When a Chinese development company initiated meetings with Keija villagers in the Nankun Mountain Nature Reserve, it signaled the start of a different sort of tourism project than China had ever seen: a collaboration between developers, community leaders, local craftsmen, and international experts in fields ranging from bamboo architecture to feng shui.

The result was a five-star eco-lodge, designed by Fort Lauderdale-based firm EDSA, that set a new standard for sustainability in a

When a Chinese development company initiated meetings with Keija villagers in the Nankun Mountain Nature Reserve, it signaled the start of a different sort of tourism project than China had ever seen: a collaboration between developers, community leaders, local craftsmen, and international experts in fields ranging from bamboo architecture to feng shui.

The result was a five-star eco-lodge, designed by Fort Lauderdale-based firm EDSA, that set a new standard for sustainability in a country that isn't exactly known for being green. Crosswaters opened in 2007 to immediate accolades from environmentalists and travelers worldwide.

Set inside the 100-square-mile reserve at the junction of the Gankengmei and Sumaoping rivers, Crosswaters is surrounded by the bamboo forest that inspired its design. An elaborate bamboo bridge marks the entrance to the main lobby, and rammed-earth and bamboo villas sit on raised platforms near the water's edge.

You can spend your entire stay exploring the lodge grounds, where seven native-plant gardens showcase organic rice, vegetables and fruit trees, bamboo sculptures, a lotus pond, and endemic plants that attract swarms of butterflies—there are 176 local species. The natural amenities center offers interpretive tours.

Where the two rivers converge, an observation tower rises above the forest homes of grey-headed woodpeckers, orange-bellied leafbirds, and 72 other types of birds. A stargazing tower stands at the highest point on the property, affording panoramic views of the lodge grounds, the distant mountains, and night skies that are so clear you'll find it hard to believe you're just two and half hours from Hong Kong.

Local herbs, bamboo shoots, river conch, honey, coca tea, and other locally sourced ingredients feature prominently on the menus at the Haaka Chinese and Western-style restaurants and in the traditional teahouse. You'll also find them in the herbal scrubs, nectar masks, and other treatments at the Forest Spa.

The local ingredients, gardens, and natural setting are part of an overall philosophy that puts Crosswaters on par with the world's greenest lodges. Its design was based on a strict set of international guidelines that also calls for cultural experiences, community service, and conservation efforts.

You may notice that the buildings make use of roof tiles salvaged from village ruins, or that the boardwalks were made from discarded railway ties, or that the architecture pays subtle tribute to the region's Hakka culture. You'll certainly notice that every structure is immersed in nature. And as you enjoy the natural soundtrack of river sounds while sipping tea on your bamboo-shaded deck, that may be all that matters.

Kimberly Lisagor is a freelance journalist who covers travel and the environment from her home base in San Luis Obispo, California. She is the co-author of the book Disappearing Destinations: 37 Places in Peril and What Can Be Done to Help Save Them and has written for publications including Outside, National Geographic Adventure, and Men's Journal.