Moganshan makes magic with scenery

[Photo/China Daily]

I've always stayed in private hostels that have been tastefully renovated from the homes of local farmers in idyllic little villages. I stayed in Original House (Qing Jing Yuan She) and Lost Villa (Da Le Zhi Ye) on my latest visit.

The designers of these establishments have backgrounds in architecture and urban planning, and have incorporated Chinese-style aesthetics into minimalist design. With a calming palette of white and gray hues, and huge windows to usher in copious sunshine, these accommodations blend in perfectly with their natural surroundings.

There are several things to do in the vicinity of Original House in Nanlu village, such as digging for sweet potatoes - with permission from the hostel staff, of course - or hiking to the nearby Tea Mountain to take in views of the valley into which the village nestles.

The nameless hill opposite Tea Mountain, which is around 600 meters high and has hardly any clear trails, is an interesting place to explore. It's covered in bamboo - an iconic plant in Moganshan, since it used to be a major local income source for people who sold bamboo scaffolds and railings.

Walking in the forest is like walking in an ancient Chinese painting, with elegant bamboo on both sides of the faint trails rising so high that they create a green corridor. The hike to the mountaintop is steep, and you can only ascend certain parts by grabbing bamboo for support. But the breathtaking view from the top is worth it.

The hostel also offers professional-grade mountain bikes for sightseeing. There are many routes perfect for beginners that offer vistas of bamboo groves, lakes and fields.

I chose a flat path through the countryside around Nanlu that was fairly easy. You can also cycle to Lost Villa via this route. It's a pleasant half-hour trip that lets you admire the golden fields and dozens of adorable pups that meander along the road.

Lost Villa, or Da Le Zhi Ye, originally a xanadu mentioned in the ancient book The Classic of Mountains and Rivers, is a today a cluster of village houses.

There are many simple pleasures to indulge in at Moganshan's hostels without having to leave the premises.

You can play with the owners' dogs, read on balconies that overlook mountains with a glass of beer or warm beverage and enjoy a quiet meal of the area's signature stewed pork with soybean sauce and chicken soup.

Less is more in this wilderness. That's the beauty of the place.

xuxiaomin@chinadaily.com.cn