Stay in the green wonderland of Dabie Mountains! Lying down and breathing in the fresh air is so healing!

Who understands, family! Feeling emo from the city hustle, I instantly teleported deep into Huangbai Mountain in Shangcheng County, Henan. The moment I got off the car, I was completely embraced by the sea of bamboo on the mountain! The wind rustling through the leaves created natural ASMR, instantly refreshing my soul 🌿

For accommodation, I went straight for the 270° panoramic loft! The floor-to-ceiling windows framed the mountain view like a 4K wallpaper. In the morning, when I opened my eyes, clouds and mist floated right at my feet. No filter needed for photos! My best friend booked a mountain view terrace room, which was even more amazing. At night, lying in the rocking chair counting stars, I almost felt like I had stepped into a Hayao Miyazaki anime✨

The food was legendary! The chestnut braised chicken at the guesthouse is forever the best—crispy skin, tender meat. Paired with a sip of Xinyang Maojian tea and shrimp, the tea fragrance mixed with the fresh sweetness hit my head like a blast! Breakfast’s spring water tofu stewed with cured pork leg was so delicious I licked the bowl clean. All ingredients come from their own farm, truly wild and flavorful 🥘

The activities were just right for me! For the active ones, a 5-minute wild trail hike leads to the primeval forest, stepping on bluestone paths, occasionally spotting photogenic squirrels, and crystal-clear streams where you can see the bottom. For the lazy ones, just lie in the sunbathing area, or play a few rounds of mahjong in the game room, or warm up your voice in the KTV and become the “mountain wild song king.” Do whatever feels comfortable!

A 20-minute drive takes you to Huangbai Mountain Scenic Area, a natural oxygen bar with 97% forest coverage. Taking a breath here feels like your lungs have been completely cleansed! I personally recommend coming in autumn when the forest is dyed in layers of colors like a spilled palette, perfect for photos.

Tips: It’s a 3-hour self-drive from Zhengzhou, and the mountain roads are very beginner-friendly! Remember to bring a jacket because the temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is big. Don’t get cold while stargazing on the terrace at night 🚗

I stayed here for eight days, witnessing the chilly mountain rain, the drifting mist, and the magnificent clear skies. The local dialect, food, and villagers I met felt like old friends I hadn’t seen in a long time. The slow pace of life here is so healing～

📍Toujiejing · Mopanshan Memory Guesthouse
No. 001, Village Committee, Pengwan Group, Mopanshan Village, Changzhuyuan Township, Shangcheng County, Xinyang City

Post by Mitchell Katherine Kath | Oct 23, 2025