Xikang Wellness & Resorts properties in Benxi County

The purpose of this trip to Benxi was twofold: Firstly, to take my seventy-year-old parents back to Benxi Water Caves, revisiting a place from their vibrant youth and reliving those passionate memories. Secondly, it was to help my daughter de-stress before she transitions from primary to junior high, as she's about to step into the demanding arena of life. **Reason for choosing this place:** We picked Guan Shan Lake Xikang Yunshe because its online photos were simply breathtaking – showcasing stunning scenery, lush greenery, magnificent views, and picturesque beauty that truly captivated me and made me want to experience it firsthand. (Honestly, with so many guesthouses and hotels sprouting up across Benxi like mushrooms after rain these past two years, to avoid decision paralysis, I simply picked the top-ranked one.) **First Impression:** The mountains were in a languid slumber, while the clouds playfully sketched the outline of a castle. At three in the afternoon, the golden sunlight pierced through the clouds, bathing the grey castle in a glow that felt like a divine touch and special favor. (Though this description might seem a bit exaggerated, I believe even Eileen Chang would write it this way.) Let me discuss the facilities, hygiene, environment, service, unique hot springs, and buffet breakfast all at once: * **Facilities:** Among all hotels I've stayed at in the same price range, these are personally the most satisfactory and my favorite. * **Hygiene:** There's still room for improvement. I admit I have exceptionally high standards for cleanliness; my husband, whose pocket money has been depleted by my pickiness, can attest to that. * **Environment:** The advantages here are self-evident: blessed with unique green mountains, clear waters, and swirling mist. There's simply no room for me to find fault, and I suspect the people of Benxi wouldn't allow it anyway! * **Service:** I deliberately tried to count the staff members I encountered: two doormen, four charming front desk staff, a villa driver, a room cleaning attendant, kitchen/delivery personnel, staff in the hot spring area, and dining areas... Oh, never mind, I confess my math isn't good enough to count them all. In short, every staff member I met was patient, caring, and dedicated. Their service was perfectly balanced, attentive without being overly enthusiastic. Yes, the hotel management behind the scenes certainly deserves a grand commendation. * **Unique Hot Springs:** Both my mom and daughter had a wonderful time soaking. My daughter was thrilled because there was unlimited ice cream available, which she could openly and freely enjoy – something I don't usually permit at home. My mom, in turn, was happy seeing her daughter so joyful. Given that the ice cream was actually quite high-quality, I even broke my own rule and indulged in quite a bit. It wasn't just about taking advantage of something free; it was more about not wanting to be a hypocrite with one rule for them and another for me. There were also plenty of unlimited fruits and snacks, perfect for quenching thirst and cooling down. * **Buffet Breakfast:** The buffet breakfast offered a wide variety. I prefer strong flavors in the morning and enjoyed a generous amount of boiled shrimp, baked beans in tomato sauce, Italian beef brisket, bacon, and homemade yogurt. For those who prefer lighter options, the traditional Chinese breakfast choices were truly dazzling. **A Side Note:** At 4:27 AM, I leaned by the hot spring pool in my room. The water temperature was 37.2 degrees Celsius, exactly half a degree higher than my body temperature – just enough to help my tense nerves loosen their first button. True enjoyment, I realized, is found in places where even time seems to slow down. At that moment, I gazed at the mist still lingering over the distant mountains and fields outside my window, then slowly closed my eyes, drifting back into a soothing dream, only to be awakened by: ”Mom, Mom, Mom, is the hot spring water ready for me?!”