1H direct from Guangzhou, a complete guide to autumn hot spring vacation in Ruyuan

Autumn is the perfect time for hot springs! This time I’m sharing a personally tested, less crowded and fun place—Shaoguan Ruyuan. You can enjoy autumn scenery, soak in hot springs, and even stumble upon the Yao ethnic “market day,” experiencing the rich local Yao hospitality. - 🗺 Route and activities D1｜Depart Guangzhou → Yao Village cultural tour → Check in at Lanshanyuan Guangzhou South Station / self-driving → Nanshui Reservoir (nature oxygen) → Bibei Village (ancient Yao village) → Check in at [Lanshanyuan Lingnan Oriental Hot Spring Hotel] D2｜Mountain forest autumn colors + hot spring relaxation Lanshanyuan → Yunmen Temple (ginkgo viewing) → Bayi Yao New Village (ethnic minority life) → Xiaohuangguoshu Waterfall (natural secret spot) → Night hot spring soak in room D3｜Lakeside morning soak + return with market visit Early morning hot spring soak → Lakeside boardwalk stroll → Daqiao Town market day (buy local specialties) → Return to Guangzhou - 🌄 Highlights · Bibei Village & Bayi Yao New Village The oldest Yao ethnic settlements, with winding stone paths and layered tile roofs. In autumn, golden rice fields and curling cooking smoke make it feel like stepping into a documentary. · Yunmen Temple Yunmen Temple in autumn is layered with colors, ginkgo leaves dye the mountain temple yellow. Climb to the top for a misty view, with the temple bell softly ringing below—a perfect blend of movement and stillness. · Xiaohuangguoshu Waterfall Ruyuan’s hidden “natural oxygen bar,” with roaring waterfalls and cool mountain forest, perfect for walking and photo ops. · Lanshanyuan Hot Spring Resort A Southeast Asian style resort, the Shanyu Lake villa area has standalone villas with private hot springs and a surfing pool. Soaking while enjoying lake views, the mist melts away all worries~ - 🏡 Accommodation｜Lanshanyuan Lingnan Oriental Hot Spring Hotel Shanyu Lake Villas: 270° lake views surround you, with private soaking pools. The large soaking pool on the first floor has stunning views that you won’t want to leave! Bali-style Hot Spring Center: 40+ pools surrounded by tropical plants, the sky mirror & infinity pools are 100% photogenic. Shanyu Lake Café: Sitting by the lake at sunset, drinking juice and eating pastries while watching the sun reflect on the water is so healing ☕️ Non-motorized playground & lakeside boardwalk: Great for families, evening strolls with a breeze are very comfortable. - 1️⃣ About 3H drive from Guangzhou, 1H by high-speed train, hotel offers shuttle from the train station (advance booking required) 2️⃣ Market days in Daqiao Town are on the 1st and 6th of each month, where you can buy the freshest Yao specialties—don’t miss it! 3️⃣ Autumn and winter are the most beautiful seasons at Lanshanyuan, from October to December you can enjoy both autumn views and hot springs - The steam from the hot springs, the cool autumn breeze, and the red leaves in the mountains In Ruyuan, these three blend perfectly into a “Guangdong-style slow autumn travel picture”