The Jiuhua Spa Resort, Xiaotangshan Hot Spring in Chinese, is located to the north of Beijing. For people used to European spas, Changping District's Jiuhua Spa presents a veritable surprise: instead of a simple day spa, the place could be better described as more of a spa village.

When you arrive on the premises, you are greeted by a large, somewhat dull looking hotel building. The main accommodations, however, only represent a fraction of the entire resort, and the barren facade is quickly forgotten.

The Jiuhua Spa Resort is spread over an enormous area and includes numerous buildings. In addition to the lodging accommodations, the amenities include an entertainment center, natural hot springs baths, a terrace, many outdoor hot tubs, numerous treatment centers, a conference center and a dozen restaurants and shops. Orienteering from one building to the next takes minimum effort, thanks to a convenient monorail network that crisscrosses the resort. On the train one can soak in Jiuhua's beautiful scenery from a bird's eye view.

The resort's 1,200 guest rooms accommodate tourists on luxury vacations as well as health conscious conference guests. The conference rooms range from ones that accommodate a handful of people to ones that seat thousands of people. The largest two both seat 3,000 people and construction is underway to build an even larger conference hall.

Despite Jiuhua's excellent conference facilities, people's health and wellbeing still take center stage at the resort. The water to the baths is piped from the nearby hot springs and guests can choose from a wide selection of pampering baths.

The Mermaid Palace has a tropical climate. (Image: Radio86)The baths improve circulation and digestion, and the minerals contained in the water are believed to have health promoting, healing and even anti-aging effects. Even the most discerning guests are sure to find their favorite from the long list of herbal and mineral baths. The atmosphere in the Mermaid Palace, where guests can soak in natural hot spring baths, is very warm and cozy. The relaxing environment, with its numerous tubs, dim lights and tropical warmth were enough to make me want to stay there for at least a week. The hot, soothing baths can be enjoyed at any time between 8:30 am and 2:00 am. The price for a whole day of indulgement is 120 yuan, about 12 euros.

"Even monks come here!" one guest exclaimed when we strolled out to the large outdoor mineral water swimming pool. Upon closer scrutiny, I discovered that the solemn-looking people were ordinary vacationers who were dressed in the spa's orange bathrobes. Our guide told us that in addition to orange, the color scheme also included red and yellow, the colors of good luck and of the Emperor. The choice seems to be justified, after all, the spa offers a luxurious environment and emperors, and even fairies, are told to have bathed in the hot springs.

The outdoor pool is a place for soothing ones senses and absolute relaxation. In the crisp autumn air, the warm water spouting from the mouths of dragon statues offered a warm embrace.

Dragon statues spout more water into the pool. (Image: Radio86)The fairy-like feeling persisted when I passed from the outdoor pool to the saunas, where again, one was not enough. One of them was decorated in the spirit of ancient Egypt. The walls were covered with different kinds of hieroglyphs and paintings of sharp-nosed Egyptians. Here you could enjoy the warmth lying on the floor. More traditional steam rooms and dry saunas were also available.

The prices of the treatments were quite reasonable. A facial cost nine euros and a pedicure under seven euros. Thirty minutes of a head, neck and shoulder rub cost about nine euros. A selection of tummy massages, different types of herbal oil massages, Thai massage, manicures, etc. were also available. And service was, true to Chinese style, impeccable.

“Jiuhua's ten restaurants offer something for everyone”

What would a day of relaxation in warm baths, saunas and a massage be without a hardy meal. Jiuhua's ten restaurants offer something for everyone. The selection of cuisines include traditional Chinese hot pots, Dalian seafood, Korean barbecues, Shanghai delicacies, health food and a buffet.

If, after your splendid dinner, you still want some action, why not take part in a session of laser tag, flex your muscles at the gym or play a round of chess. The resort also has its own movie theater and night club. Shopaholics can splurge at the resort's small boutiques, although a small spa surcharge has evidently been levied on the prices.

The Jiuhua Spa Resort has ambitious goals for the future. Currently plans are underway to build two new theme parks -- ”Adventure Islandia” for those who prefer outdoor activities and ”Fun World” for indoor fun.

Swimwear sold at the spa. (Image: Radio86) If you're in Beijing for more than just a few days, it is definitely worth while leaving the congested capital behind for a while, and head on to the gigantic Xiaotangshan Hot Spring spa paradise. From Beijing the spa is easily accessible by taxi. A cab ride from the airport takes about 40 minutes, and from the center of Beijing about two hours. A night in a standard guest room costs about 30 euros, depending on whether the reservation has been made online or by phone. The suites cost about 90 euros a night. It would be advisable to reserve at least two days for the visit to the spa, because time just seems to fly by while you're pampering yourself in the resort's saunas and warm water pools or enjoying a facial and a herbal bath. As a word of warning, returning to normal life after being treated like royalty may be a shock to the system.

Jiuhua Spa Resort's home pages: http://www.jiuhua.com.cn