Homestay Review Vol.42 Songtsam Bingzhongluo Lodge｜Breathtaking Rice Terrace Views

Best time to visit: Mid-September to early October! Golden ripe rice terraces! This is the ONLY period each year to witness this spectacle! I visited in mid-October by sheer luck—persistent rains had delayed the harvest, allowing me to catch this rare sight. Perched on elevated terrain, the village requires navigating narrow lanes between houses upon arrival. With the entrance on the lodge's west side and rice terraces on the east, I completely forgot about the terraces during check-in. Until... pushing open my suite door revealed a living room framing jaw-dropping golden vistas. ⭐️Room Features⭐️ 1⃣️Stayed in a two-bedroom suite featuring an exceptionally long shared balcony between living room and master bedroom—absolutely magnificent. 2⃣️Living room: Large dining table, sofa set, coffee machine, kettle. Master bedroom: Duplicate coffee setup (smaller sofa). Secondary bedroom: Wardrobe only. 3⃣️Smart bathroom layout: Dual sinks, separate wet/dry areas, plus an additional standalone toilet with sink. Minor drawback: Main toilet's door placement creates awkward access. ⭐️Common Areas⭐️ 1⃣️Culinary highlight: Bingzhongluo & Shiyueliang restaurants outshine Songtsam Meili and Shangri-La with authentic local flavors tailored to Chinese palates. (My previous Meili review stands—their dishes are style over substance.) 2⃣️Complimentary morning meditation: Rice terrace sessions (weather permitting) or indoor alternatives. 3⃣️Cozy screening room showcasing evening documentaries about caravan culture. ⭐️Songtsam Signature Touches⭐️ 1⃣️Wake to mist weaving through mountain-framed rice terraces—your private balcony coffee moment becomes non-negotiable. Sunny afternoons? Bag a terrace seat at the restaurant to watch light dance across the golden fields. 2⃣️Butler-curated Tea Horse Road hike to Wuli Village (more stroll than trek): • Scenic drive along Nu River through dramatic Shimen Gate cliffs • Viewpoint stop for fog-veiled Wuli Village vistas • Cross via Chaohong Bridge (original historic bridge preserved nearby) • Walk ancient cliff-carved horse paths • Exclusive partnership: Learn traditional Nu ethnic rug weaving from local artisans