Hu Shan Hot Spring Hotel

A lovely, affordable nature getaway. After parking, you cross the suspension bridge on foot to reach the full-service resort. Depending on your budget, you can choose a three-story villa with a private spa or a standard room. The standard rooms are clean and the bed linens are so comfortable, though the rooms feel dated and there's no elevator. Breakfast is included, with options that can satisfy a western palate too.

I only went for a dip in the Hotspring bath, not to stay at the Hotel. It's an incredibly tranquil spot. Coming across the old Suspension bridge gives you a wonderful sense of arrival, with a breathtaking valley view before you reach the Hotel/Hotspring. Prices are very reasonable. At the time I wrote this, hotel guests could use the Hotspring all day. The Public Hotspring bath was fine, though the indoor ones looked a little old. The outdoor bath looked nicer and had a good view, but the water was too hot for me. I found the layout a bit confusing, though maybe that's because I don't visit hot springs often. Women have a separate changing area; for men, the changing space leads from the lobby to the baths, and women can access it too. The men's shower cubicles also open straight into the public bath area, so they're fully visible. You have to get dressed inside a slightly tight cubicle before walking through the public bath area to leave the Hot Spring premises. Even with those shortcomings, the hotel's peaceful setting outweighs them for me. I'd likely try staying here next time I'm in the country.

At night, having tea beneath the stars made time feel like it had slowed down. The simple room, with its warm wood tones, was cozy and relaxing too. Tucked away in the mountains, this little hot spring retreat feels far removed from the world. The water temperature was just right, and soaking while listening to leaves rustle outside was pure relaxation. More than a place to stay, it felt healing. I'll definitely come back and share this gem with my friends.

The hotpot dinner was okay. It's a nice spot to unwind, with the hotspring in a tiled pool. The water in the hotel bathroom gets slippery because it comes from underground.