Ru YUAN
Hidden away in the forests of the West Lake District, not far from Longjing, Gui Yu feels like stepping into another world. As soon as you walk through the doors, the hustle and bustle of the city fades, replaced by the calming scent of tea and the peaceful charm of a traditional Chinese courtyard. It's cozy, welcoming, and almost Zen-like—a perfect spot to unwind and savor the moment.
tHE FOOD
Ru Yuan is a restaurant that offers an elevated take on local cuisine. The standout dish was the raw crab marinated in wine, which beautifully enhances the natural sweetness of the meat. Another creative delight was the quail tea eggs topped with caviar—the runny yolk added a rich and unexpected twist. While their signature dish, the pyramid-style braised pork, was a bit too fatty and didn’t fully meet expectations, the other offerings, like the lotus root and Longjing shrimp, delivered well on classic flavors and quality.
tHE eXPERIENCE
This restaurant is tucked away in Changzhou Botanical Gardens, making it a really peaceful spot to eat. We booked a private room with this huge floor-to-ceiling window that opened right into the garden, so we felt surrounded by nature. While we ate, we could see people walking around and even taking wedding photos, which added a nice touch to the atmosphere. The staff was super friendly and attentive, making us feel really looked after. Overall, it was a lovely experience, though there wasn’t anything that made it unforgettable—it’s a beautiful, calm place, just not one that particularly stands out.