Privatzimmer in Fujian, China

This place makes me wish there was an option for six stars. I study Asian art for a living, and I travelled to Jianyang to visit the home of Jian ware, classic tea bowls of the Song dynasty (960 to 1279 CE), distinguished by their black and brown glazes. Over the last few decades, firing Jian ware in the Song tradition has been revived in the area. I chose Nanping Colourful Village Homestay because it was in Jianyang, affordable, and accepted international guests. What I found was a luxury resort with all the warmth and personal attention of a homestay. I asked the front desk about an excavated Song kiln site in a nearby village, and the receptionist brought me the manager, who arranged for someone to take me the next day. My driver was Ms. Huang, an employee of the resort whose job involves buying and selling contemporary pieces. She knew everything about Jian ware! The kiln site isn’t run as a tourist site, so I was only able to view it because Ms. Huang arranged for it to be opened for me. I had told them I was vegetarian, so for lunch they took me to lunch at a vegetarian buffet. Then we visited the town’s Jian ware museum, where they have exhibits on the history of tea and Jian ware, historical pieces, and the work of contemporary Jianyang potters. To my delight, Mr. Gao, the potter-in-residence at the resort, uses a Song-style wood-fired dragon kiln, built right on the grounds! His pieces that range from beautiful but quite affordable to exquisite and appropriately expensive. They include both iridescent silvery oil spot and orange-to-black hare’s fur pieces. I am still thrilled that I was able to purchase wood-fired pieces on my limited budget. For dinner, the resort’s restaurant prepared vegetarian versions of Fujian cuisine for me. The food was all delicious, featuring classic Fujianese mountain ingredients like local bamboo and mushrooms. Then we visited Mr. Gao’s dragon kiln, and later his studio, where he experiments with different local clays and glaze recipes. The rich colours and iridescence of Jian ware are the result of the iron-rich local material fired at high temperature, and the results are as unpredictable as they are beautiful. The next day, they drove me to Mr. Chen’s family tea plantation in the mountains, where they grow famous northern Fujian teas. These fine teas were all wonderful, smooth and rich with a touch of smoke, and sometimes fruity in flavour. We strolled through mountainsides of tea bushes and visited groves of centuries-old tea trees. This is a perfect place for an immersive experience in China that is also very comfortable and convenient. I often find tourist experiences in China claustrophobic due to the press of people, but the resort was spacious and airy, and they took me to places where there was no one else but us and the occasional local going about their business. Everyone was very patient with my limited Chinese language skills. They were also happy to work with translator apps on our phones, so if you don’t speak any Chinese, you will be fine. This would be a great place to come as a family. There are gardens and rides for kids right next to the resort. You can learn how to whip Song-style tea and carve your name into the base of your own Jian ware cup. Not far away is a historical theme park with a collection of real architecture from the Ming (1368 to 1644 CE) and Qing (1636 to 1912 CE) dynasties. The employees wear period dress and there are performances and activities. Nearby there are hiking trails, historical sites, and lovely villages to visit. It’s also very close to Wuyi Mountain National Park, so it would be a perfect place to stay if the mountains are your destination. If you ask, they could arrange for you to visit famous sites or take you to breathtaking places that only locals know, whatever you want. They can also arrange transport to and from the train station or airport.

Die beste Entscheidung für diese Reise ist, diese Familie zu wählen! Die geografische Lage ist überlegen, zu Fuß zu den Attraktionen und umgeben von komplett ausgestatteten Einrichtungen. Das Zimmer ist unfarben und die Luft ist sehr gut und die Lebensartikel sind komplett, ohne zusätzliches Material zu bringen. Die Eigentümer reagieren sehr schnell, und jedes Problem kann rechtzeitig gelöst werden, und das Gefühl der Sicherheit ist insgesamt.

