Tour The Historic Deng Xiaoping Villa In China's Zhongshan Hot Springs Resort

While I was winding my way through the labyrinth of memories from my time spent at the Zhongshan Hot Springs Resort, the atmosphere of the 1980s wrapped itself about me like a warm blanket. The hotel was far more than it appeared to be. Long before the area became the vibrant center that it is today, it was designed and constructed as an example of resort-style living that was expansive. It was the first resort of its kind in Southern China and is famous for this attribute.  The hotel's hot springs and pool, which were situated in beautifully manicured grounds that appeared to preserve secrets from another era, were its most cherished features, despite the fact that it also had 400 guestrooms, a professional golf course with 36 holes, and giant conference facilities.  Over the years, I spent my fair share of time at the hot springs there and even stayed in some of the more aging rooms (which recently began major renovations). 

An unforgettable event was having the opportunity to meet up with my friend Ricardo Volt from Brazil, a Grammy award winning musician who now makes Zhongshan the home for him and his family. His energy seemed to dissolve into the lush oasis that around him. He’s a very calm and soft spoken guy and a place like this was definitely his element.  Ricardo was filming a segment for My Zhongshan, a video series we often partnered in and he invited me to sample a dish that held a considerable amount of historical significance for the resort. During his visit to mainland China in the 1980s, Michael Jackson ate the same vegetarian meal that he had previously eaten. The Lohan Vegetarian dish was more than just a collection of vegetables; it was a gourmet ode to the vegetarianism of the King of Pop, with its intricate blend of components such as bamboo shoots, lotus seeds, mushrooms, and other elements. Without a doubt, the breathtaking backdrop helped to the overall enhancement of the experience.

Guests who are searching for a place to stay that offers peace and quiet as well as a flavor of history may find it at the resort, which was a favorite among celebrities as well as wealthy individuals.  Surely there are more luxurious options on this side of the Pearl River Delta, but the history and fame of the property is the ultimate alure.   

The management of the resort invited for a rare tour of what they call Villa #1, or the Deng Xiaoping Villa. They almost never let cameras into this place.  This sprawling accommodation was designed specifically for Deng Xiaoping's visit in 1984, and it was intended to be a time capsule to the features that were emblematic of the era. From the low-set bed that accommodated Deng's age and height, to the stained-glass windows that showed the four ancient Chinese beauties, there was a tribute to the time and the dignitaries that it hosted in every detail. The antique switches (by today’s standards), marble pillars, and brass railings were all retained in pristine condition, affording a glimpse into history.  Although modern touches such as flat screen TVs and Wifi have been included, it doesn’t distract from the intricate traditionally carved wood furniture in the welcome lobby and private office.

The outdoor space was enormous, with a good-sized swimming pool just beckoning a dip during a warm day.  Overlooking the pool, and indeed the entire compound, was a gazabo fit for an emperor.  My favorite room, however, was the glass-walled conference room adorned with leather chairs, traditional artwork, and proximity to the glistening waters outside.  How could anyone ever get work done with such a draw within a quick glimpse? 

Taking into consideration the hot summers that Guangdong experiences, the house offers rooms that are spacious and airy; an example of how architecture can successfully blend aesthetics and practicality, Even the snooker room featured a full-size snooker table. This was in contrast to the bar-size tables that are commonplace everywhere else. This meticulousness was evident in every section of the villa, from the relatively understated dining room to the servants' quarters and the wife's own, smaller room. It was a reflection of the social mores that prevailed then.

Nevertheless, the hot springs themselves were the highlight of the experience. This is what you come here for.   The hot springs themselves are varied in size, temperature, and brew.  They’re not natural pools, per se, but carved into the resort’s gardens.  With little effort, you can find a quiet place to sit and soak.  Hot tea, of course, is available everywhere and the giant swimming pool in the very center is accessible from at least half of the hot springs.  This swimming pool is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, and definitely the best one in the city of Zhongshan.

There is plenty of culture, history, and splendor at the Zhongshan Hot Springs Resort, which is surrounded by both nature and the town on Sanxiang just out the front gates.  It gives you the peace one might be searching for but with a little digging, you’ll find that history that is unique to itself; blending the extraordinary and the everyday in a way that is captivating. It's a painful reminder that places have stories that compel us to pause, examine, and value, even in the face of the passage of time or our own desires for a good, hot soak.