Given that it is possible to count the “Nice Things to do in Pukou” on the fingers of both hands, any addition to the list is a welcome one. So it came to be that The Nanjinger found itself camped out in one of the many “huts” that comprise the rural, but decidedly civilised and newly-opened, Yunxilinshe (云栖林舍), English name Pinecone Residential Village.
A retreat that is perfect for an overnight away from the city, but close enough to home, Yunxilinshe would also be ideal as a romantic escape or an opportunity to give urban youngsters a little taste of country life, Chinese-style, i.e. with all the mod cons.
Hut, therefore, may not be quite the right word (but neither does “villa” qualify). Each is tastefully decorated and well appointed with almost everything one would expect from a five-star hotel room.
Up to 100 such huts are divided into four sections, with the appropriate architecture to match; the Chinese, Japanese, Post-Modern and Zen areas. As usual, The Nanjinger chose to be… Zen, taking the two-bedroom option that went for just ¥300 for 1 night, as part of an opening promotion. At time of writing, same are going for ¥550-770.
Across the road is the draw for most locals, a theme park made not-particularly attractive by the fact that its standout feature is one of those terrifying glass-bottomed bridges (witness people walking on it very, very slowly), the deck of which The Nanjinger estimates to be 50 metres high.
Not wishing to venture therein, The Nanjinger was content to watch the park’s evening firework show (it was National Day and so it was a good one) from the comfort of our hut’s balcony.
Technically a Bed & Breakfast, whereby the latter is a pleasantly large spread, The Nanjinger’s only complaint would be that something resembling dinner would have been nice, to avoid driving to the nearest hotel. Again, the balcony of our hut would have been the other option, for something of a picnic; given the amount of trees around, BBQs are out.
Just remember one thing, before attempting to order online, the location puts the delivery fee through the roof. Just as important, don’t forget the Esky. And a good book.
Yunxilinshe is located off the west end of Yanshan Avenue (沿山大道), accessible from Longhua Lu metro station, exit 2, and the 686 bus. Tel 85288888.
