Soaking in hot springs and retreating by Slender West Lake, life is on another level

"Of the moon's enchanting light on earth, two-thirds belong to Yangzhou." When visiting Yangzhou, a tour of Slender West Lake is a must, followed by an overnight stay at the Retreat Slender West Lake Hot Spring Resort. The resort's location is unbeatable—listening to the bells of the ancient Daming Temple, watching children play in the Songjiacheng Park across the way, and gazing at Slender West Lake, fully immersing in the breathtaking scenery where "flowers and willows line both banks, and towers and terraces stretch all the way to the hills." This garden-style hotel occupies a vast landscape of mountains and water, with pavilions and waterside pavilions at every turn. Through the lattice windows, you can catch glimpses of Slender West Lake's bonsai garden, evoking a sense of mystery like "a half-hidden face behind a pipa," making you reluctant to leave the hotel. Strolling through the courtyards, you'll find that each of the hotel's 100 guest rooms is given a poetic Yangzhou-inspired name, such as "Shattered Shadows," "Flowing Light," "Tender Youth," "Green Retreat," "Spring Stay," and "Bamboo West Haven," each carrying its own unique meaning and charm. One courtyard, one private hot spring per household—this is luxury without the crowds! The outdoor hot spring pool lets me bask in the warmth under the starry sky, utterly relaxing. For those who love to swim, there's a stunning pool where you can shape your perfect physique while enjoying a dip. The Tea House blends seamlessly with Slender West Lake. Sipping on fragrant tea while savoring Yangzhou pastries here feels like heaven on earth. I was fortunate to witness a couple holding their most important life ceremony on the hotel's wedding lawn. The hotel provides complimentary calligraphy tools—ink, brushes, paper, and inkstones—allowing you to calm your mind through writing or copying scriptures. It's not just practice; it's pure enjoyment.