Fanshi Hanshan Yayuan: Encountering Leisurely Moments in a Zen-Inspired Elegant Setting

😘😘😘With a longing for the poetic charm of mountains, waters, and Zen, I stepped into the Fanshi Hanshan Cultural Tourism Scenic Area, and my gaze was immediately drawn to the elegant architectural complex east of Yongquan Temple—Hanshan Yayuan. It quietly became part of my journey, turning into the most unforgettable retreat of this trip. First Encounter: A Poetic Knock Amidst Blue Bricks and Dark Tiles 🥳🥳🥳Walking slowly along the bluestone path, the outline of Yayuan grew clearer in the morning light. The blue-brick-and-dark-tile buildings were arranged in a picturesque disorder, with upturned eaves adding a touch of liveliness, like an unfolding ink-wash painting. Pushing open the wooden gate, I was greeted by a tranquil courtyard—miniature mountains with murmuring streams, entwined vines, and a faint fragrance of greenery in the air. The receptionist, with a gentle smile, handed me a cup of warm chrysanthemum tea and softly said, "You must be tired from the journey. Have some tea and rest." At that moment, the weariness of travel melted away, replaced by a warmth akin to returning home. 😘Stay: The Devil Is in the Details 🤩🤩🤩Following the butler to the guest room, I was instantly moved by the elegant furnishings. The neo-Chinese decor was simple yet full of charm, with solid wood furniture exuding a natural vibe, and landscape calligraphy on the walls adding cultural depth. The biggest surprise was the large floor-to-ceiling window. Opening it, the flying eaves and brackets of Yongquan Temple were right before my eyes, and in the morning mist, the faint chanting of monks seemed to transport me back a thousand years. 🥰🥰🥰The bedding was soft and skin-friendly, with thoughtful details everywhere: USB charging ports by the bed for easy device charging, comfortable anti-slip slippers in the closet, and even the tea set on the table was carefully selected ceramic. Brewing a cup of local specialty tea and sitting by the window, watching the clouds drift by, was pure bliss. 😋Dining: The Comfort of Mundane Delights 😋😋😋Yayuan’s dining experience was another delightful surprise. At breakfast, the restaurant was filled with the rich aroma of grains—freshly ground soy milk, handmade buns and steamed bread, local specialty millet cakes, and fresh vegetables and fruits, all whetting the appetite. I especially loved the steaming bowl of knife-shaved noodles, chewy and smooth, with a rich and savory broth, paired with Shanxi aged vinegar—a truly authentic flavor that made me crave seconds. 🥰🥰🥰For dinner, you could choose according to your preferences, from local farmhouse dishes like stewed free-range chicken and fried cakes, all bearing the unique flavors of Shanxi. The ingredients were fresh and local, the cooking meticulous, and each dish felt like a work of art, almost too beautiful to eat. Setting up a table in the courtyard, enjoying a delicious meal under the moonlight with the chirping of insects, was nothing short of a life’s great joy. Exploration: Embracing the Zen of Mountains and Waters 🥳🥳🥳Hanshan Yayuan’s location was simply perfect—just steps away from Yongquan Temple and a short walk to the core area of the Hanshan Scenic Spot. In the morning, I joined the monks at Yongquan Temple for incense offerings and prayers, listening to the master’s Buddhist teachings and feeling the profundity of Dharma. In the afternoon, I strolled through the scenic area’s forests, breathing in the fresh air, watching babbling streams and wildflowers in bloom. At dusk, I climbed to the mountaintop to admire the panoramic view of Hanshan under the sunset, the golden light bathing the ancient architecture in breathtaking beauty. ☺️☺️☺️If you prefer quiet, you could also sit in Yayuan’s courtyard, reading, sipping tea, or chatting with fellow guests, sharing travel stories. Time here seemed to slow down, allowing you to truly unwind and savor life’s beauty. ☺️Farewell: A Yearning That Lingers [Love][Love][Love]My days at Hanshan Yayuan were a cleansing of body and soul. Here, there was no urban noise or restlessness, only tranquility and peace; no flashy decor or exaggerated claims, just an extreme attention to detail and genuine care for guests. On the day of departure, the butler helped carry my luggage to the gate, repeatedly reminding me to stay safe on the road. At that moment, my heart was filled with reluctance. [Kiss][Kiss][Kiss]Looking back, Yayuan gradually disappeared from view, but those beautiful moments remained etched in my memory. If you, too, are tired of the city’s fast-paced life and seek a serene haven, Fanshi Hanshan Yayuan is undoubtedly the perfect choice. Here, you can let go of all worries, encounter leisurely moments in a Zen-inspired elegant setting, and meet your truest self.