Shen’ao Village sits just outside Hangzhou in China’s Zhejiang province, where stone paths wind between centuries-old courtyard homes and daily life unfolds much as it has for generations. Walking through the village, I noticed neighbors greeting one another, doors open along the narrow streets, and conversations drifting between homes and courtyards. It’s here that I met Joanne, who left city life behind to restore a 240-year-old courtyard house and open Eight Blessings Inn, a nine-room bed and breakfast rooted in hospitality, conversation, and community.

Our conversation explores the dream that led Joanne from Hong Kong and Shanghai to this thousand-year-old village, the bold decision to start over later in life, and the challenges she faced while restoring the inn during the pandemic. Along the way, we talk about the meaning behind the name Eight Blessings, the importance of face-to-face connection in a fast-moving world, and why returning to a simpler way of living can create the space where meaningful moments happen.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] – Walking through Shen’ao Village for the first time and the storybook feeling that immediately came to mind.

[01:25] – The moment I realized Joanne’s deep care for others after she insisted on helping me seek treatment for an injury.

[03:20] – The thousand-year history of Shen’ao Village and the ancient drainage system that still functions today.

[04:24] – Joanne shares how she moved from Hong Kong to the village and started Eight Blessings Inn.

[05:18] – Her first attempt at opening a bed and breakfast in Shanghai—and why it had to close after only a year.

[09:39] – Renovating a historic courtyard home just before the COVID lockdown brought construction to a halt.

[12:49] – Why Joanne believes face-to-face conversation has become one of life’s greatest luxuries.

[17:44] – The unique cultural experiences guests can experience in the village, from crafts workshops to learning local history.

[19:35] – Joanne’s philosophy on happiness and why she believes life is best lived simply.

Links and Resources:

Eight Blessings Inn – Bed and breakfast in Shen’ao Village near Hangzhou
This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported Amelia’s travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at: https://us.ceair.com/en/

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Website: https://AmeliaOld.com

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