In Dujiangyan, I found Chengdu's version of a "Little Kyoto" summer

🌿 Just 1.5 hours west of Chengdu, stepping into the set of "Kyoto Monogatari" Chengdu's sultry summer always makes one yearn for escape. Driving through Dujiangyan's lush forest paths and turning onto a bluestone trail, the bamboo fences and noren of "Wuye Secret Garden" sway in the twilight. The moment you push open the door, a deer scare knocks against stone, moss gardens glow faintly, as if stepping into a century-old machiya by the Kamo River. Wabi-sabi aesthetics, karesansui (dry landscape), karakami lanterns, handmade bamboo blinds... every detail whispers: "Here, time should be measured in the fragrance of tea." 🎋 Staying in a Japanese-style courtyard, counting stars by the stream I stayed in the "Autumn Garden" private hot spring suite – spacious and serene. Waking to birdsong outside paper windows at dawn, but most magical were the evening soaks in the private onsen, gazing at emerald greenery as wind chimes tinkled, momentarily unsure whether I was in Arashiyama or Qingcheng Mountain. No boredom in this secret garden – a mountain retreat guide: - Meditation & calligraphy | Where ink aroma blends with agarwood - Wuye hiking trails | Expansive grounds with courtyards and wild ducks 📍 Practical tips: Address | Navigate to "Wuye Secret Garden Homestay" (free parking provided) Bring an extra light jacket – evenings get cool Visit the 1km-nearby Banruo Temple for exploration "True Kyoto may not lie in coordinates, but in state of mind." For summer weekends, why not surrender your soul to mountain breezes, tea ceremonies, and a nostalgic Kyoto dream?