Lanxi Stroll: Have a Coffee at Matou Laixin and Stay in Song Yunli

Lanxi Stroll: Have a Coffee at Matou Laixin and Stay in Song Yunli

If you're looking for a peaceful spot away from the crowds, the "Matou Laixin" coffee shop on Nubu Old Street in Lanxi, Jinhua, is definitely worth a special visit. This small shop, transformed from the old dock ticket office, retains the structure of the old building while adding new creative touches—the red walls and green windows create a striking contrast, and opening the door lets in the breeze from the Lan River, with a relaxed atmosphere lingering in the air.

The shop’s three floors each offer a unique experience: the first floor window seats overlook cargo ships on the river; order a cup of Yirgacheffe and listen to the rustling sound of coffee beans being ground; the small platform on the second floor is a perfect photo spot, with the coffee shop’s logo and the distant view of the Lan River in the same frame—every snap feels like a healing scene; the third-floor terrace is even more spectacular—at dusk, the sunset dyes the river orange, the river breeze flutters the curtains, making even drinking coffee a romantic affair. With an average cost of about 35 yuan per person, you can spend most of the day here, offering great value.

After visiting the coffee shop, don’t miss the lively atmosphere of the old street. In the early morning, buy a freshly baked Lanxi chicken egg cake at the alley entrance, biting into a flowing egg filling; at noon, find an old shop to slurp a bowl of Lanxi beef noodles, with large chunks of beef and a rich, flavorful broth; in the afternoon, buy a piece of freshly cooked brown sugar cake at the Brown Sugar Workshop, sweet and glutinous with a hint of sugarcane fragrance. Take a walk along the Lan River greenway, watch the elderly fishing by the riverbank, and time seems to slow down.

Recommended Accommodation: Yijing Song Hotel

Comfort on your journey begins with staying at Yijing Song Hotel. This hotel, hidden in Lanxi city center, is only a 10-minute walk from the ancient city of Guzi. The courtyard with white walls and black tiles is full of Song Dynasty charm—green bamboo winding around corridors, red lanterns hanging under flying eaves, ink wash screens separating public areas; stepping inside feels like entering an ancient Jiangnan painting.

The check-in experience is full of thoughtful details: the butler prepares warm ginger jujube tea in advance; the room features light wood furniture paired with cotton and linen bedding, with a choice of buckwheat or down pillows, ensuring even those picky about beds can sleep well. A small tea table by the window comes with local Wuzhou Juyan tea; brewing a pot at dusk while watching the fading light outside is especially cozy. A 100-inch giant projector screen, Dyson hairdryer, and L’Occitane toiletries make the stay even more considerate.

The biggest surprise is the free provision of Song-style Hanfu clothing, with a full range from ruqun to cloaks, and hairpins and headwear available for borrowing. Wearing Hanfu to take photos on the courtyard’s stone arch bridge and in front of the moon gate feels like traveling back to the Song Dynasty. Breakfast is authentic, featuring Lanxi chicken egg cakes, Jinhua ham porridge, and brown sugar steamed cakes served in rotation, with a rich selection of Chinese and Western pastries available until 11 a.m., so you don’t have to worry about missing it if you sleep in. Upon checkout, you’ll also receive a Jinhua crisp cake gift prepared by the hotel, bringing the taste of Lanxi home with you.

Post by JO. Lex 22& | Oct 27, 2025