1. What is the best time to visit Shaxi?

My personal favorite seasons are mid-Spring, Summer and Autumn.

For first-time visitors,

late March to end of June,

September to end October could be most weather & temperature friendly to the majority.

But to be honest, each season and the transition in-between is charming. It definitely depends on your personal preference too and how you hope to experience that very season. xx

2. How do you keep warm in winter?

There is a fireplace on the first floor, and in the Tea Room on second floor.

Both floor-heating and heater are provided in your bedroom. (Please use either one of them each time, to prevent tripping.)

There is also an electric-blanket for your bed.

3. Is there an aircon for summer?

No. Shaxi has a cooling summer, average 17-25 degrees. It may hit 28-30 degrees on rarely hot days. But fans and opening-windows are usually suffice.

4. I am very interested in plant-dyeing, can I learn more from you?

It's possible to arrange if my schedule allows. :) Just email me and share with me your thoughts!

5. What are the different potential experiences throughout the year?

What I'm listing below is merely a timeline, not a grantee for related experiences to be included during the retreat:

February:

- plum flowers blossom

March to April:

- blossom of all kinds of flowers

- collecting wild pine pollen

June:

- plums picking for wines or traditionally preserved plums

Late July to August:

- wild mushroom picking during rainy season

- wild mushroom oil making

September:

- unriped Persimmon ready for kakishibu dye making

(a fermented persimmon dye with 2000 years of history in China)

October:

- golden rice field by chance

- making persimmon cakes

- available of freshly slow-pressed walnut oil

December to January:

- making salted preserved pork

- all kinds of fermented and naturally preserved food

*Arrangement of seasonal experience depends on Ting's availability and schedule.

Other useful info

Transport within Shaxi and nearby Shaxi

From A Bright Place to Old Town:

RMB30 per single trip to Old Town, for your own grocery shopping, exploration etc.

Return trip is RMB60. Pay directly to local drivers.

Within Old Town:

Approx. RMB15-20 per trip.

General dinning cost within Shaxi:

Coffee / drinks at cafe:

RMB25-50 / serving

Meals:

Eateries for noodles, single dish + rice:

RMB12-40/pax

Restaurants without alcohol

RMB70-150/pax
*depends on your order.

Fine dinning

RMB300-500/pax

What are the payment methods used in China?

Wechat & Alipay is the most widely used.

Cash is accepted too.