Slowly by the lake, surrounded by a thousand pine forests. Inspired by the moonlight in the water, the murmurs of the pine trees, the echoes of dew falling to the ground, and even the touch of light, we take a grateful attitude towards nature, using rammed earth as the foundation and wood and stone as the alliance. In every handful of soil, every stone, and every piece of wood, we embrace simplicity and simplicity, ultimately achieving a state of relaxation< The Song Slow Bookstore is located on the mountaintop, overlooking all the ups and downs of things. Nature wanders through it, with the sea of clouds entwining, mountains and rivers towering on the banks, and the sunrise majestic, while the lake water is blatantly naked, wanting to speak but still resting. The sky is high and the sea is wide, which is intuitively interpreted here.
"The character 'Song' (松, pine) in its name is inspired by the pine trees visible outside the window.
The interior boasts an American country style, with black-framed windows, white plush sofas, and wooden rattan chairs, accented by green olive leaves and the little daisies in front of the house. Under the soft lighting, a sense of comfort immediately envelops you, and a tranquil, timeless summer seems perfectly captured here. The only lively elements are Benben the elusive cat 🐱 and the occasional patter of rain. This truly embodies the 'slow living' we yearn for.
Song Man is truly perfection in my eyes. While designer Yi Ping has many projects around Lugu Lake, I'm particularly fond of this secluded little gem. The four of us were delighted upon entering: a living room with a fireplace and a bedroom featuring a full wall of grid windows 🪟. This wasn't just a place to rest; it beautifully framed the stunning outdoor scenery, turning each pane into a unique picture. Stepping into the open-plan sleeping area, there was no central overhead light; instead, pear-shaped floor lamps were thoughtfully placed in corners, alongside a cozy niche in front of the writing desk. Opening the balcony's four floor-to-ceiling doors 🚪, you're greeted by mountains and water, the sounds of wind and rain, creating a world where it feels like you're the only one.
**Song Man's Little Joys**
It rained for all three days, but being 'confined' here allowed us to peacefully discover its beauty. The lawn in front and every corner of our room became a treasure trove for our travel photography. The free-range chickens and geese from the farm behind the guesthouse provided delicious meals, which we could enjoy in the main hall. Our happiest moments were being invited to pick fruit near the entrance, making us feel like children again. Climbing trees to pick mulberries brought back the taste of childhood, and using a ladder to gather plums, made exceptionally sweet by the rain. Even more comfort came from the staff. They prepared delicious afternoon tea, offered various services, and their warm words and friendly chats truly made us feel at home.
**Regret about Song Man's Cafe**
We initially chose Song Man because of a stunning photo of its cafe overlooking Lugu Lake. However, we were surprised to find that the guesthouse and the cafe are quite separate – one at the foot of the mountain, the other at the top, a 30-minute drive apart. During our stay, it was the rainy season, and Lugu Lake experienced continuous rain. The mountain roads became muddy and unsafe, preventing us from visiting the cafe and enjoying its panoramic views. This, however, has only fueled our desire to return to Lugu Lake and stay at Song Man again."