Unbelievable Huangshan Views: Your Dream Stay at This Xi Coungy Hotel!
Unbelievable Huangshan Views: Your Dream Stay at This Xi Coungy Hotel!
Unbelievable Huangshan Views: My Xi Coungy Hotel Adventure (and a Few Real-Life Mishaps!)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the Huangshan mountain tea!) on my recent stay at the Xi Coungy Hotel, which supposedly promises "Unbelievable Huangshan Views." And let me tell you, the views…well, they were pretty darn spectacular. But the experience itself? That's where things got interesting. Get ready for a whirlwind tour, complete with highs, lows, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by too much mountain air.
First Impressions: The Thrill (and a Few Stumbles)
The website promised a seamless arrival. Ha! Okay, the Airport Transfer was smooth. Nice touch. But finding the hotel initially? Let's just say my GPS and I had a spirited debate. The road to the hotel wound up and around like a particularly caffeinated snake. Eventually, we got there. Phew.
Accessibility-wise, the hotel seemed to have made an effort. Elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Supposedly. I didn't have any specific mobility issues, but I did notice ramps and wide doorways, which is definitely a good start. I hope they’re truly prepared though, because my experience in China with that concept in other hotels has been decidedly hit or miss.
Check-in was… well, I’d call it “enthusiastically inefficient.” While the Check-in/out [express] option was advertised, it wasn’t exactly… speedy. There was a slight language barrier, and a whole lot of paperwork. But hey, the Front desk [24-hour] staff were genuinely trying, bless their hearts. And eventually, I was handed a key card and sent on my way.
(Side note: The whole experience was a bit of a culture shock. I’m used to being able to waltz in somewhere, flash a room key, and be on my way. This was… more involved. But I’m rambling.)
The Room: My Little Mountain Sanctuary… Mostly!
My room! Ah, my little mountain hideaway. The Air conditioning worked like a champ, thankfully. The Blackout curtains were glorious for sleeping in, and the Extra long bed was a definite plus because, well, I'm not exactly vertically challenged! The Complimentary tea was a nice touch, and the Free bottled water? Essential. Staying hydrated in that mountain air is a must.
Speaking of essentials, the Bathroom was decent. Separate shower/bathtub? Yes, please! However, the Mirror seemed to have some sort of fog-resistant coating (probably the humidity). It definitely made shaving a… creative endeavor.
And the Wi-Fi [free]? Let's just say it was Internet access – wireless, at times. It was there, it worked… sometimes. Enough to occasionally check email, but streaming my favorite show was a definite challenge. (Which, to be honest, might be a good thing. Embrace the mountains!)
Speaking of the Internet…
They had Internet access – LAN, too. I didn't actually use it. Because… well, who carries a laptop chord nowadays? It made me feel old.
Let's Talk About the View: Because, Seriously, WOW!
Okay, let’s cut to the chase. The view from my room? Unbelievable. Truly. I’m not exaggerating. Every morning, I'd practically leap out of bed, rip open the Window that opens, and just breathe. The majestic peaks of Huangshan shrouded in mist… it was breathtaking (literally, with the altitude!). The whole point of the hotel, right? And it delivered.
Rambling about Restaurants and Food (because, you know, food!):
There were multiple Restaurants on site. And that's where things got… variable.
The Dining, Drinking, and Snacking Scene:
- Restaurants: A good variety, including Asian cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and Breakfast [buffet]. The buffet was… chaotic. But the food was decent. The coffee, however, was… well, let’s just say it woke me up. (And not always in a good way.)
- Room service [24-hour]: Excellent! Perfect for a late-night snack.
- Poolside Bar: I didn't visit the poolside bar. My goal was to relax and enjoy the views.
- Coffee shop: Sadly, I did not find one
- Snack bar: I did not notice one.
- Bottle of water: Available.
- Alternative meal arrangement: It was possible.
- Desserts in restaurant: Delicious!
- Happy hour: They had one!
- A la carte in restaurant: I did not notice if they had or not.
- Soup in restaurant: I did not try it.
- Salad in restaurant: I did not try it.
The Spa Experience: Bliss Mixed with a Side of Confusion
Now, this is where things got really interesting. I decided to indulge in the Spa, because… mountain air makes you want to pamper yourself, ok?!
The spa itself was gorgeous. Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath all under one roof. Serenity personified.
