Moganshan: A Secluded Paradise Deep in the Bamboo Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Jinhua triangle lies Moganshan, a secret realm hailed by The New York Times as "one of the 45 places in the world worth visiting." This mountain, just over 700m above sea level, is named after the legend of Gan Jiang and Mo Ye, who forged swords here during the Spring and Autumn period. It is renowned for its rolling hills of bamboo, clear springs, cascading waterfalls, and scattered clusters of villas from the Republic of China era. Here, the four seasons paint distinct pictures: spring bursts with mountain flowers and emerging bamboo shoots; summer boasts an average temperature of 24°C, with dense bamboo shade; autumn brings a tapestry of colorful forests and fiery red maples; and winter transforms the landscape into a crystal wonderland of frost and rime. Stroll along the stone steps in front of Song Yuelu, Chiang Kai-shek's former residence, breathe in the subtle fragrance of the rose garden at Le Passage Mohkan Shan, and enjoy panoramic views of the entire Moganshan basin from the terrace of the Baiyun Hotel. The sound of the Sword Pond Waterfall still echoes the sword-making legends of a thousand years ago. What truly makes Moganshan legendary are the more than 300 unique villas hidden within the bamboo forest. The baroque-style Queen Hotel once hosted Chairman Mao Zedong, the European castle-like Naked Retreats pioneered the concept of luxury wilderness getaways, and the Moganshan Jutu, transformed from a primary school, houses a collection of 10,000 books. These buildings coexist with the bamboo forest, their gray bricks complementing the green bamboo. Open a window to a sea of clouds, or turn around to see waves of bamboo. As night falls, the mountainside twinkles with lights. Attend a nature concert in the Firefly Forest, experience letterpress printing at the Republican Library, or simply brew a pot of Mogan Huangya tea and listen to the rustling of the wind through the bamboo leaves. This secluded mountain, just a 1-hour drive from Hangzhou, soothes the soul of every city dweller with its timeless tranquility.