A Perfect Summer Getaway for Families—Gulang

If you're looking for a cool and storied summer retreat to take your kids, the Gulang Mountain Resort in Fuzhou is a destination I highly recommend. Nestled among the eastern hills of Fuzhou at an average elevation of over 750 meters, Gulang boasts an average summer temperature of just 23.9°C. Breezes carrying mist drift through centuries-old cryptomeria forests, and the refreshing scent of greenery welcomes you the moment you step through the mountain gate.

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### 🌳 **1. A Blend of Eastern and Western Summer Villas**
The most enchanting feature of Gulang is its collection of Chinese and Western-style villas scattered among the trees. Built over a century ago by Western missionaries as summer retreats, these buildings now serve as living history lessons. Take your children to explore the wooden lattice windows of **Yixia Villa**, where they can touch traces of cultural fusion. At the **Gardner Exhibition Hall**, stories of cross-border friendships unfold through old photos and letters, offering kids a tangible sense of cultural exchange.

### 📮 **2. Timeless Family Experiences**
- **Gulang Post Office**: One of Fuzhou’s earliest post offices, it retains its Republic-era-style counter. Stamping a hand-painted postcard to your future self with your child is a small, ritualistic joy of travel.
- **Exploring Ancient Houses**: **The Liu Family Ancestral Home** once served as a guerrilla liaison station, hiding revolutionary tales beneath its stone lintels. The moss-covered steps of **Mr. Mai’s House** lead to rooms filled with old household items, like stepping into a 3D history book.

### 🌲 **3. A Natural Classroom in the Forest**
Walk along the **Ancient Cryptomeria Boardwalk**, where dense foliage blocks the sun and the air is rich with 12,000 negative oxygen ions per cm³—every breath feels like a lung cleanse. On misty mornings, the forest turns into a fairyland. Compete with your kids to spot squirrels or collect uniquely shaped leaves for a hands-on nature lesson.

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### 🗓️ **3-Day Itinerary Highlights**
- **Day 1**: Yixia Villa → Gardner Exhibition Hall → Fu Family Villa, overnight at a Gulang Old Street homestay (recommend Lingli Muli, with a stargazing terrace).
- **Day 2**: Send mail at Gulang Post Office → Sketch at King Cryptomeria Park → Listen to revolutionary stories at the Liu Family Ancestral Home.
- **Day 3**: Try bamboo crafts at Mr. Mai’s House → Hike around Zhuli Scenic Area’s lakes, and savor a bowl of local sweet potato noodles before heading back.

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The beauty of Gulang lies in how it weaves history, nature, and daily life together. In just three days, you and your children can enjoy a summer trip that’s both refreshing and enriching.