Bare to Basics

If you’re looking for a different holiday experience, where there’s adventure for adrenalin junkies and quiet time for introverts, Naked Retreats is it.

The eco-conscious and animal friendly retreat is located in 395 Village, Moganshan. Set amid unspoiled bamboo forest and alongside running streams are double-storey bungalows for family and friends and self-contained studios (two were converted from pig sty) for honeymooners or single travelers. While there are no concierge or butler services, ayis are on hand to tidy your room and cook delicious (and very large portion) meals.

The rooms are fairly basic, but cozy and comfortable. To be honest, I thought the retreat is a little rough around the edges (grubby shower curtains and dusty corners), but its stunning and serene surroundings more than make up for it.

A Misty Morning in Moganshan Part 3

By popular demand, here are more Moganshan pics. The last picture was taken at 395 Village where I stayed for the night. The bare and basic retreat, aptly named Naked, is really wonderful – comfortable accommodation, delicious food and friendly people (and pets). Watch out for my review and pics which will be posted here soon!

A Misty Morning in Moganshan Part 2

I took these pictures at 5.30am. The day before was rainy and gloomy. So I was very glad when the sun (finally) rose and shone its glorious rays!

Fresh from a good night’s slumber, I lugged my camera bag and climbed up the mountain (through a bamboo forest, nice but had to watch out for venomous bamboo snakes) to the town centre which was strangely deserted except for a stray dog roaming the streets. “Great! I have the whole town to myself,” I said to myself as I happily snapped away.

I am really pleased with these pictures. As they say, the early bird catches the worm or in my case the best light!

A Misty Morning in Moganshan Part 1

“The skies of Italy, the verdure of Japan, the grandeur of the Rockies” this quote from North China Daily News, 1936, which waxed lyrical about Moganshan is certainly true!

While not many foreigners know about Moganshan, it is very popular with the locals (mostly Shanghai urbanites) who come here to escape from the heat in the summer. The mountain is covered in snow in winter, but still a wonderful time to spend the holidays. Located in Zhejiang province and three hours drive from Shanghai, Moganshan boasts many European-style villas, some left dilapidated, while some have been restored and turned into guesthouses.

Legend has it that a swordsmith, Gan Jiang, came to the mountain in 722-481 BC to forge and temper a pair of special swords in a stream that runs from one of the many clear mountain springs. Gan’s wife was called Mo Ye. Hence, the name Moganshan. Today that same stream from which the sword was made is Moganshan’s main tourist attraction, the Sword Pond.

Blessed with verdant bamboo forests and misty mountain vistas, Moganshan is a great place for hikers and a sanctuary for weary souls.

11 Days in China

It’s supposed to be springtime in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Moganshan, but it felt like winter when I was there recently. Grey skies, strong wings and icy rain dominated most of the 11 days. Only three days had very brief bursts of sunshine. And to make things worse I came down with the stomach flu and spent an afternoon at a local hospital for observation. I’m glad it was nothing serious.

Hailed as the Paris of the East, Shanghai is indeed a very cosmopolitan and photogenic city. A three-hour drive away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai is Moganshan. Blessed with scenic mountain views, Moganshan is a great place for peace and quiet, rest and relaxation. While Hangzhou, China’s number one tourism destination is really that! So if you’re not into sharing public places with busloads of tourists, then the Heavenly City is not you cup of Longjing tea (a famous green tea from Hangzhou). In case you’re wondering, no, I did not enjoy Hangzhou at all. But I love Shanghai and Moganshan heaps!