Escape the City: A Serene Retreat in Qingyuan

Recently, I discovered a stunning summer getaway—Aishu Cihu Academy! Nestled by Cihu Lake in Yingde, Qingyuan, this retreat is surrounded by lush forests and tranquil waters, making it a perfect summer escape! 🌳

🚗 Travel Tips
The retreat is located on an island in the lake, so you'll need to take a ferry to get there (just a quick 3-minute ride!). The ferry departs from Fengsheng Ancient Temple, operating daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Remember to register at the dock, and once you disembark, the host will pick you up—such thoughtful service! ⛴️

🏡 Retreat Experience
The moment you step into the retreat, you'll be amazed by its design! With earthy tones and geometric architecture, it looks like a stone seamlessly embedded in the natural landscape, exuding a Zen vibe. Each room features floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking lake and mountain views. Plus, there's a 100-inch projector for an incredible movie night experience! 🎬

My favorite part is the outdoor pool! Filled with refreshing mountain spring water, it's 1.2 meters deep—perfectly safe even if you can't swim. There are lounge chairs nearby, making it an Instagram-worthy spot! 📸 Kids will love the children's play area with trampolines, swings, and building blocks—they'll never want to leave! 👶

🍽️ Food Recommendations
Breakfast is a delightful countryside-style buffet with porridge, stir-fried noodles, and buns—so many options! For lunch and dinner, try the stir-fried bamboo shoots with local pork or the duck stewed with pickled ginger—absolutely delicious! You can also book a lakeside BBQ for a relaxing evening enjoying grilled meats with a cool lake breeze. 🍖

🌊 Nearby Water Activities
✔️ Yapotian Baishuizhai (9 km): A place with numerous waterfalls—perfect for hiking and water play! 💦
✔️ Tianzishan Waterfall (25 km): Bamboo forests and cascading waterfalls make for a refreshing trek! 🌿

Retreat: Aishu Cihu Academy
Address: Lixi Town, Yingde City, Qingyuan, Guangdong Province

Post by itree | Aug 11, 2025