Slow Tourism: A Journey of Finding Inner Peace in a Huizhou Manor
As I stroll around Pig’s Inn, a cozy and welcoming Huizhou-style guesthouse located in Bishan village, near Huangshan, China, the gentle flow of the river and birdsongs fosters a sense of peace and contemplation that helps me unwind and take a deep breath. Hanyu, the owner of Pig’s Inn chose to depart from the fast-paced city life of Shanghai and, through collaborative effort, crafted the present sanctuary of unparalleled serenity. In between each guest room, the handcrafted wood scent and locally sourced herbal tea refresh my senses, while the vintage decorations evoke a sense of nostalgia, adding to the tranquility of the space. Pig’s Inn is a beautiful and refreshing space that allows me to take a break and recharge from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai city life.
The Slow Tourism Trend
Such mindfulness takes root from the “slow tourism experience” trend, which emphasizes the significance of meaningful experiences and immersing oneself in the local area over the more conventional approach of ticking off attractions. As Revfine — the knowledge platform for the hospitality and travel industry — clarifies, slow tourism is about prioritizing meaningful experiences and focusing on the local area than it is about sustainability, as the latter is “really a by-product more than a fundamental feature” (Martijn Barten, 2022). This type of tourism experience encourages meaningful exploration rather than just sightseeing, resulting in a more authentic and fulfilling travel experience.
Slow travel is about taking the time to appreciate the journey as much as the destination, and it offers a more mindful and connective approach to tourism (Angelina Villa-Clarke, 2022). Now that we are emerging from years of travel restrictions, slow travel is likely to shape the future of tourism as people seek more meaningful and sustainable travel experiences.
Indeed, Byway, a travel agency specializing in slow travel, saw a 600% increase in interest since April 2021.
“Our customers are citing the desire for travel experiences that allow them to savor each moment, pausing in a variety of places to connect with local cultures and ecosystems for high quality, authentic and sustainable experiences,” shares Cat Jones, founder of Byway. Jones expects this trend to continue, with slow travel becoming defined trends of 2022 (Angelina Villa-Clarke, 2022).
Inner Peace through Slow Tourism
In a world that prioritizes productivity over rest and reflection, slow tourism provides a much-needed respite that can improve mental health and contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
At Pig’s Inn, slow tourism is not just a buzzword but a way of life. Beyond providing an authentic experience of Huizhou-style decor and cuisine, Pig’s Inn offers a haven for visitors to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the present moment.
As Hanyu shows us around the riverside, she shares “许多游客来到这里，沉醉于民俗的环境，什么都不用做，只是静静地感受着自然环境带来的宁静和放松, Many tourists come here and do nothing but silently experience the peace and relaxation that the natural surroundings bring.” Hanyu embodies this philosophy, living a simple and unadorned life that prioritizes the small joys of drinking tea, enjoying the scenery, chatting with locals, and reading books.
“The highlight of our trip to Bishan was getting to bond with all of you. It’s crazy to think that we were all complete strangers at the beginning of the trip, but now it feels like we’re practically family” shares Leander Bai, a student at NYU Shanghai.
“Something about the Bishan gave us the time and space to really connect and get to know each other. The fact that we could just go with the flow and live in the moment made everything so much more exciting.”
By promoting a more relaxed and immersive travel experience, slow tourism can aid in finding inner peace by disconnecting from the fast-paced demands of daily life and reconnecting with nature, culture, and oneself.
“When we stumbled upon the store and decided to buy fireworks on a whim, or when we sang with the staff at Pig’s Inn in the courtyard late into the night,” Bai reminisces. “Those are the kind of spontaneous experiences that you can’t plan for. It’s wild because it’s not something you can do back in the city, it feels like something that happens only in movies, you know?”
Indeed, the warmth of the fireplace and the old-world charm of Pig’s Inn creates a serene ambiance that allows us to slow down. In the midst of our hectic city lives, such moments of peace and reflection are rare, and thus all the more precious.
As we chatted about our morning experiences at Pig’s Inn, I was inspired by the beauty of nature and the happiness of those around me. The antique decor and preserved architecture gave a sense of timelessness that made me reflect on my life journey. With gratitude, I realized the importance of savoring life’s simple pleasures and cherishing the company of loved ones.
Berkeley Well Being Institute suggests that slow tourism results in “increased life satisfaction and positive affect along with decreased negative affect, depression, and anxiety.” Such a slow-paced experience allows travelers to cultivate mindfulness and gratitude as well as engage in self-reflection which can lead to personal growth, purpose, and satisfaction (Nathalie Boutros, n.d.).
In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook these moments of introspection, but they allow us to appreciate the richness of our lives and connect with the world around us. Let’s slow down, take a breath, and discover the wonder of our lives anew.
“Pig’s Inn 就像一条修行之道，让我学会了如何让内心平静下来, Pig’s Inn is like a path of spiritual practice, which has taught me how to calm my inner self,” says Han Yu.
Sources
Barten, M. (2022, May 27). Slow Tourism: What It Is, Its Importance, and Examples. Revfine.com. https://www.revfine.com/slow-tourism/.
Boutros, N. (n.d.). Inner Peace: The Ultimate Guide. Berkeley Well Being Institute. https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/inner-peace.html.
Villa-Clarke, A. (2022, January 27). Travel Trends Report 2022 — Part 2. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/angelinavillaclarke/2022/01/27/travel-trends-report-2022--part-2/?sh=24e43fd11390.
Visual Credits:
Most of the photos & videos have been taken from Audrey Sierends & edited by Tiffany Lin.
