Changxing Summer Escape Guide: Relax and Beat the Heat

My second trip to Changxing took me beyond the city and into the mountains. In the midst of summer, I immersed myself in Changxing's landscapes, embracing the leisurely, livable, and delightful aspects of the season. This journey was all about vacation, good food, and pure relaxation! ✅️Changxing Summer Retreat This time, I opted for a vacation mode because I was exhausted. I chose a resort hotel, indulged in great food and drinks, and—given the scorching weather—picked the Blossom Hill Hotel in Shuikou, Changxing. Right outside the hotel was a playful stream, and it’s located within the Shuikou resort area, perfect for casual exploration! ✅️Splashing Around is the Main Event I had no idea before arriving that the hotel offered such easy access to a fantastic water playground. The biggest surprise? The water here is incredibly clean ♥️♥️♥️! With gentle slopes, pool areas, and a fish-scale dam, plus the surrounding rolling hills, it’s both photogenic and utterly relaxing. ✅️Experience Tea Culture in the Countryside The entire Shuikou area is a tea culture tourism resort—tea is everywhere here. Legend has it that Lu Yu wrote *The Classic of Tea* in this very place. The Tang Dynasty Tribute Tea Institute is located here, and Tangchao Twelve Lanes is worth a nighttime visit, though it felt a bit underwhelming. Don’t miss the Guzhu Farmers' Market for local specialties, especially the famous Purple Bamboo Shoot Tea. Guzhu Reservoir is also a must-visit for its stunning environment. At the far end of the village lies Overlord Pond, which is particularly striking during the rainy season. ✅️Visit a Millennium-Old Temple This trip also included a visit to Shousheng Temple, said to be over 1,700 years old. The temple’s Shousheng Pagoda is visible from afar, though it was actually built in recent years. The two ancient ginkgo trees, each over a thousand years old, are also worth a photo stop! ✅️The Hotel: Blossom Hill As a frequent guest of Huazhu hotels, having stayed at over a dozen of their brands, this was my first time at a Blossom Hill property—and it felt like great value. The room was spacious (our standard room was around 50 square meters, designed like a suite) and very quiet. The breakfast was excellent, featuring Changxing’s famous dry-tossed noodles—highly recommended! But the biggest surprise was the stream right outside the hotel, which earned major bonus points 📢📢📢!