I can’t say enough good things about my stay at this incredible homestay on Dongshan Island—it’s hands down one of the best accommodation experiences I’ve ever had, and I’m already counting down the days until I can come back. From the breathtaking sea views to the thoughtful, attentive service, every single detail made my trip unforgettable, and I’m so glad I chose this homestay for my island getaway. First and foremost, the seaview here is absolutely stunning, beyond anything I could have imagined. The homestay boasts an unbeatable location with unobstructed views of the endless blue sea, and I spent every spare moment just admiring the ocean, both morning and night. Waking up early to watch the soft golden sunrise glisten over the water, with gentle waves lapping against the shore, was the most peaceful way to start each day. As the sun set, the sky painted itself in warm hues of orange and pink, reflecting beautifully on the sea, creating a romantic and serene scene that took my breath away. Even at night, the quiet glow of the moon on the water and the soft sound of waves made the view just as magical. I took countless beautiful photos during my stay, and every snapshot perfectly captures the mesmerizing beauty of this place—no filter could ever do the real scenery justice. What surprised me most is that the homestay is even more beautiful in person than the online photos. When I booked the room online, the pictures looked lovely, but I didn’t expect the actual space to exceed my expectations by such a large margin. The interior is cozy, clean, and tastefully decorated, with large windows that frame the sea like a living painting. Every corner of the homestay is well-maintained, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The layout is designed to maximize the seaview, so no matter where you are—whether it’s the bedroom, the living area, or the small terrace—you can always feast your eyes on the gorgeous ocean scenery. It’s clear that the host put a lot of love and care into creating this wonderful space. The service here is incredibly thoughtful and attentive, which made my stay even more enjoyable. The host and all the staff are friendly, warm, and always ready to help with any needs or questions I had. They were quick to respond to messages, offered useful tips for exploring Dongshan Island, and went out of their way to make sure I had a comfortable and pleasant stay. Nothing was too much trouble for them, and their genuine hospitality made me feel valued and cared for throughout my trip. Unlike many other accommodations where service feels impersonal, this homestay’s service is heartfelt and dedicated, adding an extra layer of warmth to the entire experience. I’ve traveled to many coastal destinations, but this homestay on Dongshan Island stands out as a true gem. The combination of picture-perfect sea views, stunning in-person beauty, and top-notch, thoughtful service is simply unbeatable. I left with so many wonderful memories and a heart full of joy, and I will definitely come back again and stay here on my next visit to Dongshan Island. I highly recommend this homestay to anyone planning a trip to Dongshan Island, whether you’re traveling alone, with a partner, or with friends. If you want to enjoy amazing sea views, relax in a beautiful and comfortable space, and experience warm, professional service, this is the perfect place for you. Thank you to the entire team for such an amazing stay—you’ve made my island trip absolutely perfect, and I can’t wait to return!

民宿位置極佳！門前能停車！老闆熱情好客！民宿裝修的古樸典雅！床品舒服衞生！他家的飯菜好吃！四周景色很美！好評！

Das Zimmer war sauber und komfortabel; ich hatte während meines Aufenthalts keinerlei Hautirritationen. Auch die Toilette war in Ordnung und roch nicht unangenehm. Der Zugang erfolgt per Karte, und die Zimmereinrichtung gefiel den Kindern sehr gut. Es gibt einen kleinen Balkon, auf dem sie im Wasser spielen können. Auch im Zimmer selbst gibt es Spielbereiche. Ein intelligenter Roboter serviert die Mahlzeiten, und einige Funktionen lassen sich per Sprachsteuerung bedienen. Morgens wird ein Frühstücksbuffet mit chinesischen und westlichen Speisen angeboten; der Geschmack ist akzeptabel, die Auswahl jedoch nicht sehr groß. Die Fußgängerzone befindet sich im Erdgeschoss, was das Einkaufen erleichtert, und auch die Anbindung an den öffentlichen Nahverkehr ist sehr gut.

The hotel is located fairly centrally in the island of Pingtan in a small village. Its exterior is nicely decorated with lights, and if you arrive late at night like we did, you’ll thank for that, as it shines like a beacon in a otherwise not very well lit street. The service shone from the beginning. One of the staff was ready to help us with our luggage and show us in, and there was no delay with the registration of my passport (something that as any foreigner that has travelled in the Chinese Mainland will be able to tell, is not something to take for granted), and was immediately added to WeChat, where through the entire trip I was kept updated on everything relevant to us as guests, from the time breakfast was ready, to the fact that a guest with a dog was going to stay in a room next to ours (to which they offered to change if we needed in case any of us was scared or allergic to dogs). Breakfast was always kept warm for us, even when we were coming down late and were not expecting it to be there, and in general the staff’s attitude was always what you would expect in a bigger, more established (and more expensive) hotel, but with a home-stay twist. The hotel is not very close to any scenic spot or touristic destination, but they offer a service of e-bike rental that we used through the trip, and that we’d recommend to anybody is staying here as it took transportation off the list of things we had to think about, and allowed us to fully take advantage of the central location of the inn. With 2 people per bike, going very far North, or South to the city (sometimes both in one trip), we never ran too close to empty our batteries. The room was clean, big enough, and as we were staying on the last floor and our door opened to a patio, very well ventilated. The patio also proved to be a nice place to sit and chill or eat, and I was able to make work I had to finish feel less of a sore in the middle of my holidays. The only things I’d add or change to the room experience are a place to hang clothes (there wasn’t any closet or the sort), the toilet paper (they offered tissues but they don’t feel the same when you want to, you know, keep your hands clean), and real towels (they offer disposable towels, but they’re just not the same). In conclusion, not only I would come back but I most certainly will, as I had an amazing trip and this inn played no small part in it. Would 100% recommend if you like less noisy, more home stay-ey atmosphere, and don’t mind to be a few minutes drive from the city.

