A Secluded Retreat in Nankun Mountain: Finding Poetic Joy at Cullinan Homestay

As the car wound its way up the mountain roads, the silhouette of Nankun Mountain appeared and disappeared through the mist. When the wooden sign for "Cullinan Homestay" came into view, I knew this brief escape from the city would become a treasured memory. As a traveler who stumbled upon this place and was instantly captivated, I want to share my experience of this mountain retreat with other nature lovers. Pushing open the heavy wooden door of the homestay, I was greeted by a refreshing breeze, a blend of woody fragrance and the scent of the mountains. I checked in to a large bed room with a soaking pool, while my friend chose an adjacent twin room. The room design strikes a balance between rustic charm and modern comfort. The natural wood furniture complements the rough stone walls, while smart TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi keep you connected to the world. The most delightful surprise was the semi-subterranean soaking pool, filled with warm spring water drawn from the mountain. At night, soaking in the pool, gazing at the stars through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and feeling the mountain breeze gently caress the curtains, all my fatigue dissipated with the rising steam. The next morning, I was awakened by birdsong and the aroma of breakfast. Instead of a standard hotel buffet, the homestay offers a local breakfast spread. Freshly ground soy milk filled the air with a rich aroma. Sitting on the terrace, enjoying the meal while watching the morning mist curl around the distant mountains, I felt a sense of tranquility, reminiscent of the ancient Chinese poet Tao Yuanming's idyllic life. As the sun climbed higher, the housekeeper thoughtfully brought afternoon tea—handmade Hakka pastries paired with locally produced Cloud Mist Tea. I chose to enjoy my tea and pastries under a canopy on the outdoor lawn. This meticulously maintained lawn is the most vibrant part of the homestay. Children chased the homestay's rabbits, couples whispered sweet nothings on the swing in the corner, and I lay back in a camping chair, letting the sunlight filter through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the pages of my book. In the distance, a group of young people prepared ingredients for an evening barbecue, their laughter and the crackling of the charcoal fire creating a heartwarming mountain symphony. During the hottest part of the afternoon, a dip in the mountain spring-fed pool was the perfect way to cool off. The water was so clear that I could see my reflection shimmering on the stones at the bottom of the pool. After my swim, I retreated to the tea room for a rest. The owner of the homestay is a tea enthusiast, and the tea room displays a variety of tea sets. Occasionally, he would personally demonstrate the art of brewing Chaozhou Kung Fu tea for the guests. Listening to the owner recount the legends of Nankun Mountain, surrounded by the fragrant tea, time seemed to slow down. As night fell, the homestay revealed another side of its charm. Warm lights illuminated the outdoor hot spring area, where several pools were scattered across the hillside. I chose a pool with an open view and immersed myself in the 38-degree spring water, soothing every inch of my skin. Looking up at the starry sky, I saw far more stars than I ever could in the city. The Milky Way stretched across the sky like a diamond-studded ribbon. Just then, the housekeeper brought me a steaming cup of ginger tea to prevent any weakness after the hot spring, a thoughtful gesture that warmed my heart. Returning to my room late at night, I found a hot water bottle on the bed. The nights in the mountains can be chilly, and this small gesture was incredibly comforting. Lying in the soft bedding, listening to the occasional chirping of insects outside the window, I drifted off to a deep, peaceful sleep. My three-day stay flew by, and I felt a pang of reluctance as I left. The charm of Cullinan Homestay lies not only in its excellent facilities, from the comfortable rooms to the diverse leisure areas, but also in its perfect mountain atmosphere. It retains a sense of wilderness while offering modern conveniences. It provides both quiet spaces for solitude and lively areas for socializing. It allows you to feel the owner's care without being intrusive. This balance is the kind of vacation experience that city dwellers dream of. As the car pulled away, the homestay in the rearview mirror grew smaller and smaller. But I knew that this mountain paradise, these warm memories, and the rare tranquility and joy would stay with me. Cullinan Homestay in Nankun Mountain, we will definitely meet again.