I opted for a Body wrap and a Body scrub. Pure heaven. The masseuse was… well, let's just say she had a unique approach. At one point, I think she used a bamboo stick to apply pressure on my back. Interesting. And the language barrier made explaining what felt good and what didn't… a comedy of errors. But hey, I emerged feeling smoother than a baby's bottom. (Seriously, though.)
They also had a Pool with view, which was stunning.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (Beside the Spa, obviously!)
The hotel came with a Gym/fitness center, which I glanced at longingly. No chance I was going to attempt using it. I did, however, spend a good chunk of time on the Terrace soaking up the sun and those views.
They also had a Sauna that I did not use, due to the fact that I lost interest.
Safety and Cleanliness: A Mixed Bag
The hotel seemed to be taking COVID-19 precautions pretty seriously. I saw Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff wore masks. The Daily disinfection in common areas was a comforting sight. Additionally, I was happy to see Rooms sanitized between stays. That said, some of the protocols were a bit… inconsistent. They had Individually-wrapped food options but not everywhere. The Safe dining setup was… it existed. Also, I appreciate the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Moreover, they had Staff trained in safety protocol, but the staff were not always very helpful.
Was I worried? Not really. I've seen worse.
Other Stuff (Random Musings)
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: They had a couple, but I didn't get to see them.
- Internet services: They had them, but… see above.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: It seemed to work better than in my room.
- Things to do: Well the views were the main thing,
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Not sure.
- Breakfast in room: You could get it, but it was a small premium
- Breakfast takeaway service: I didn't see it.
- Cashless payment service: Yes!
- Doctor/nurse on call: Probably.
- First aid kit: Likely.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Apparent
- Hygiene certification: I didn't see it.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: It was being attempted.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Again, probably.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nope.
- Shared stationery removed: Yes.
- Sterilizing equipment: Probably.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Apparently.
- Business facilities: They had them.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Concierge: They had one, and he was trying his best.
- Contactless check-in/out: Not really.
- Convenience store: Not really
- Currency exchange: I think so.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes!
- Doorman: Yep.
- Dry cleaning: Yes.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your typical tourist itinerary. We're going to Huangshan, and it’s going to be as gloriously messy as my attempts to learn Mandarin. This is my "Surviving Huangshan, Maybe Thriving If the Dumplings Are Good" plan.
Pre-Trip Meltdown (aka Planning Phase):
The Great Visa Panic: Oh GOD, the visa! I swear, applying for a Chinese visa felt like being interrogated by airport security. Forms, photos, and endless questions about my life (apparently, they're curious about my questionable life choices). Anyway, survived that, which deserves a medal. Or at least a shot of Baijiu when I get there.
Packing Paralysis: I'm the QUEEN of overpacking. But also, a total lightweight when it comes to being prepared. Decided to go with a backpack (I'm clearly trying to be "adventurous"). Then filled it with everything, including a tin of Marmite (don't judge – a girl needs her comfort). Also, a decent first aid kit, because I'm clumsy and I'm pretty sure I'm going to twist an ankle at least once.
Language Anxiety: I've downloaded Duolingo. That's basically the extent of my Mandarin proficiency. I'll probably mostly resort to frantic pointing and miming. Wish me luck. Actually, wish us luck, you're coming along for the ride too.
Day 1: Arrival & Huangshan Whispers (Shell Hotel & Xi Coungy)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Arrive at Huangshan Tunxi International Airport. Airport, yes, there will be many people. Taxi to Shell Hotel Huangshan, Xi Coungy. The taxi ride? Thrilling, terrifying, and a crash course in Chinese road rage (mostly the cars). The air is already different, feels like… pure nature. I'm so ready to be surrounded by those mountains I've seen in photos, feeling the fresh air.
- Mid-morning (9:00 AM): Check into the Shell Hotel. Okay, the hotel is pretty standard. But clean, and that's all that matters. This is where the excitement takes over. I decide I need a moment to gather myself, to sit down and breathe. The world is going to be awesome, I just know it.
- Late Morning - Noon (10:00AM-12:00PM): Xi Coungy. I've always romanticized the idea of wandering around some new neighborhood and trying to feel the heart of the area. Stroll to Xi Coungy, looking and trying to feel the surroundings and the culture. The beauty of it all takes my breath away.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Lunch at a local restaurant. The food? Let's just say it was an adventure. The menu was entirely in Chinese, so I pointed at something that looked vaguely edible. It turned out to be… interesting. I have no idea what it was, but the dumplings were divine! Food is always a win.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): A little bit of downtime (read: nap) back at the hotel. Jet lag is a real beast, and I'm already feeling it. Need to recharge for the mountain hikes.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at a random restaurant. I am determined to find the perfect bowl of noodles. Maybe I'll finally get a handle on ordering. The locals are friendly, even if they don't understand my hand gestures (which, let's be honest, are probably more dramatic than informative).
