Suzhou's Little Chiang Mai | Escape the Heat and Enjoy Nature at a Mountain Homestay

| When the weather gets too hot, head to a mountain homestay to embrace nature. After spending too much time in the city, we all yearn to unwind amidst mountains and rivers. Here·Shushan Homestay is nestled at the foot of the Sun Mountain and by the shores of Taihu Lake. With mist curling around the mountain peaks, step outside and take deep breaths along Shushan's 5km wooden boardwalk. The village mornings and evenings are filled with the sounds of frogs 🐸 and insects 🪲, lulling you to sleep and greeting you at dawn. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Suzhou, you'll find yourself in a rural paradise worlds apart from the city: over 98% vegetation coverage, lush and verdant in early summer. It’s a blank space deliberately forgotten by "urbanization," offering city dwellers a place to rest their bodies and clear their minds. No trace of skyscrapers here—instead, orchards, tea plantations, and bamboo groves stretch as far as the eye can see. Venture deep into the greenery, and you’ll find homes where the slow-paced life city folks crave is hidden. During the fruit-scented season, staying in a sunlit ☀️ homestay with orchards right outside your door is pure luxury. Spending time leisurely in the mountains is what the perfect vacation looks like. When the weather is kind, gather a few friends to pick seasonal fruits: loquats, bayberries, and crisp crown pears. Stroll along the boardwalk, soaking in nature’s gifts, and return at dusk 🌆 with a full harvest. Grill some barbecue, watch an outdoor movie, and toast to good times—what could be better? The homestay I stayed at this time was "Here·Shushan Boutique Homestay," a spacious villa with several courtyards and lounging areas. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. Sitting in the lounge area with large windows, all I could see was greenery, instantly transporting me to the mountains of Chiang Mai, Thailand—my heart grew calm. Outside was the view, but sitting there, you became part of the painting too. 🐈‍⬛ The homestay had a cat who just gave birth to a litter of kittens here—utterly adorable! I played with them for ages—my heart melted! There were also two goofy big dogs 🐶. - 🍉 Meals and afternoon tea are available here, and the fruits are incredibly fresh! If you’re bored, you can read books or play board games. - ✔️ The homestay has three floors with seven uniquely styled rooms. The top-floor slanted ceiling features a skylight, and the tatami room is especially charming—you can lie down and gaze at the little stars ✨. Perfect for a group of friends or a family weekend getaway! - 🍐 Across from the homestay is a vast field of crisp crown pears, one of Shushan’s "Three Treasures." It’s peak harvest season now, so you can even go fruit-picking! - 🅿️ There’s their own ground parking nearby. If it’s full, you can park anywhere around—super convenient. 💰 And right now, parking is free everywhere—no restrictions!