Moganshan may be an obvious choice for a
Shanghai escape, but that doesn’t mean that it’s
any less relaxing. Head to the Zhejiang mountain
retreat this month and you’ll also experience tea
picking season.
While you’ll find a range of cheap Moganshan
guesthouses here, if you’re looking
for a luxe getaway Le Passage Mohkan Shan fits
the bill. You’ll feel a world away from the city’s
constant and luring buzz at this gorgeously
restored French-style country house set among
an eight-hectare organic tea plantation.
When you arrive, reception can advise you on available activities, including the likes of bike riding, bird watching, golfing and hiking. However, for the month of April, tea picking is the go-to favourite. For an additional 280RMB per person, you’ll get a private session with a skilled tea hand where you can wander through green and yellow tea plantations, participate in the annual harvest and learn how to pick Moghanshan’s indigenous Camellia Sinensis plant.
When you get back to the hotel, don’t skip a dip
in the spring water pool, before hitting the bar for
a cocktail and sliding into dinner in the Armand
David Restaurant. In 2015, Toyo Koda (formerly
at Franck in Shanghai) took over as head chef,
and has since been crafting French and organic
cuisine that has seen Le Passage earn a
reputation as a culinary hub.
Spend any remaining time you have at this
peaceful and natural retreat walking the hills of
Moganshan or sinking into the leather sofas in
the fireside salon with a book. If you’re lucky, the
resident dog Tiger might even drop by for some
companionship.
Those visiting Moganshan but not staying at
Le Passage can also stop by their off-site eatery,
The Old Cinema Restaurant Bar & Terrace (369
Moganshan, Yinshan Lu, Moganshan Town).
Serving French bistro classics and light snacks
such as pizza, rotisserie chicken and homemade
sausages and terrines, it’s worth a visit just to
sample Chef Toyo’s creations and check out the
beautiful restoration of the 1970s stone building.
Get there Le Passage is located at the
Xianrenkeng Tea Plantation, Ziling village in
Deqing county. Take one of the numerous gaotie
trains from Hongqiao to Hangzhou (from 73RMB)
and ask the hotel to arrange a pick up.
Book Rooms start at 2,680RMB per night
including a traditional French Country Breakfast
(plus 15 percent tax and service). You can book via their website, email reservations@lepassagemoganshan.com or call 0572 8052958.
