Surreal enchantment will elevate Ocean Springs

Ocean Spring Resort will add watersports attractions, enriched hot-springs healthcare, and a huge anime park in its 2nd-phase construction, the company announced on Sept 9.

The 2nd-phase was among several Zhuhai projects promoted during the China (Guangdong) International Tourism Industry Expo held in Guangzhou from Sept 8 to 10. It was also highlighted by the Guangdong government as this year's investment attraction.

Covering more than 4 sq km in Pingsha New Town of the Gaolan Port Economic Zone, the 20-billion-yuan ($3 billion) project is to be constructed across three functional areas.

The first will provide a wide range of watersports entertainment including a large-scale animation-themed park. Construction is to commence next year, and is expected to take five or six years to finish.

Ocean Spring Resort [File photo]

Cutting-edge virtual technologies are to ensure a "thrilling experience hovering between the virtual and the real," focused on the hottest anime themes. The anime island is expected to become a global success, said a project head.

An anime hotel complex will also be built for cartoon fans to stay in the imitative rooms where their favorite anime characters live. In addition, a large special sea-water swimming pool, to be kept at a constant-temperature, will be installed.

The second zone will provide an array of customized healthcare services in line with international standards to appeal to the elderly or those just wanting a health-oriented break. The "snowbird" service ensures that anyone, and especially retirees, can avoid the winter cold by abiding temporarily in warmer southern places while having fun traveling, according to a product manager.

In the meantime, an ecological agriculture project containing a wetland park and hot-spring museum will be developed in the third zone. The rich cultural resources of hot springs will be integrated with education, gourmet foods, exhibitions, and celebrations.

The plan is to make Pingsha an internationally famous tourist town for hot spring leisure, said a company executive.

Ocean Spring Resort opened in 2006 as the country's first national demonstration holiday resort for tourism and leisure. The 2nd phase came under construction in late Feb 2013.