- Evening (7:30 PM): Early night, prep for tomorrow's mountain hike. I'm excited, and a little bit terrified.
Day 2: The Huangshan Hike (and the existential dread of stairs)
- Morning (6:00 AM): Wake up early! The sun is just casting its golden rays, can't waste a second. Have a quick breakfast (instant coffee and a protein bar, living the high life, baby). Head to the Huangshan mountains. This is the main event, the thing I've been dreaming about.
- Morning (7:30 AM): The initial climb is manageable, if a bit sweaty. The views are STUNNING. Seriously, photos don't do it justice. I swear, some of these peaks look like they're straight out of some fantasy epic. I'm in awe. And then…the stairs. Oh, the stairs.
- Mid-morning (9:00 AM): The stairs just keep going. This is where the "moderate fitness level" turns into "slightly panting, existential dread." I'm pretty sure my legs are screaming at me. The only thing keeping me going is the promise of the views (and maybe that I don't want to embarrass myself by turning back).
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Found a small spot with a vendor selling snacks. Stuffed my face with some questionable (but delicious!) fried noodles. The conversations were a beautiful mess of smiles, gestures, and a shared feeling of “we made it!”
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Keep hiking! The views are worth every single achy muscle. The clouds swirl around the peaks, creating this ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere. It's impossible to not feel small and humbled. This is why I came, the reason I'm willing to push through the pain: Moments like these, you'll never forget.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Descend! This is when my knees really start to complain. My legs are jello. But I did it! I actually hiked the Huangshan mountains. I'm a badass!
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner in the town. More noodles!
- Evening (8:00 PM): Back to the hotel, soaking my aching feet in a hot bath. Watch some Chinese TV, and fall into a deep, well-deserved sleep. If I can still walk tomorrow… I should probably make plans tomorrow.
Day 3: Huizhou Ancient City & Cultural Immersion (or Attempted Immersion)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up feeling like I've been hit by a truck. But the lure of adventure calls! Head to Huizhou Ancient City.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Explore Huizhou Ancient City. It's like stepping back in time. The architecture is stunning, the canals are picturesque, and I half expect to see a lady in a flowing gown floating by.
- Mid-day (12:00 PM): Lunch in Huizhou. I am getting better at ordering, even if it's mostly by pointing. Actually, I'm getting pretty good at the "point, smile, and nod" method.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM): Wander around randomly. This is where things get interesting. Found myself somehow at an artisan's shop. We communicated mostly through a mix of hand gestures, broken Mandarin, and the sheer power of enthusiasm. He showed me how to make something vaguely resembling a teapot. I felt like a total idiot. But it was also amazing!
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Trying to buy some souvenirs. Bargaining is a MUST. I discovered I have a surprisingly good poker face when trying to negotiate the price of a tea pot.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant. More noodles, more dumplings, more adventures in eating.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Relax at the hotel. Journaling, maybe some more Chinese TV. Seriously considering another foot soak.
Day 4: Farewell Huangshan (and the lingering taste of adventure)
- Morning (8:00 AM): One last delicious breakfast. Take a final walk through this beautiful area.
- Mid-day (10:00 AM): Check out of the hotel, and try my best to do the checkout process.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Head to the airport. Reflect on the amazing sights and sounds.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Wait for my flight.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Land back home. Thinking about all the food, culture, and nature that I'll never forget. The end.
- Final Thoughts: Huangshan, you were a challenge, a joy, a mess, and a dream. I'm exhausted but exhilarated. Would I do it again? Absolutely! Next time, though, I'm bringing more snacks and my own phrasebook. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn to say "ni hao" without sounding like I'm choking.
(Disclaimer: Actual times and events may vary. May contain excessive use of exclamation points and existential crises. Reader discretion is advised.)
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Unbelievable Huangshan Views: Your Dream Stay (Maybe...?) at This Xi Coungy Hotel! - FAQs That Might Actually Help (Or Not)
Alright, let's get real. "Amazing" is a loaded word, right? Is it *life-altering* amazing? Probably not. Unless you're REALLY into misty mountains and sunrises that make you weep a little (which, full disclosure, *I* did). The view? Look, it's Huangshan. It's the stuff of ancient scrolls, of poets waxing lyrical... and yes, sometimes it lives up to the hype. I saw a sunrise that turned the clouds into cotton candy, and honestly, I almost choked on my instant noodles. But… and this is a HUGE BUT… it depends.
