Put a spring in your step
The hot springs of Jiangmen are a great way to relax. Best thing of all, they are right in Hong Kong's own backyard of the Pearl River Delta
Think of them as hot springs with Chinese characteristics. At their best, they offer such five-star amenities as herbal baths, massages on platforms heated by subterranean springs, tropical landscaping, waterfalls, and multi-bedroom suites in zen-like surroundings. At the material level, it doesn't get much better than this. And there is just enough local colour to remind you that this isn't Bali.
It is precisely the absence of well-oiled international tourism routines that makes Jiangmen's hot springs so much fun. Without the outdoor giant-screen televisions, the Polynesian dancers, the Canto-pop floorshows, the eggs cooked in naturally heated spring water, the wave pools, or the open-air karaoke, you might just get bored after lingering for a couple of hours in liquid comfort. As a spokeswoman for the Jiangmen Tourist Bureau points out: 'The Chinese like excitement.'
Located at the border of tectonic plates, the four counties that fall under Jiangmen's jurisdiction are full of natural hot springs. Because these subterranean rivers can reach temperatures of as high as 80 degrees Centigrade, at some locations steam emitted from the natural wells can envelope the landscape in mist at dawn and dusk. It is a stunning sight to behold.
Jiangmen boasts six hot spring resorts: four in Enping, one in Xinhui, and another at Taishan. A seventh resort will open in Taishan in May. Restaurants, snack bars, and karaoke facilities are generally provided. Morning coffee isn't. If you need that first cup to start off your day, you'd better bring some of the powered variety to fix in your room - just in case.
The Gudou Hot Spring Tourist Resort in Xinhui is located adjacent to what was known in more revolutionary times as the East Is Red Reservoir. If only Mao could see it now. The newest of Jiangmen's hot spring resorts, it is also the most upscale, with the widest range of facilities. The springs themselves are nestled within a valley of craggy rust-coloured rocks and natural vegetation, and the resort is divided into three sections - Japanese, Tang Dynasty, and European. The first two house guest rooms, mostly upscale multi-room suites targeted at the corporate getaway crowd. The last houses food and beverage outlets, including - of course - the karaoke lounge. Staff are there every few steps to make sure everything is spotlessly clean and that a fresh towel is always within reach. But it doesn't stop there. The massive complex includes a lake with several man-made islands and a man-made beach, several wooden huts, additional food and beverage outlets, a barbecue area (you can rent the equipment), and additional hotel rooms. Room tariffs run from 380 yuan for a standard double room on weekdays all the way up to 16,800 yuan for a six-room presidential suite on weekends and holidays.
One of the most popular with visitors from Hong Kong is the Jinjiang Hot Spring in Enping, a family style complex with more than 50 outdoor pools. Accommodation ranges from a 208-room hotel to 87 European style villas, and nine Japanese style wooden huts. Conference facilities are available for up to 220 people. Room tariffs range from 488 yuan for a standard single or twin room to 5,780 yuan for a seven bedroom, two living room pavilion. Tickets for non-hotel guests are 88 yuan.