“Where the heart goes, there is peace.”

“Where the heart goes, there is peace.” I spent the weekend with my family at Fuchun Fangwai. This hotel is like a hidden paradise, with the Fuchun River flowing by. Breathing in the fresh forest air and basking in the sunlight, I found my inner peace here. It's a 2-hour drive from Hangzhou. After parking in the hotel parking lot, a shuttle bus takes you to the ferry terminal, where you take a boat to the hotel. Boats depart on the hour, but you can ask the butler to arrange a transfer in advance, or the shuttle bus can drive you along the mountain road. Surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, with the sound of cicadas echoing through the valleys, it feels like stepping into a utopia. At the hotel, you can: experience singing bowls, go fishing, drink tea, try intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, swim, soak in the hot springs, or cycle along the lakeside greenway. I tried tie-dyeing and made a scarf and a hat, which was a fun experience. 🏡 Hotel Design The overall style is new Chinese, with white walls and black tiles blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. The courtyard is full of picturesque scenes, with dry landscapes, green bamboo, and unique rocks, creating a Zen-like atmosphere. The rooms are exquisitely decorated, with wooden furniture and elegant bedding, showcasing oriental aesthetics in every detail. The large floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outdoor scenery inside. Waking up to birdsong and sunlight in the morning is incredibly relaxing. 🍱 Dining Experience The hotel's cuisine mainly features Hangzhou dishes, using fresh local ingredients. The Dragon Well tea-infused shrimp is tender and springy, with a subtle tea aroma. The Dongpo pork is reddish-brown, fatty but not greasy, and melts in your mouth. There are also special vegetarian dishes, beautifully presented and uniquely flavored, which even a meat-lover like me enjoyed immensely. 💆 Service and Experience The service is attentive and thoughtful, from check-in at the front desk to room service, making you feel at home. The hotel also offers a variety of activities, such as meditation, tea ceremonies, and sutra copying. In the afternoon, you can calm your mind by copying scriptures and sipping tea. I stayed in a detached suite, which was very comfortable. It also has a small courtyard, which would be a lovely place to have tea in the fall. Meals are served in the building near the hotel lobby. If you catch any fish, you can ask the kitchen to cook it for you. The other dishes are also excellent.