Huashan's Hidden Gem: GreenTree Inn Huayin - Unbelievable Views & Prices!
Huashan's Hidden Gem: GreenTree Inn Huayin - Seriously Unbelievable Views & Prices! (A Raw Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your sanitized, corporate-speak hotel review. This is the real skinny on the GreenTree Inn Huayin, that little slice of heaven (and sometimes, chaos) nestled near the majestic Huashan Mountain. I'm talking honest-to-goodness experience, the good, the slightly awkward, and the "OMG, did that really just happen?" moments. Prepare yourselves.
First Impressions: Is This REAL Life?
Getting to Huashan is an adventure in itself. Trains, buses, the occasional rogue taxi driver… but finally, you arrive. And the GreenTree Inn? It sits there, unassuming… then BAM! You step inside, and the lobby? Clean, modern, and the air conditioning! A sweet, sweet relief after the journey. The staff? Mostly friendly. Some were a little shy on English, which, hey, my Mandarin is practically non-existent, so we're even. Definitely a good first impression.
Accessibility - Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
Alright, alright, let's talk practicalities. The elevator? WORKS. That's a win, especially when you're lugging a backpack the size of a small child. They do have facilities for disabled guests, though I didn't personally test them out. Given the (mostly) flat terrain of the hotel and the elevators, it seems like a good option.
Internet-palooza! (And My Mild Addiction)
Free Wi-Fi? In every room? Don't mind if I do! Seriously, the internet was surprisingly fast and reliable. I mean, I’m a blogger, a social media addict, and a serial Netflix binger, and I didn't experience any meltdowns. (Okay, maybe one, but that was me realizing I’d left a tab open with… ahem… less-than-family-friendly content. Oops.) They also have LAN connections if you're feeling technologically nostalgic.
The Room: My Little Mountain-View Fortress! (And a Few Quirks)
My room? Let's just say the view nearly knocked me over. Seriously, the mountains… they were right there. Breathtaking. Beyond the view, the room itself was… comfortable. Air conditioning (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), a safe, a mini-bar (stocked with water, bless them!), and… a coffee/tea maker! Yes! Crucial for those early-morning Huashan hikes. Now, the bed wasn't the plushiest I've ever slept on, and the pillows… well, let's just say I’m used to a pillow that can hold its shape. But hey, at this price point, I'm not complaining.
Plus! I've noticed a few small things:
- Additional Toilet: Always a plus, especially when you're sharing a room. That little extra convenience is a lifesaver.
- Bathrobes: Yes. Pure luxury, especially after a long day of hiking. They're soft, comfy, and make you feel like a pampered king or queen.
- Blackout Curtains: Crucial for getting some sleep before you climb the mountain. They work really well. Absolutely perfect.
- Non-smoking: A fantastic choice, especially if you're a non-smoker.
- Window that Opens: I love it. Nothing beats fresh air.
Cleanliness & Safety - Feeling Secure (Mostly)
Overall, the GreenTree Inn seemed clean. The rooms were sanitized between stays. They had hand sanitizer readily available in all public areas, which always earns points in my book. Staff were wearing masks, and I felt reasonably assured of their safety protocols. They had regular disinfection which is so important.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and My Cravings)
The hotel has a restaurant. I opted for the breakfast buffet one day (Asian breakfast). It was… an experience. Let's just say my Western palate wasn't entirely prepared for the, uh, interesting selection of pickled vegetables. But! They also had fresh fruit, toast, and coffee. Coffee is a MUST. Plus, there's a coffee shop. It was basic but got the job done.
They do also offer 24-hour room service and are happy to provide breakfast in room. Their snacks and drinks really come through when you're tired. They even have a poolside bar, which would be great in warmer weather.
Also, I saw a vegetarian restaurant nearby.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax! (Or, How I Recovered from Huashan)
Okay, let’s be honest, Huashan is brutal. Your legs will scream at you. You'll question all your life choices. So, what did I do afterward? I wish they had more to help me relax.
