Emei Shan is a scenic area situated in the southern part of the Sichuan province. It is home to a gorgeous expanse of greenery, in the form of the Emeishan National Park, which is home to the lofty Mount Emei. This is a spiritually significant site, as a famous monk was believed to have attained enlightenment here. The mountain itself is imbued with a special aura that has led to more than a hundred temples and monasteries adorning its jade-green surrounds.
Ribboning around the mountain are the famous Emei Shan Hot Springs that afford much-welcome rest and relaxation to all comers. Although visitors have an extensive choice of hot springs to soak in, the most popular are those at the Hongzhu and Lingxui hotels. These oases are located in close proximity to the famed Baoguo Temple scenic area, which means you can enjoy blissful panoramas whilst the hot springs ease away the cares of the day.
Tickets are required to enjoy the hot springs. Upon first arrival in the area, you will encounter a literal swarm of ticket-touts, but shop around the restaurants in the area to secure tickets at reasonable prices. RMB110-120 is fair. The walk-in rates are around RMB168, but if you surf around online, web specials are also available at around RM98.
If you are not on a budget, consider splurging on the Lingxiu hot spring, as you will be treated to an amazing experience from the start to finish. Enter the expansive and airy lobby of the property, at which point you will be offered a pair of comfy slippers and directed to your own personal locker where you can store your personal things. Slip on a bathing suit and you’re given a soft, plush bathrobe that is perfect to lounge in. Head on out to the public area which is dotted with more than ten outdoor and indoor pools to choose from. The striking contrast of the crisp mountain air and the soothing hot springs is delicious to experience.
Each pool offers a different aspect to sample and savour, so plunge in! Some are like your traditional swimming pools, whilst the other feature more organic designs peppered with huge boulders to relax on. Other pools are shallow, which are ideal if you are travelling with kids, and a few even feature Jacuzzi-style jets that are sublime to soak in. A few pools even feature “doctor fish”, which are those little nippers who will eat dead skin whilst you snooze. However, you should avoid them if you are the overly ticklish sort.
If you are travelling in the area and are seeking a five-star Emeishan hotel to host your stay, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Perched within the verdant foothills of Mount Emei, you will discover an idyllic Sichuan hotel at the Anantara Emei Resort & Spa, China, which affords a tranquil getaway from the bustle and grind of the bigger cities in the region.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+
