Nestled in the tranquil outskirts of Jiangmen, the Long Chan
Resort in Xinhui initially promises a relaxing escape from the city. Advertised
as a four-star property with a blend of natural beauty and family-friendly
amenities, it was meant to be a quiet retreat where I could recharge. However,
the experience turned out to be one of those travel adventures that didn’t go
as planned.
Let me share my walkabout experience at Long Chan Resort,
highlighting both the potential and pitfalls of this sprawling yet
underwhelming destination.
The approach to the resort is quite striking, with tree-lined roads leading to an expansive complex. This resort features a mix of old and new facilities, including a luxurious tower, older bungalows, and a lake area that’s supposed to offer serene views and relaxation. However, as I soon discovered, appearances can be deceiving.
Upon check-in, the staff at the front desk were very
courteous and accommodating, letting me check in early at 10 a.m. Despite the
rainy weather, their warm hospitality set a positive tone. However, navigating
the resort proved to be a challenge. Signs and maps were mostly in Chinese, and
I had to rely on my survival Mandarin to find my way. The resort’s sheer size,
coupled with its disjointed layout, made it feel like a maze.
I was assigned a room in the older section of the resort, a
stark contrast to the newer, more opulent tower. At 260 RMB (approximately
$36), it wasn’t a bad deal, but the room showed its age. The furniture was
dated, and while the room was clean, it lacked the modern touches you’d expect
from a four-star property.
The bed setup was unique—a twin-sized bed next to a
double-sized one, seemingly designed for families with children. However, the
mismatched blankets and lack of a cohesive aesthetic detracted from the overall
appeal. Other quirks included floorboards with odd divots that made walking
feel uneven and a viewing area that offered little more than a glimpse of the
back alley.
One bright spot was the inclusion of an umbrella—perfect for
the rainy season and a thoughtful touch, even if it had the wrong room number
printed on it!
The resort boasts several facilities, including a lake, a
beach-style pool, and natural attractions like waterfalls and streams.
Unfortunately, many of these features were either closed or in a state of
disrepair.
- The
Lake: While picturesque from a distance, the water appeared murky, and
there was little activity around it.
- The
Pool Area: Advertised as a key feature, the pool had clearly not been
maintained for some time.
- Natural
Attractions: Access to the mountain trails and streams was one of the
resort’s selling points, but the lack of clear signage and rainy weather
made exploration unappealing.
One of the most striking aspects of my stay was the eerie
emptiness. The older section of the resort, where I stayed, was practically
deserted. The lobby felt like a relic of the past, with no staff in sight and a
silence that was almost unsettling. While the newer tower seemed livelier, the
contrast only emphasized the neglect of the older facilities.
The rain that had been a constant companion throughout my
visit added a surreal layer to my exploration. Armed with an umbrella that
proved mostly useless against the downpour, I trudged through the empty resort,
my clothes thoroughly soaked. The absence of guests or staff created an almost
post-apocalyptic vibe, as though I had stumbled upon an abandoned paradise.
One of the resort’s key attractions is its hot springs area,
a feature prominently advertised in its promotional materials. However, the
reality fell short of the promise.
The hot springs complex consisted of several pools, each
designated with varying temperatures ranging from “warm” to “very hot.” Yet,
most pools were lukewarm at best, more akin to bathtub water than the soothing
heat one expects from a proper hot spring. Signs of neglect were
everywhere—peeling paint, empty pools, and debris scattered around the area.
One pool caught my attention with its striking blue water, but the color seemed unnatural and more likely a product of chemicals than mineral richness. The lack of attendants or visible maintenance raised questions about the safety and cleanliness of the springs. It was both fascinating and unsettling to explore a facility that felt entirely forgotten.
Beyond the hot springs, I came across a lake that could have
been picturesque under different circumstances. Surrounded by lush greenery and
fed by rainwater cascading from the nearby mountains, it had potential as a
tranquil spot for relaxation. Unfortunately, the water was murky and
uninviting, likely a result of the heavy rainfall. Swimming was understandably prohibited, and
the lack of infrastructure around the lake suggested it had been long neglected
as an attraction.
The resort’s layout includes steep staircases leading to
higher vantage points and private hot springs nestled within the hillside.
These secluded spots could have been luxurious retreats for guests seeking
privacy and serenity. Instead, they stood empty and forlorn, their gates pried
open and pathways overgrown.
Climbing those stairs in the rain was a challenge, but the
views from the top were worth it. The surrounding mountains, shrouded in mist,
offered a glimpse of the natural beauty that the resort was meant to showcase.
It was easy to imagine how lively and vibrant this place might have been in its
heyday.
The situation at Long Chan Resort is not unique. Across
China, numerous resorts and attractions have faced similar fates. China's hospitality industry is vast and
competitive, and properties that fail to adapt to changing consumer preferences
often find themselves struggling. For Long Chan, its reliance on outdated
facilities and the lack of modern marketing efforts may be contributing
factors.
Perhaps the most frustrating part of my stay was the lack of
dining options. On a Monday night, the resort’s restaurants were inexplicably
closed. The staff suggested taking a taxi into town to find dinner, which would
have significantly increased the cost of my stay. Faced with no viable options
for food, I decided to check out and head home instead of spending the night
hungry in an isolated resort.
Despite its flaws, the Long Chan Resort has potential. The
grounds are lush and well-removed from the city’s hustle and bustle, offering a
peaceful environment for those looking to escape. The bungalows and villas
could be charming if they were updated and better maintained.
The resort also has the advantage of being located near
natural attractions and Xinhui’s renowned cultural sites. With a little more
investment in infrastructure and services, it could become a sought-after
destination for families and nature lovers.
The Long Chan Resort is situated in Jiangmen’s Xinhui
district, an area with a fascinating history and cultural significance. Known
as the "Hometown of Overseas Chinese," Jiangmen has long been a hub
for emigration, and its residents have left their mark on communities around
the world.
Xinhui itself is famous for its citrus industry,
particularly the production of dried tangerine peels, a prized ingredient in
traditional Chinese medicine. The region is also home to scenic spots like the
Guifeng Mountain National Forest Park, a popular destination for hiking and
nature enthusiasts.
While my experience at the resort was less than ideal, the
surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. This trip served as a reminder that even the
best-laid plans can go awry. Resorts like Long Chan often promise more than
they deliver, and it’s important to manage expectations, especially in less
tourist-centric regions.
Would I return to Long Chan Resort? Perhaps, but only if I
had confirmation that the facilities were fully operational and the dining
options were guaranteed. Until then, I’d recommend exploring other
accommodations in Jiangmen that offer a more consistent experience.
In the end, travel isn’t just about the destinations—it’s
about the stories we gather along the way, even when things don’t go as
planned. And this particular walkabout, while a "fail" in many ways,
still added another chapter to my adventures in China. It’s not every day you get to roam a
sprawling property entirely on your own, discovering hidden corners and
imagining what could have been.
Rojo Rating:
- Location: 6
- Facilities: 3
- Amenities: 4
- Décor: 3
- Staff: 5
- Food: 0
- Cleanliness: 5
- Comfort: 4
- Uniqueness: 5
- Value: 5
Total: /100