Chongqing: Stay in a Glass House Surrounded by Pine Forests at the Foot of Mount Hufeng

Si Xia Shan Yin Homestay, Chongqing
Nestled in Hufeng Mountain Village, Zengjia Town, Shapingba District, Chongqing, this homestay is surrounded by century-old trails and dense forests, like a secluded paradise. Search for "Si Xia Shan Yin" in your navigation app, and be aware of the winding mountain roads if you drive. If you take a ride-hailing service, remember to book your return trip in advance, as there are no bus routes in the mountains, only the sounds of insects and birds.
The homestay is based on dilapidated rammed earth walls, with steel structures and glass reconstructing the space, preserving the rustic texture of southwestern villages and giving the modern architecture a light and transparent feel. Of the 800 square meters of building space, only 7 guest rooms are hidden on the second and third floors, with the rest being public areas: a non-heritage exhibition hall displaying the handicrafts of mountain artisans, a rural bookstore where books and the sound of pine trees resonate, and a glass terrace reflecting the sky and clouds. Every step is a Zen experience of "one window, one painting, one scene, one realm."
The 7 guest rooms are named after the inspirations of "firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, tea" and "qin (zither), chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, flowers"—the "Chai Ting Qin" (Firewood Listening to Zither) room features a guqin (Chinese zither) playing softly, the "Mi Xia Qi" (Rice Playing Chess) room features a tatami mat for playing chess under the stars, and the "Jiang Yin Shi" (Sauce Reciting Poetry) room features movable type printing on the walls. Each room is equipped with a smart door lock, private bathroom, and a scenic bathtub. Details include a light swing, a rooftop garden with a private mountain view, and even the ingenuity of adjusting the layout to preserve an old tree.
Explore the ancient and secluded: Follow the century-old trail to visit the ruins of Hufeng Temple of the Northern Song Dynasty, where the remaining Buddha statues are silent, the moss marks are mottled, and the breath of history is within reach. Coexistence of art and culture: Live next door to artists who live in seclusion in the mountains, participate in woodworking, pottery, or lacquer workshops, and create a unique piece of work by hand. Zen meditation under the moon: When night falls, transcribe scriptures, taste tea, listen to bamboo, or row a boat by the infinity pool, letting the starlight wash away the hustle and bustle. Roaming in the mountains: Forest hiking, drawing water from ancient wells, reading leisurely on pine needles, and even an impromptu open-air movie are all footnotes to mountain living.

Post by NebulaBeam6 | Apr 30, 2025