A slower way of life on Shuangshan Island

Xinpowan Hot Spring Resort Hotel. [Photo/WeChat account: meetzjg]

Xinpowan Hot Spring Resort Hotel on Shuangshan Island opened in July 2025. Spanning 20 mu (1.33 hectares), the resort brings together the natural beauty of the Yangtze River, reed beds, and the island, incorporating the surrounding landscape into every detail.

Located on Shuangshan Island, a small island in the Yangtze River, the hotel can be reached only by ferry. The journey itself offers a gradual transition from the bustle of the city to the tranquility of the island.

At the center of the lobby stands a camphor tree that the hotel's operator, Wang Hongyue, insisted on preserving. "I insisted on keeping this tree. Instead of building first and adding greenery later, we made the tree the centerpiece of the landscape," he said. This detail reflects the philosophy behind the entire hotel: let the setting take the lead and allow the architecture to blend into it.

The hotel has 72 rooms, each featuring a spacious balcony that opens up the living space. Private hot-spring pools are at the heart of the resort experience. Each has been thoughtfully positioned, whether overlooking the river, tucked beside reeds, or open to the night sky. As steam rises from the warm water, guests can leave their daily fatigue behind and settle into the quiet rhythm of island life.

The resort offers a variety of dining and leisure options, including Chinese, Western, and Japanese restaurants, outdoor barbecue facilities, and a camping area, giving guests a variety of ways to spend their time.

During holidays, the hotel also hosts hands-on pizza-making activities for families. The sound of laughter mixes with the aroma of freshly made dough and the warmth of the oven, transforming a stay from simply admiring the surroundings into an experience that creates lasting memories.

The hotel also manages a vegetable garden covering more than 10 mu, where a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables are grown throughout the year. Before heading home, guests can pick some fresh produce themselves and offer it as a gift to family and friends.