- I imagine the pool with a view would have been amazing if it had been open, and I was jealous seeing what pictures can do.
- I’m a huge fan of saunas, so it felt odd not seeing one available.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Touches That Matter
Okay, the GreenTree Inn has a lot of nice things. They have a concierge, laundry service, luggage storage, and safety deposit boxes. They have all of the basics covered.
- Check-in/out [express]: This wasn't really express, but it was easy.
- Car park [free of charge]: This is really helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Very appreciated.
- Desk: Fantastic when you need to work.
- Elevator: Critical.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Nice touch.
- Food delivery: I could have used this with my exhaustion.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus.
- Ironing service: Very helpful.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Useful for business travelers.
- Non-smoking rooms: A big plus.
- On-site event hosting: A nice bonus.
- Room service [24-hour]: Fantastic.
Getting Around - Smooth Journey
Again, the hotel is great. They have airport transfers.
For the Kids:
They are family-friendly! I'm not a parent, but I can tell that kids would be welcome here.
The Verdict: Should YOU Book?
Absolutely. Seriously. For the price, the location, the views, the free Wi-Fi… the GreenTree Inn Huayin is a winner. It's not perfect – it’s not the Four Seasons, folks. But it's a comfortable, convenient, and surprisingly affordable basecamp for exploring Huashan. Just be prepared for a few quirks, embrace the adventure, and enjoy the heck out of that incredible mountain view. This is a place where you can be comfortable, and maybe just a little bit challenged (in the best way).
My Special Offer (Because You Deserve It!)
Book your stay at the GreenTree Inn Huayin through this link (insert affiliate link here—I'm not actually affiliated, but you get the idea!) and get:
- A free upgrade to a room with a mountain view (subject to availability!).
- A complimentary breakfast buffet voucher.
- A discount on your first Huashan entrance ticket (because it's a must!).
Don't delay, book today and experience the magic of Huashan (and maybe, just maybe, avoid the pickled vegetables). You won’t regret it!
Escape to Paradise: OYO 90440 Good View Inn Awaits in Sri Aman!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the unvarnished, slightly-crazed, and probably caffeine-fueled account of my ill-fated, yet undeniably memorable, trip to Huashan, starting from the supposed "comfort" of the GreenTree Inn Huayin Huashan Town Huashan Scenicspot Express Hotel. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival, Initial Panic, and Questionable Noodles
- 6:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Or, more accurately, attempt to wake up. The promised "express" part of the hotel is immediately betrayed by the fact the internet is slower than a snail riding a glacier. This is going to be fun. Already craving a coffee, but I suspect the coffee here is brewed by a grumpy cloud.
- 7:00 AM: After an eternity, finally manage to get a taxi to the base of Huashan. The taxi driver, bless him, was a speed demon. I'm a little convinced he was trying to beat his personal best. I didn't ask to know that.
- 7:30 AM (ish): Arrive at the entrance. The sheer scale of the mountain is breathtaking. Or… maybe that's the altitude. Whatever. It's big. Really, really big. I wander around in somewhat of a daze, mostly because I'm trying to work out how I'm going to hike up a mountain that looks like it was sculpted by a team of vengeful gods.
- 8:00 AM: The purchase of Entrance tickets and cable car tickets go smoothly, thank the heavens.
- 8:30 AM: Cable car boarding. The cable car is… intense. Let's just say my fear of heights did a full-blown interpretive dance routine. You're suspended in a tiny metal box, peering over dizzying drops.
- 9:00 AM: Cable car disembark. Some beautiful views so far, I felt like an eagle soaring.
- 9:30 AM: Started the uphill trek, the trail is really steep!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the peak, a small restaurant. The noodles were… well, let's just say they were “authentic,” and leave it at that. I suspect they'd been cooked with the same ancient, slightly-grumpy cloud-brewed-coffee energy. My stomach did a tiny rebellion.
