A unique resort in the hills of Shenzhen reminds Joshua Tan of the virtues of reflection
I stepped out of the taxi on to the eerily quiet driveway of the Mahayana OCT Boutique Hotel and what seemed like another world.
The graceful wooden buildings, clustered around the stone courtyard, were straight out of a Chinese period film. Towering statues, portraying the Buddha in meditation, and bubbling fountains, created an air of calm, a stark contrast to the scrum of downtown Shenzhen where we had been earlier.
Mahayana – literally “Great Vehicle” in Sanskrit – takes its name from one of the two main forms of Buddhism practised in the world today and originating in India. Taking up this theme, the 22-room bolthole, nestled in Wind Valley of the Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) East leisure complex, provides a novel experience for travellers in need of some soul searching and time out from the pressures of climbing the corporate ladder.
The Mahayana OCT Boutique Hotel makes no pretense at being a monastery. Despite the religious figures, the scriptures on the walls, the portraits of monks from the Hua Xing Temple and the strains of chanting that pervaded the lobby, there was no monastic austerity in evidence. My room featured a standard range of amenities – plump bed and duvet, rich fabrics, hot water, large flat-screen TV – the sort of comforts that would be found in any branded hotel.
Behind the hotel is a flight of 108 steps leading up to a giant statue of the Four-Face Goddess of Mercy, which overlooks the entire OCT East compound and necklace of hills in the distance. As we climbed the stairs, our guide Anna explained that each step symbolises a problem in our lives that can be resolved.
We moved on, Anna continuing to explain the meaning behind different statues and decorations throughout the complex, including two trees imported from Nepal, the Buddha’s birthplace. But, I have to admit, as a non-Buddhist I couldn’t entirely relate to it.
Early next morning, I discovered the true essence of this corner of Shenzhen. David, a photographer whom I had met the previous evening, suggested we get up at 5am to stroll around the property and take photos while the first streaks of daylight were unfolding. “The photos will be amazing,” he told me.
The same stone-grey hotel courtyard I had seen earlier the previous day was now cool in the misty morning air and resembled a celestial palace bathed in ethereal beauty. It was then I experienced a tranquillity that the city couldn’t offer. I had found unadulterated peace.
Soon enough though, the sun had risen and meditation classes of the resident temple monks began promptly at 6am.
As I retreated to the comfort of my room, energised and revitalised, my only regret was that I didn’t have more time to sit and take in the fresh morning air.
FACT FILE
The Mahayana OCT Boutique Hotel is a Buddhist-themed hotel, offering 22 rooms. Superior Room rates range from CNY1,788 (US$262) to CNY2,088 (US$306) per night for weekdays and weekends respectively. These include tickets to the OCT East Park located further down the mountain, as well as coupons for a vegetarian breakfast, which is served strictly between 9am and 10am.
Contact OCT East, Dameisha Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, tel 86 755 2528 1111
Joshua Tan
