I walked into a small building outside my homestay in Changxing County without really knowing what I was about to experience. What started as a simple spa treatment turned into something much deeper—a quiet lesson in slowing down. Sitting in a traditional herbal bath, with nothing to distract me but my own thoughts, I realized how uncomfortable it can be to simply be still. That moment became the beginning of a conversation about presence, hospitality, and the ways different cultures approach rest and connection.

In this episode, I travel to the famous Ginkgo Corridor in Zhejiang, China, where thousands of ancient ginkgo trees stretch through the valley—some more than a thousand years old. I sit down with Zhou Junbei, the owner of Yingxing Guli Homestay, who left city life behind to build a place rooted in family values, community, and meaningful experiences for travelers. We talk about the inspiration behind her homestay, the symbolism of the ginkgo tree, and why creating moments that bring people together may be the most important work of all.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] – I arrive at a spa treatment without knowing what to expect and quickly discover how difficult it can be to slow down and sit quietly with my thoughts.

[02:07] – I introduce Changxing County and the famous Ginkgo Corridor, home to tens of thousands of ancient ginkgo trees.

[03:29] – I meet Zhou Junbei, owner of Yingxing Guli Homestay, and hear the story behind how her homestay began.

[07:54] – Zhou shares how her upbringing in an artistic family shaped the values and atmosphere she brings to her homestay.

[10:29] – We talk about the symbolism of the ginkgo tree in Chinese culture and how its longevity reflects strength and resilience.

[12:31] – Zhou explains the seasonal experiences guests can enjoy—from herbal baths and traditional medicine therapies to tea picking in the mountains.

[15:41] – A powerful story about recognizing a guest’s severe allergic reaction reminds Zhou why caring for people like family matters.

[22:26] – I reflect on the kindness and small gestures that made my stay feel less like visiting and more like belonging.

Links and Resources

This episode is sponsored by China Eastern Airlines, who supported my travel for this journey. You can learn more about their routes and destinations at us.ceair.com.

For more information about Yinxing Guli Homestay and planning your own visit, you can find their listing here:
https://us.trip.com/hotels/changxing-hotel-detail-9055720/yinxing-guli-hotel/

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