Ich schreibe selten Bewertungen, aber dieser Laden muss für seinen guten Service erwähnt werden. Der gewissenhafte und rücksichtsvolle Service hat mich sehr berührt. Sobald ich aus dem Bahnhof kam, habe ich den Laden kontaktiert und WeChat hinzugefügt. Ich habe Ihnen sehr detaillierte Check-in-Anweisungen gegeben und Sie können direkt ins Zimmer gehen. Die Sanitäranlagen sind sehr sauber und alles ist bestens vorbereitet. Ich mag den Stil und das Design und es lohnt sich wirklich, zu diesem Preis in einer solchen Umgebung zu leben!

I enjoyed my stay overall. While the hotel isn’t perfect, it offers great value if you’re looking for a relaxed beach holiday away from the busy tourist areas. Location The hotel is in a peaceful area close to Huangcuo Beach and Xitouxia, with plenty of small local seafood restaurants and traditional Chinese eateries nearby. If you’re not into seafood, there are still a few other dining options within walking distance. It’s about a 30-minute walk to popular cafés like Oncebook Coffee and Snow Peak Café. Further along the beach you’ll also find beach bars such as Breeze Bar and Amoy Beach Bar, where you can enjoy drinks overlooking the ocean. Most of Xiamen’s major attractions, including Shapowei, Zhongshan Road, Gulangyu Ferry Terminal, and MIXC, are around a 20–30 minute taxi ride away, making them easy to reach. Facilities The highlight of the hotel is definitely the swimming pool. It’s clean, relaxing, and has two sun loungers, making it a nice place to unwind after a day of exploring. The hotel doesn’t offer breakfast or have its own restaurant, but there are several places nearby where you can eat. Room The rooms are spacious and nicely designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide beautiful ocean views. The bed is exceptionally comfortable, with soft memory foam pillows, and the air conditioning works very well—something you’ll definitely appreciate during Xiamen’s summer. The bathroom is modern, with a large rainfall shower that has excellent water pressure. There are a few downsides, however. The room could be cleaner, and the hotel provides disposable towels instead of regular bath towels, which wasn’t my favourite. There’s also no minibar or mini fridge, which would have been a welcome addition. Service The reception staff deserve special mention. The gentleman who checked me in was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable throughout my stay. His hospitality left a very positive impression. Final thoughts If you’re looking for a quiet beachside stay with comfortable rooms, beautiful ocean views, and don’t mind taking a taxi to Xiamen’s main attractions, this hotel is a solid choice. Just don’t expect luxury facilities or a full-service resort experience.

Die Lage ist gut und die Verkehrsanbindung ist bequem. Unten befindet sich eine Bushaltestelle und gegenüber liegt der Fährhafen (Rückkehrstation Gulangyu). Sie können Gulangyu im Liegen sehen. Der Achte Markt ist nur 200 Meter entfernt und die Fußgängerzone Zhongshan Road ist in fünf bis sechs Minuten zu erreichen. Die Bilder sind sehr realistisch und nicht übertrieben geschönt. Die Schwester an der Rezeption, die vielleicht die Chefin ist, ist sehr freundlich und engagiert. Außerdem gibt es einen gutaussehenden Jungen, der sehr geduldig ist. Als ich meinen Aufenthalt verlängerte, brachte er mir immer wieder bei, wie man Preise vergleicht. Ich selbst fand das mühsam, hahaha.

We stayed in Floral Luxury.1949 Guesthouse for 1 night. We booked Mufan room located on the ground floor as i am travelling with my elderly mom and carrying heavy luggage bags. The guesthouse butler will contact you the night before your arrival to add them to Wechat for easy communication. They will share their hotel location and offer pick-up service at the train station if required. Access to Yunshuiyao town is RMB90 perpax and free for those aged above 65 years old. Yunshuiyao is a scenic town area with 3 km long (2 - 3 hours walk). We hired a chinese speaking guide to accompany us to explain the history of Huaiyan building (square tulou), Hegui building (round tulou), and the town area. It cost RMB100. The guesthouse is located inside Yunshuiyao town, behind the shop houses, in-between waterwheel and 2 trees (named as husband and wife) aged above 670 years old. When we reached there at 2.30 pm, it was raining. The hotel staff immediately came out with an umbrella to pick us up and assist with the luggage. The check-in is fast, and the access to the room is by password, which they will share in Wechat. Checkout is also very easy. The hotel offered free fruits twice a day, afternoon and evening. The basic bathroom essentials are complete, and they also provide bathrobes. The bed and pillows are very comfortable for a good night sleep. Luckily the aircond can change to warm mode as it was very cold on raining day. There's a mini kids playground for children's. The staff were friendly and helpful. The breakfast set come with porridge and soya drink. Can topup if needed more. The in-house restaurant provides lunch & dinner with a la carte chinese foods menu. The sky brightens at 5 am, while the sun rises high at 6.45am. If you are able to wake up early, this is the best time for you to revisit the town and tulou surrounding area for nice photos and cool breeze as only local people around. There's a roadside stall selling super long youtiao (equal to size of 2 youtiao) located near the stone bridge not far from guesthouse. The whole Yunshuiyao town is covered with natural peebles pathway. Wear suitable shoes as it will be very slippery during the rainy day.