Explore Yichun's Gongliao Hot Springs: A Unique Getaway to Lesser-Known Hot Springs

Yichun Gongliao Hot Springs is located in Wentang Town at the foot of Mount Mingyue, a national 5A scenic area. As a sanatorium directly under the Jiangxi Federation of Trade Unions, its hot spring water is rich in selenium and is naturally unheated, making it a rare "true hot spring" in the area. Compared to the bustling main scenic area of Mount Mingyue, Gongliao Hot Springs is a better choice for in-depth travel due to its secret mountain forest environment and cost-effective experience. Below, the blogger provides you with a niche travel guide to Yichun hot springs, away from the crowds: 1. Hot Spring Experience: Healing Time in a Secret Mountain Forest 1. Featured Facilities - Outdoor Pools: 25 pools built against the mountain, distributed among bamboo forests and streams. We recommend the "Selenium-Rich Original Soup Pool" (water temperature 42℃) and the "Mugwort Medicated Bath Pool" (relieves fatigue). At dusk, the pool surface is filled with mist, blending with the mountain scenery, like a fairyland. - Indoor Heated Pool: A standard 25-meter pool with a constant water temperature of 28℃, suitable for swimming enthusiasts. There is a hydrotherapy massage pool next to the pool where you can experience back hydro-impacts. - Audio-Visual Lounge: After soaking in the hot springs, you can watch movies on the beanbag chairs, with complimentary fruit platters and ginger tea. 2. Useful Tips - Tickets: Adult tickets are ¥109 (including all pools, swimming pool, and lounge). Children under 1.2 meters are free. It is recommended to book one day in advance through Trip.com and other platforms to enjoy a ¥10–20 discount. - Opening Hours: 14:00–22:00 (last entry at 21:00). Avoid the afternoon peak on weekends; there are fewer people after 17:00 in the evening. - Equipment: Bring your own swimsuit and slippers. The hot spring area provides towels and lockers. If you need SPA services (such as ear cleaning ¥38, massage ¥198), it is recommended to book 1 hour in advance. 2. Surrounding Activities: 24-Hour In-Depth Travel Guide 1. Mount Mingyue Scenic Area: Natural Wonders and Zen Experience - Core Attractions: - Qingyun Plank Road: Suspended on a thousand-meter cliff, it feels like walking in the clouds when the sea of clouds is surging (it is recommended to arrive before 8:00 am to avoid the crowds). - Moon Lake: A high-mountain lake where you can take a small train around the lake (¥50/person) or walk to the "Star Moon Cave" to see stalactites. - Yungu Waterfall: A 119-meter waterfall with abundant water after rain, suitable for shooting panoramic views of the waterfall. - Tickets: ¥95 (including one-way cable car). It is recommended to buy a combo ticket for "Ticket + Cable Car + Small Train" (¥180). 2. Wentang Town Nightlife: A Collision of Local Life and Culture - Ancient Well Spring Street: Lanterns are hung high at night. It is recommended to try "Hot Spring Tofu" (¥15/portion) and "Selenium-Rich Salted Duck Eggs" (¥5/each). There are folk performances (Nu dance, tea art) every Friday night. - Mineral Hot Spring Night Market: Open-air food stalls. Must-try dishes are "Cihua Chicken" (optional spiciness) and "Yichun Zha Fen" (¥12/portion), paired with local "Site Liquor" for a drink. 3. Niche Secret Spots: Hidden Gems With Few People and Beautiful Scenery - Yangfeng Village: 12 km from Wentang Town, hike the "Red Army Cave" loop (3 hours) to explore red relics and waterfall groups. - Zhuojiang Scenic Area: A combination of karst caves and lakes. Take a boat tour of "White Dragon Cave" (¥60/person). The stalactites in the cave are fantastically beautiful under the lights. 3. Food Map: Yichun on the Tip of Your Tongue 1. Must-Eat Snacks - Yuanzhou Mugwort Cake: Glutinous rice wrapped in bean paste or pickles, with a strong aroma of mugwort. We recommend "Lao Zhang Jia Ai Ye Ba" (¥3/each) in Wentang Town. - Bao Yuan: Taro flour skin wrapped in meat filling, shaped like a triangular zongzi, eaten with chili sauce. "Kejia Courtyard" Restaurant (Gujingquan Street Branch) is a time-honored brand. - Hu Geng: A thick soup made with pig blood, tofu, and mushrooms, served with fried bread stick crumbs. The most authentic one is at "Yichun Taste" Restaurant (Yuanzhou District Branch). 2. Featured Restaurants - Mineral Hot Spring Hotel Restaurant: The main dish is selenium-rich spring water fish (¥68/0.5 kg), the fish is tender and the soup is clear and sweet. - Nanmiao Tofu Restaurant: 8 km from Wentang Town, the "Tofu Feast" made with freshly ground tofu (¥40/person), we recommend "Tofu Pao Shao Rou". 4. Accommodation Recommendations: Diverse Choices From High-Star Hotels to Homestays 1. Accommodation in the Gongliao Hot Spring - Sanatorium Standard Room: ¥380/night (including breakfast for two + hot spring tickets). The rooms are simple and a 5-minute walk to the hot spring area, suitable for tourists seeking convenience. - Selenium-Rich Health Apartment: ¥580/night (two bedrooms and one living room), with a kitchen and independent hot spring pool, suitable for families or couples. 2. Boutique Homestays in Wentang Town - Ru Ni Suo Yuan Homestay: Zen design, private hot spring courtyard room ¥680/night, providing free Hanfu experience. - Old Rain New Knowledge: Nordic style loft, 5-minute walk to the hot spring area, family room ¥520/night, including breakfast and hot spring transfer. 5. Precautions 1. Hot Spring Taboos: It is not advisable to soak in the hot springs on an empty stomach, after drinking alcohol, or for people with high blood pressure. Each soak should not exceed 15 minutes. 2. Weather Equipment: Yichun is rainy in April, it is recommended to bring a folding umbrella and non-slip shoes. The temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountainous area is large, so a thin coat is required. 3. Cultural Experience: During the Qingming Festival (April 4–6), Wentang Town has a "Mugwort Blessing" folk activity, where you can participate in making mugwort sachets. The charm of Gongliao Hot Springs lies in its perfect integration of the professionalism of recuperation and the relaxation of vacation. Here, you can not only enjoy the healing effects of selenium-rich hot springs, but also deeply experience the beauty and local life of the mountains and rivers of western Jiangxi. It is recommended to arrange a 2–3 day trip to slowly savor the unique charm of this "hot spring town".