Emerald mountain revisited
- Source: Global Times
- [09:38 July 16 2010]
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A room at Moganshan House 23. Photo: Tom Mangione
By Tom Mangione
Moganshan is a place steeped in legend. Its name supposedly comes from Mo Gan, the son of the Daedalean swordmaker Gan Jiang and his wife Mo Ye. Apparently Gan made a magic sword of such high quality that the local king had him put to death before he could make another one, but not before Gan and Mo Ye were able to secrete the weapon away in the forests on the mountain. For a generation the sword remained hidden until Mo Gan was able to retrieve the sword and use it to exact revenge on the king by slaying him. It's right out of a fairy tale.
Later, the mountain also became the site of hunts by the Hangzhou Emperors of the Southern Song (1127–1279). Although it wasn't until a little over 100 years ago in 1898 that the mountain was born into its newest incarnation - a summer vacation spot for foreigners in Shanghai. While the village of scattered mansions around the mountain fell into disrepair over the years, the last decade has seen a renaissance in the tourist industry and, at just three hours from Shanghai, it's quickly becoming one of the city's most desirable weekend getaways.
Moganshan's hilltop hideaways. Photo: IC
Getting into a villa
Those who want the experience of staying in a restored villa with all of the comforts of home should set their sights on Moganshan House 23 (www. moganshanhouse23.com). The property has been renovated to house six guest rooms, which feature restored hardwood flooring and vintage-style wooden furniture, copper electric fans and bedside lamps with beaded lampshades.
On the ground floor, there is a small bar with a piano. The bar serves a selection of wines by the bottle from 150 yuan ($22.10), as well as beer and soft drinks. Rooms start at 900 yuan a night on weekdays and 2,400 yuan for two weekend nights. The whole house, which can accomodate up to 14 people, can be rented for 6,000 yuan a night on weekdays and 15,600 yuan for two weekend nights.
For those looking to see the latest generation of bungalows on the mountain, set your sights on Shambhala (www.sham-bha-la.com). Others looking for a more nature and outdoor oriented getaway can look at Naked Retreats (www.nakedretreats.cn), and no, it's not that kind of "naked" retreat. There are also a number of Chinese-run hotels in the village on Yinshan Street.
