One Private Hot Spring per Household, Healing Time Hidden on a Small Hilltop | Anji · Yanyuan Stone Homestay
Finally arrived at this Anji private hot spring homestay I've been talking about for so long!
A 2.5-hour self-drive from Shanghai, passing through bamboo forests. Along the way, I saw many ordinary homestays with average environments, which made me a bit worried. Driving along a flat mountain road to near the small hilltop, suddenly
a cluster of unique buildings filled the view, and my mood instantly brightened! Great, no disappointment! The architecture is truly stunning—“Yanyuan Stone Homestay.”
Right at the entrance, you feel a completely different atmosphere.
Irregular stone paths, bamboo fences paired with tall bamboo frames, and strange yet trendy buildings. Not only do they feel natural, but they are also exceptionally distinctive. The housekeeper warmly welcomed us at the door—not with a standard smile, but like an old friend.
They showed us around the courtyard and introduced the homestay, which was designed and built by a pair of artists—no wonder it’s so beautiful! The host accompanies guests in pottery making, oil painting, and even hosts living room events, creating a very lively vibe!
Our room came with a private hot spring soaking pool.
In the evening, soaking while watching the distant mountain shadows fade layer by layer.
The hot spring water is silky smooth, completely relaxing body and mind.
The floor heating in the room was turned on in advance, fresh and delicious welcome fruits, soft and comfortable bedding, and the free drinks in the mini fridge were all my favorites. Full of thoughtful details.
The entrance hall and dining room display many pottery works, all handmade by the host—no wonder every corner exudes an artistic atmosphere.
❄️ The next morning, we woke up to snow!
The bamboo tips outside the window were covered in white, and we immediately soaked in the private hot spring again.
Snowflakes fell gently, melting on contact with the warm water, holding a cup of hot coffee in hand.
At that moment, I felt that winter should be spent just like this.
☕️ The afternoon is a lazy time for tea.
We reserved the host’s living room, sitting cross-legged in the meditation room sipping tea, enjoying aromatherapy, chatting about the mountains and wilderness, and just relaxing.
The host also prepared some snacks, making us feel so full that time seemed to slow down with the mountain mist.
Dinner was at “Shanmu Restaurant & Bar.”
Most ingredients were local and seasonal, but the flavors were delicate and refined, completely different from the usual oily and heavy farmhouse dishes. When asked, it turned out to be carefully prepared local cuisine plus private recipes. For someone picky about food like me, it was incredibly thoughtful!
🔥 The courtyard at night was the real surprise!
The bonfire was already lit, and everyone naturally gathered around. The housekeeper played fitting light music in advance, and sparks floated upward with the rhythm.
Someone set off fireworks, bright streaks crossing the night sky, blooming in the clear air after the snow.
That unexpected joy felt like being a child again.
🎨 The host organized a group painting activity, with paints and brushes scattered around for everyone to freely add.
Some painted the sun and small animals, others colored the entire blue sky.
I also left my mood in a corner: a warm glow and dozens of shadows.
These overlapping strokes created a huge painting effortlessly and simply—truly amazing.
The next day, we woke up naturally and took a walk on the trail beside the homestay.
The bamboo forest was especially clear and fresh after the snow, and the air tasted sweet.
Breakfast was abundant, served until 10:30. Balanced nutrition with porridge, side dishes, bread, and butter. You could choose your main dish and get more if needed—very considerate.
Sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window facing the snowy view, I finished feeling very full and didn’t plan to eat lunch. 💪
Before heading down the mountain, I soaked in the private hot spring once more.
Afternoon sunlight passed through the frost and sprinkled on the water surface.
All worries were smoothed away.
𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐒: 📝
▫️Suitable for those who want to unwind and love nature and handmade textures.
▫️Private hot springs are standard in all 13 rooms. For groups, you can choose a combination of no private hot spring + hilltop private hot spring, which is very cost-effective. The hot spring experience is even more special in snowy weather❄️
▫️Oil painting and pottery are basically private experiences with excellent immersion! Meals require advance reservation, and ingredients are fresh.
▫️The temperature difference between morning and night on the hilltop in winter is large, so bring enough warm clothes. Indoors is warm, so off-shoulder and leg-baring outfits are fine.
▫️About 2-3 hours self-drive from Shanghai/Hangzhou, no snow on the road during snowy days.
Already thinking about when to come again.
This Yanyuan Stone Homestay, full of warmth, stories, and human touch,
is a dream home that leaves beautiful memories throughout the year—highly recommended 💖