Hangzhou: Just a 3-Hour Drive Away! Taoya Brings the Wilderness into a Rammed Earth Mansion

Address: No. 61 Dingbukeng, Songzhuang Village, Sandu Township, Songyang This homestay, converted from an old rammed earth house, was designed by Mr. Lyu Xiaohui who preserved 60% of the original structure. It maintains its natural essence and unique character while incorporating the owner's wild yet refined taste. The high-ceilinged reception hall sits by a stream, and despite the rammed earth exterior walls, the interior exudes modern elegance. Large floor-to-ceiling windows facing the stream bring views of small bridges and flowing water indoors, while warm yellow lighting and light green sofas create a vintage yet sophisticated atmosphere that embodies the essence of wabi-sabi aesthetics. The 10 guest rooms are scattered along the stream, each an independent artistic space with distinctive, uncommon beauty. The terrazzo floors provide a smooth, comforting feel—simple yet full of character, fresh and bright, echoing the bamboo forest outside. Taoya's cuisine is humble yet extraordinary. Without complicated techniques or elaborate skills, the food offers authentic homemade flavors. Ingredients include locally sourced eggs, mountain bamboo shoots, and stream-caught fish. A pot of free-range chicken soup simmers over honeycomb coal for 4 hours, prepared with the aunties' local cooking expertise, making every bite incredibly flavorful. At Taoya, you're not just staying in a room—you're experiencing an alternative lifestyle. Occasional exhibitions, barbecues, sipping hot wine by the stream, and conversations around bonfires create unexpected yet delightful adventures in this ancient village.