- 1:00 PM-4:00 PM: The ascent to the North Peak. This is where things got real. Real sweaty. Real tiring. Real beautiful. The path is carved into the mountain face. You're holding onto chains in some places, or else there are wooden planks built into the cliff side. There I was, inching along these precarious little walkways with a sheer drop on one side – which, I will emphasize, is not ideal when you're already prone to clumsy. I was absolutely terrified, but also strangely exhilarated. It was like being in an action movie, except I'm the slightly-chubby, frequently-out-of-breath extra who's probably going to trip and fall at any moment.
- 4:00 PM: Made it to the North Peak – triumphant! The views are incredible. Absolutely stunning. I wanted to stay there forever. Except my legs felt like they were made of lead, and I'd already downed two bottles of water.
- 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Cable car back down. The descent felt even more terrifying than the ascent. Maybe it was the exhaustion talking but the fact that the car was swaying to the music of the wind with a sheer cliff face beneath… This time, though, I was more prepared, I looked at my phone to distract myself.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Showered, ate a bunch of snacks because those noodles clearly didn’t fill me up. The internet still sucks. I ordered some online takeaway (fingers crossed it's better than the noodles). I’m already planning my retreat next time.
Day 2: The South Peak, The Plank Walk, and a Moment of Existential Dread
- 7:00 AM: Wake up! A little less groggy, but still feeling the pain in my legs. Today: South Peak. The legendary plank walk!
- 8:00 AM: After a not-too-horrendous breakfast at the hotel (yay for actual coffee!), I head back up the cable car and start the hike. It was actually packed, I was worried I would never arrive.
- 9:00 AM: Hike, hike, hike. The scenery is once again stunning. I even saw a bird! (Maybe an eagle? I wouldn't know. I'm not a birdwatcher.)
- 11:00 AM: South Peak: Reach, this time with fewer near-death experiences. Still a bit winded. The views are even more spectacular. I almost started crying, I am not joking. It's a spiritual experience up there.
- 12:00 PM: The Plank Walk. Oh. My. God. This is it. The moment I've been both dreading and anticipating. It's worse than I imagined. You’re literally clipped to a harness, and you shuffle along a narrow wooden plank bolted to the side of the cliff. The wind is howling. The drop is… well, let’s just say you wouldn't want to drop your phone. The worst part: there's a traffic jam, I had to wait many times. I thought I was going to die in the middle of that cliff, literally.
- 1:00 PM: I made it! Alive! I sat down at the end, legs shaking, and had a mini-existential crisis. What am I doing with my life? Am I crazy? Why do I sign up for these things? Then I took a picture.
- 1:30 PM: This time, I have lunch at the peak also. This time it was a sandwich, I enjoyed it better.
- 2:30 PM: Another trek through the trail. I am becoming an absolute hiking machine.
- 4:00 PM: Back in the cable car for the descent. This time, I even managed to enjoy the view a little.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel, feeling a weird mix of exhausted and exhilarated. Dinner is again a takeaway of noodles. Sigh.
- 6:00 PM: I'm pretty sure I'm going to be sleeping for 12 hours. My legs are screaming. My brain is still trying to process what just happened on that plank. I am both insanely proud of myself and also considering therapy.
Day 3: Departure (and a Vow of Sweet, Sweet Rest)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Still hurting, but a bit better. I ordered the actual hotel breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Check out of the hotel.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the train station.
- 12:00 PM: Train departure. Goodbye Huashan! Goodbye, terrifying (but amazing) mountain!
- 1:00 PM: The train arrived at the final destination.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- The GreenTree Inn? It was… fine. The internet was a crime against modern technology. But hey, it had a bed.
- Huashan itself? Absolutely incredible. Bucket list material. Just… prepare yourself. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. And maybe bring your own coffee.
- The Plank Walk? I'll remember it for the rest of my life. I'll also probably have nightmares about it.
