Idyllic local life in the nature park in Bolzano. [Photo by Rico Sauerborn/China Daily]

Needless to say, South Tyroleans love nature, and walking and biking in the mountains is a way of life. They also have a great sense of style and a talent for innovation. Influenced by Italian fashion culture, many of the boutique shops and interior decor businesses have sophisticated window displays that are changed every few days.

Another impressive part of shopping culture in the region is the eco-fashion industry. One local clothing label, Re-Bello, combines comfort and style by using sustainable materials such as plastic bottles and organic cotton to produce garments.

"The production of textiles always has an impact on the environment, and we wish to minimize that impact by choosing sustainable fibers of high quality," the head designer tells me.

When it was time to leave, I felt I'd only touched the surface of this beautiful region. It takes a lot of hiking and exploring to really appreciate what's on offer.

Reflecting on my friendships with the proud, nature-loving South Tyroleans, as well as everything I had experienced, I came to the conclusion that I had indeed discovered paradise.

If you go

When to go: Year-round. The region is renowned for skiing in the winter months and mountain climbing, hiking, cycling in summer and late spring and early autumn. September is the best time, during the grape and apple harvest season, when the weather is a bit cooler.

Getting there: You can fly to Munich, then take a bus or train to Bolzano, which takes around three hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Innsbruck, Venice or Milan, then take a train to Bolzano, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.