Encounter a 25℃ summer between the waterfalls and beautiful lodgings of Yuntai Mountain

## A Summer Escape to Xishan: Encountering 25℃ Summer Between the Waterfalls and Beautiful Lodgings of Yuntai Mountain Yuntai Mountain Xishan Mountain Residence Aesthetic Garden As the summer heatwave sweeps across Central China, I found a cool secret spot at 25℃ with my child among the canyon waterfalls of Yuntai Mountain. The splashing water and mountain breeze weaving through the forest compose a natural cooling symphony—what’s even more delightful is a summer retreat blending natural aesthetics and parent-child crafts quietly unfolding in the courtyard of Xishan Mountain Residence. ### 💧 Water Fun: An Icy Feast in the Canyon Stepping into Tanpu Gorge, you are instantly wrapped in coolness—the scenery of “a spring every three steps, a waterfall every five steps, a pool every ten steps” is no exaggeration. Xiaolong Creek winds gently, children barefoot wading in the shallow water, laughter from water gun battles mingling with the roar of waterfalls. This is the core battlefield of Yuntai Mountain’s **“Water Carnival” this summer**: - **Dynamic Experiences**: Water flyers soaring over Zifang Lake, paddleboard enthusiasts gliding across the emerald waves, dynamic airboats cutting through the jade-green lake surface. - **Childlike Secret Spots**: Xiaozhaigou’s ten-thousand-person water play pool transforms into a parent-child playground, with daily bubble parties and water fights, and sea lion shows that thrill the kids. - **Quiet Exploration**: Prefer tranquility? You can paddle a small boat or find a “private pool” on the shallows to enjoy the poetic scene of “bowing to the clear pool reflecting green peaks.” ### 🏡 Xishan Aesthetic Garden: A Cultural Classroom in the Mountain Residence After enjoying the water, step into the **Xishan Mountain Residence Aesthetic Garden in Gudongyao Village**—this cluster of lodgings inspired by the “Wei-Jin spirit of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove” elevates the summer retreat into an aesthetic education: - **Live in a Mountain Residence Painting**: 23 guest rooms hidden in bluestone courtyards; the cave rooms we stayed in are warm in winter and cool in summer, with original wood furniture and rustic pottery exuding a refined simplicity. - **Free Craft Workshops**: In the afternoon, join the parent-child workshop at Zhilan Bookstore: **blue-dyed scarves** transform with floral patterns in plant juices; **clay modeling** lets children become little artisans; **woodblock printing** turns mountain leaves into eternal artworks—these activities are free for guests! - **Immersed in Aesthetic Education**: Stroll through the local art exhibition at Xishan Art Museum, savor mountain wild vegetables named after the “Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove” stories at Yinshan Yao Restaurant, tasting wild vegetable pancakes and cultural tales in every bite. ### 🛌 Diverse Accommodations: From Light Luxury Lodgings to Parent-Child Paradises Yuntai Mountain’s accommodation options exceed expectations, meeting various vacation needs: - **High-End Choices**: Yuntai Tianjie International Hotel boasts views of Hongshi Gorge, with Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine to soothe your palate; Tai Chi wellness classes at Yunwutang help parents regain tranquility. - **Parent-Child Exclusive**: Xiyu Homestay’s slide rooms and Liuzhu Homestay’s starry sky pool keep children happily engaged; Pujü Lakeside’s neighbor’s courtyard lets kids count fireflies and listen to cicadas. ### 🍜 Wild Mountain Flavors: The Philosophy of Coolness on the Tongue Food is another way to open up the summer coolness: - **Wake-Up Breakfast**: At the riverside service area, enjoy a bowl of spicy hot soup with stewed noodles, warming and invigorating. - **Mountain Wild Delights**: At “Shanwei Ju” near Tanpu Gorge, stir-fried mountain chives with eggs fill the air with fresh aroma; crispy fried small wild fish paired with cold beer. - **Healthful Finale**: At Laodong’s Donkey Meat Restaurant in Xiuwu County, the donkey meat stew with over 20 spices is tender and gelatinous, paired with donkey meat buns that are a must-try. > **📌 Practical Tips** >- **Free Admission Benefits**: Until August 31, under 18s with ID/student card enter free; recent college entrance exam takers with admission ticket enter free (only pay 60 yuan for sightseeing bus, valid for 3 days). >- **Transportation Guide**: 1.5 hours drive from Zhengzhou; direct tourist shuttle from Jiaozuo High-Speed Rail Station. >- **Best Route**: Day 1 Hongshi Gorge + Zifang Lake water activities → Tanpu Gorge water play; Day 2 Zhuyu Peak hike → Xishan beautiful lodging craft experience. --- As the sunset dyes Hongshi Gorge golden red, we sit at the tea table in Xishan Aesthetic Garden, watching our child excitedly display a blue-dyed handkerchief. At this moment, I finally understand: Yuntai Mountain’s summer philosophy is not only physical coolness but also finding a peaceful freedom for the soul in the fusion of mountains, waters, and culture.