Senior officials who have stayed in this resort’s exclusive villas include former president Jiang Zemin and former premier Li Peng. But it was the late former paramount leader, Deng Xiaoping, who put it on the map. In l984, when Deng was hiking up Sister Luo’s Hill, at the ripe old age of 79, officials who urged him to head back to the hotel were rebuffed with the now-famous statement that “There’s no turning back”. It was a time when his reforms seemed to be coming under threat from conservative hardliners. It is looking its age (25 years) in places these days, but the resort nevertheless still has comfortable rooms, suites, and villas. Moreover, the spring water is said to make some of the world’s best tea. The resort is located near a 500-year-old village called Old Crane Village, which is worth a short side trip if you have time.
Zhongshan Hot Spring Resort 中山温泉宾馆
Sanxiang Township 三乡镇
(86-760) 668 3888
www.zshs.com
