Who We Are
The Mountain Retreat family originates from the surrounding villages, bringing with us the local charm and traditional hospitality of Yangshuo. For the last six years, led by American owner Chris Barclay, we have all been trained extensively on the job and are able to fulfill multiple roles. In addition to learning English and hospitality management, we share a commitment to learning about the interests of our guests, and introducing them to the unique culture of Yangshuo. To read more about our staff you can go to the YSMR blog here

Our Mission
To be a source of inspiration for guests, through the beauty of our surroundings, the quality of our service, and the sustainability of our business practices.

Our Vision
To be consistently recognized as a model tourism facility in China by offering superior value and an authentic experience to guests. Our work results in the prosperity of Yangshuo by creating opportunities for local people, and a deeper appreciation for their culture and history for all who visit us.

		Environmental Preservation - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
		Teamwork - supporting one another as a family, focusing on the common goal of delighting our guests
		Integrity - being who we say we are, keeping our promises and being honest in all communication
		Courage - taking a stand for one another and against practices not in line with our values
		Local Community Support - Investing in the education and welfare of people from our neighbouring villages

Our Concept
"The Yangshuo Mountain Retreat was conceived as a simple "Eco lodge" where expats in China could escape from the chaos of crowded, polluted mega-cities. In the beginning, we didn't have air conditioning, or a western kitchen, or even a computer, just a telephone and fax at the front desk. As the Retreat grew in popularity, we found it necessary to upgrade facilities, and so added air conditioning, computers and wireless broadband, as well as a pizza oven! But the rooms have remained simple as when we began: no telephone, no TV, no mini bar and a locally made cotton batting mattress. We have stayed true to the authenticity of our original concept, like making our own bamboo furniture and offering a simple menu with fresh local dishes and a few western favorites. We now serve wine and imported beer as well, but we remain a simple country inn where people from all over the world can go to experience the beauty and serenity of Yangshuo.

A little more about us...
Authenticity is central to the concept of the hotel. We aim to give our guests a truly authentic experience and manage to do this through our staff who are all from neighbouring villages, our rooms which are designed using the Chinese tradition of feng shui and through the general ambience, that is for many more like a home from home than a hotel.
YSMR is also involved in charity work, most notably the Chinese-US Medical Foundation which was founded by Chris Barclay in 2002. We donate 5% of our profits to CUMF each year helping children with brittle bone disease across China. The charity came about after Chris's direct experience with Chun Li (Angel) the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat's front desk supervisor.
An additional 5% of profits are allocated to our green initiatives which you can read about on our sustainable initiatives page.

If you would like to join one of YSMR's social network groups, chat with others and help support sustainable tourism in China, then go to one of the following websites.

	YSMR Blog
	Facebook (Search for "Yangshuo Mountain Retreat Group")
	Ning

For some awesome pictures in and around Yangshuo, Guiilin and Guangxi and to share your own pictures go to our Flickr account at

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