- Next time: I might hire a sherpa. Or just never leave my couch again. Decisions, decisions…
- Overall Rating: 9/10 (would recommend, with a severe warning about the planks and the noodles).
1. Alright, alright, let's get this over with... what *is* this "Frequently Asked Questions" thing, anyway? Seriously, is it even worth my time?
Ugh, the million-dollar question, right? So, basically, FAQs are supposed to be a shortcut. A way to tell you, the internet wanderer, the stuff I *think* you're gonna ask. Like, the Cliff's Notes of life. Is it worth your time? Well... probably not. I mean, I wrote this. But in my defense, it's like one of those 'choose your own adventure' books, but this time... you can't choose. *I* choose for you. I hope you like my choices. *shrugs*
2. You sound like you're not really a fan of FAQs. Why? Is it the formatting? The pressure? The crushing weight of... expectations?
Okay, you got me. They're... fine. But they always feel so *forced*, you know? Like, "Oh, here's what you *should* be asking!" Newsflash: I don't always know what you *should* be asking. And the formatting? Bullet points and pithy answers? Zzzzzzzzzz. It all feels... manufactured. Like those perfectly Instagrammed avocado toasts. Give me a little mess! Give me a little rambling! Give me the *truth*! (Which, by the way, is probably that I'm procrastinating on, like, ten other things right now.)
3. So, hypothetically, if I *were* to ask you a question about, say, your favourite food... what might that be? I'm just trying to gauge this, you know?
Oh, food! Now we're talking! Okay, first of all, I'm *obsessed* with tacos. Seriously, I could eat tacos every single day and die happy. I'm not sure tacos are a "food" as much as they are an experience. And let me tell you, there's this little hole-in-the-wall place down the street, *chef's kiss*. The carne asada is... oh, man. But I'm also a massive sucker for pizza. But the kind you get from New York City, not that... cardboard they call pizza at chain restaurants. And don't even get me started on a good burger. Are you hungry now? Cause I am. I also once tried to bake a cake, and it was truly terrible. My mom still says it. She still holds it over my head, even after all this time.
4. Okay, okay. Let's get a little *deeper* into this. What's something you're... not so good at? Don't worry, it's safe space. I won't tell anyone.. probably.
Ugh, okay. Where do I even *begin*? I'm terrible at... keeping my cool. When things go wrong, I tend to... overreact. I'll be the first to admit it. I once locked myself in a bathroom for an hour because I couldn't figure out how to work a new coffee machine. *An hour*. And the coffee wasn't even that good. It's terrible. Also, I am really, really bad with directions. Ask my husband. He knows better. We should probably get a new GPS, but whatever. But yeah, keeping it together when the world throws lemons at you... not my strong suit. But hey, at least I can make a cake. Wait. Nope. Never mind.
5. Fine. Okay, let's switch gears: What's something that makes you truly *happy*? The "inner peace" kind of happy?
Alright, this one is easier (thankfully). There's nothing quite like the feeling of a good book and no interruptions. You know, snuggled up on the couch, with a cup of tea and nothing to do for hours on end. The perfect rainy afternoon where you can just exist without the need to do anything else. And it's even better when I'm at my happy place, and that's a beach. The sand between my toes, the sound of the waves... it's pure bliss. And you know what else? Laughing so hard, you cry. Those are the best. Or, you know, a really, *really* good hug. Okay, I'm done. *mic drop* (figuratively, of course, because... well, I have a keyboard)
6. Okay, fine, one more. What's something you want the whole world to know? Something... deep?
Hmm. That's a tough one. I think I want everyone to know it's okay to be a mess. To not have all the answers. To fail. To be *human*. Honestly, the perfectly curated lives on social media? Ugh, exhausting. Real life is messy, and complicated, and hilarious, and heartbreaking, and beautiful. Embrace the glorious chaos. Because it's all we've got. And maybe, just maybe, order a taco...you won't regret it.
