressed by the colorful life of these groups with their distinctive music, dances, and architectures.
The park has extensive facilities for travelers. There are resort houses, bath centers, hotels, restaurants, malls, banks and entertainment venues. Visitors have the best of both worlds here-the park's natural beauty combined with a plethora of modern conveniences.