One day a fog rolled in and I couldn't see past the balcony! And on a cloudy day? You're staring at... clouds. So the answer, my friend, is: it's *usually* freakin' gorgeous. But temper your expectations. Mother Nature is a fickle mistress, even in a fancy hotel. The hotel staff, however, *always* seemed to have the best view of the hotel! They said the best view was from the front desk!
Rooms? Right. So, they have your usual suspects: doubles, suites, maybe a triple if you're traveling with your entire chaotic extended family. And yes, *some* rooms have killer views. Ask for one on a higher floor, obviously. But be warned: "view" in hotel marketing can be... optimistic.
I booked a "deluxe mountain view" room. Sounded fancy, right? Well, apparently, "mountain view" also meant "partial mountain view, obstructed by a slightly lopsided pine tree." The pine tree was quite the character, though, I must admit. I named him "Harold." My first real-life best friend: Harold the pine tree.
Also, and this might sound silly, but check the *direction* of the view. Sunrise is awesome, but if you're a night owl like me, it might not be your priority. You can be staring straight into the dusk.
Okay, let's be frank. Hotel food, in general, is a whole *thing*, isn't it? And this hotel... it's a mixed bag. The breakfast buffet? Standard hotel fare. Plenty of carbs. Questionable sausages. The coffee, however, was an abomination. I'm convinced it was made with swamp water and regret. I almost cried!
But… and you know there's a "but" coming... the *dinner* at the hotel restaurant? Potentially. I had a spicy fish dish one night that actually knocked my socks off. The chef, bless his heart, came out to bow in front of that dish. The whole experience was so wholesome. The chef looked more nervous than I was trying to negotiate in a bazaar.
So, my advice? Manage your expectations. Don't go in expecting Michelin-star dining. But keep an open mind (and maybe pack some instant coffee). The best part? The view from the restaurant is amazing, even better than the breakfast corner.
Service? It’s… *China* service. Which is to say, it’s generally polite, and there’s a genuine desire to help, but the language barrier can be *a thing*. I tried to order a taxi and ended up accidentally explaining the entire plotline of "Midsommar" to a very confused receptionist. Sorry.
I will also add, I once tried to ask for extra towels and was met with a look of deep puzzlement. Eventually, via elaborate charades involving me pretending to dry my hair with a non-existent towel, I got the message across. So, bring your patience, your translating app, and a sense of humor. And maybe an extra towel. Just in case.
Ah, the million-dollar question! (Well, maybe not a million dollars, but it felt like it after the taxi ride). Huangshan itself is reasonably accessible. You fly into Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (TXN). From there, you're likely looking at a taxi ride, or potentially a pre-arranged hotel transfer.
My Taxi driver? Let's just say he had a very, very… creative… understanding of the concept of the shortest route. The mountain roads are winding, folks. You'll be doing a lot of "oooohs" and "aaaaaahs" (mostly in the form of "Oh my god, are we *still* climbing?"). Plan accordingly. Seriously. Pack motion sickness pills.
Once you're *at* the hotel, pat yourself on the back. You've survived! And hopefully, the view will make it all worthwhile. Or, at least, distract you from the memory of that taxi ride.
Okay, so you're not *just* going to stare at the view all day (though, honestly, that's a perfectly acceptable way to spend a vacation). There are hiking trails (duh!), but be prepared for some serious elevation. There's a small pool (probably crowded). And, yes, there is a spa.
The spa! I had a massage there. It was… an experience. The decor was very tranquil, all bamboo and hushed whispers. The masseuse? She was either incredibly strong, or I'm incredibly fragile. Or maybe both. I'm pretty sure my shoulder blades went to a place I didn't know existed. But, hey, the post-massage tea was divine.
Anyway, consider it a base camp for exploring Huangshan. The hotel itself is a nice place to chill, and you got options for excursions. But be honest with yourself: the view is probably the main draw. And you are not wrong to focus on that.
Okay, deep breath. Brutally honest? Yes, probably. Despite the questionable coffee, the Harold-obstructed view, and the slightly-too-vigorous massage, I *would* go back. **Qinzhou's Hidden Gem: Shell Hotel Near Baishihu Park & Wuyue Square!**
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