Traveling with Yue: Jiande Yunmansongjian
This was the farthest trip since the pandemic restrictions were lifted, sticking to our rule of not leaving Jiangsu and Zhejiang. The autumn air was crisp, so we planned to stay in the mountains to see the slopes dyed in fall colors. Now every time we mention going out and staying somewhere, this little face grins so wide her eyes disappear.
Departing from Shanghai, it was a five-hour drive, including over half an hour on winding, rugged mountain roads. Dozens of hairpin turns cut through layers of green hills, and passing another car was quite a challenge. We drove all the way from the bottom to the top of the mountain, arriving near dusk.
As soon as we put down our luggage, Yue couldn't wait to explore the surroundings: feeding rabbits, strumming a guitar, beating a hand drum, helping a young lady roast sweet potatoes…
Dinner was a set menu, which we had booked a day in advance with the butler.
Steamed free-range chicken, golden chicken broth, fresh-picked greens, homemade sausages… As night fell, we stepped into the glass house nestled among the trees. The mountain night was perfectly still.
Lying in bed, we voice-controlled the curtains to open, and the first rays of morning light streamed in, revealing a sea of tree shadows and pine forests. Yue rolled over, rubbed her sleepy eyes, took in the wizardry of green outside the window, and excitedly scampered around the bed.
Sunny and bright, we took a little stroll before breakfast to get a look at the place.
After a bowl of congee, a black-boned chicken egg, a vegetable pancake, and some peanuts, Yue led us up the mountain to hunt for treasure.
The village where the guesthouse is located, Bamouqiu, likely because it's deep in the mountains, is quite modest economically, with earthen walls still in sight. We could see scattered villagers busy in the fields; the most prosperous thing here is this guesthouse and its related businesses.
We took the path less traveled and climbed a wild mountain. After we reminded Yue to stay on the inside and watch out for landslides, she caringly trotted back and forth, reminding us both, 'Stay to the inside, careful not to fall!' Such a responsible little grown-up.
The sky was so blue, the clouds so white, the trees so richly colored; the mountain air gave our lungs a thorough cleanse.
Yue took a nap after playing hard, Mr. Zhang had a video conference, and I sipped tea on the outdoor terrace of our room.
In front of me was a persimmon tree laden with fruit, and overhead a white tea tree blossoming and fruiting at the same time. This time I brought '17 Nian Lianxin' from Teacher Shi, a high-end ancient-tree ripe Pu'er tea. Full-bodied and rich, with a dense date-honey aroma, it paired perfectly with the sounds of insects and fragrance of tea flowers around.
Today we had the entire guesthouse to ourselves. We enjoyed afternoon tea while helping Yue discover 'new toys'.
The mountain swing: Yue loved the feeling of being swung high, and kept asking for higher, higher. A big rock on the lawn became her stage; after asking for music, she started dancing. And a duet with daddy…
We visited where the daily meals' ingredients come from: the guesthouse's own vegetable patch, duck pond, and chicken farm, tended by dedicated uncles and aunties.
Yue loved helping the granny shell red beans, and the granny praised her swiftness and good work. She said proudly, 'I've grown up, I'm mommy and daddy's little helper now.'
At dinner, the chef chatted with us: originally he planned to make duck stew, but he couldn't catch any ducks this morning; he would go and catch them early tomorrow morning.
Tonight: chestnut stewed chicken, with chestnuts shelled just this morning; twice-cooked pork, fresh-picked greens thrown into the wok—the bok choy soft and velvety, the spinach tender and sweet…
Early morning, Yue discovered another 'new toy': the adjustable table by the bay window became her new stage.
Every morning the first thing: go see and feed the little white rabbit. After breakfast, she grabbed Daddy to play pool. When asked why she liked pool, she said, 'Because I like the colorful balls.'
After nap time, indoors and out were gilded by the sunset. The chef had been busy preparing our dinner since noon; this morning he finally caught the duck. This dog that followed us everywhere—meals, mountain climbing—tagged along.
The third night: in the afternoon, a stream of guests began to check in, changing the exclusive quiet we had yesterday. Karaoke blasted during broad daylight, so we set off to climb a mountain, then retreated to our treehouse to breathe deeply in nature.
A path next to the treehouse led to a viewing platform at the summit, where white tea flowers bloomed in succession. From the platform, we gazed out at the rugged mountain road we had come up. Yue and Daddy discussed where the treasure was, how to get there, and what tools to use... Truly, we were in love with the mountain autumn.
Braised duck, free-range pork with green peppers, sweet and sour shredded lotus root, sautéed greens—absolutely delicious.
Tonight Yue finally realized her dream of an open-air movie—and we had it all to ourselves.
The day we checked out was the Winter Solstice.
The guesthouse's two most premium treehouse room types: Tingtao (Listen to the Waves) and Wangyue (Moon Gazing).
Tingtao is located at the highest point of the property, with privacy and a 270-degree floor-to-ceiling view as highlights, though the living room functional area feels a bit awkward.
Wangyue has a more square layout, a 180-degree view is quite satisfying, the space is cozier, making you more inclined to nestle in the treehouse.
For family trips, Wangyue is more recommended.
1. There are no dining options near the guesthouse, so you can only eat at the guesthouse during your stay, and you need to book with the butler one day in advance.
2. The menu is limited, but the highlight is the fresh, all-natural ingredients.
Breakfast (included in the room rate) is basically the same each day: small dishes, congee, pancakes/steamed buns, sweet potatoes/taro/pumpkin.
Lunch: 30 yuan per person, simple meals (noodles, fried rice).
Dinner: 150 yuan per person (half price for children aged 3-12), set menu (stir-fried dishes with rice, balanced meat and vegetables).
[Guesthouse Details]
Jiande Yunmansongjian Resort Boutique Guesthouse
https://hotels.ctrip.com/hotels/17286099.html?hotel=17286099&tab=1&#abtest=200820_HTL_cdhwp:B;
If not self-driving, it's recommended to contact the guesthouse in advance; they can provide paid pick-up/drop-off services.
[Summary of Our Stay]
1. Butler service needs improvement:
1) When communicating details with the butler upon check-in, replies were not timely in the first two days, and we were told it was due to new staff onboarding.
2) On the second day, we found that a room was under renovation, with constant noise during the day, and even during nap time, the sound of drilling and workers talking rose and fell. We communicated with the butler more than five times, and it took over half an hour before it was fully resolved.
2. The food wins with its natural organic quality.
3. Tingtao's living comfort falls short of Wangyue.
4. It's suitable for those who love natural settings and enjoy entertaining themselves.
