Homestays in Shanxi, China

A relaxing, slow-paced trip! The room was spacious and cozy. The front desk ladies were enthusiastic, lively, beautiful, and thoughtful fairies. It was also very convenient for late-night snacks and ordering takeout – the delivery driver provided excellent and thorough service. I'm looking forward to my next stay! The laundry and drying facilities were very convenient. It's right across from Daiwang Mansion, so after exploring from the South Gate, it was super easy to head back for a good night's sleep.

I did not want to leave. That is the most honest thing I can say about Xihe Academy. ”Guest house” is a label that does not prepare you for what this place actually is. If you are American and hearing that term for the first time, forget whatever image just came to mind. This is not a MIL suite tucked behind someone's garage. This is a fully realized, deeply considered experience wrapped inside one of the most stunning environments I have ever walked into. The courtyard alone stopped me mid-step. The surrounding area looks like an active film set -- you keep half-expecting to hear ”action” called from somewhere just off camera. And then you step inside and somehow it gets even better. I genuinely lost my words. The room is the kind of space where you realize someone has actually thought of everything. Included minibar. Fresh fruit and snacks. Loose-leaf tea so you can brew a proper cup. Bathrooms fully stocked down to the shower shoes. You can arrive with nothing but your clothes and be completely at ease. They have handled the rest. The staff made all of it feel personal. When a language barrier created a small miscommunication, they were patient and gracious without a flicker of frustration. When I joked that I had gone a little crazy shopping and could not close my suitcase, they immediately offered suggestions to help. That warmth is not a policy -- it lives in the people. They coordinate meals as well, and mine was delivered to my room and genuinely delicious. One thing I will say without hesitation: use their driver. This is a private, gated area and you cannot simply grab a random car or rideshare. Arrange your pickup from the train station or airport in advance -- it is seamless, affordable, and completely worth it. Do not skip this step. This was my first guesthouse experience, and Xihe Academy has set a bar I was not expecting to clear so soon. If you stay here, you will not regret it. Five stars is not enough.

It was just an absolutely amazing experience from the very beginning and until the very end of our stay, not even just in the hotel, but in the city of Pingyao itself in general. Me and my friend are traveling very light and without guides, and in Pingyao we had only one day: from evening to evening of the next day. Huge huge thanks to everyone who made this day unforgettable and ultimately comfortable for tired us: Alice, Helen, Fenny, Hana, and all others who was there for us. The hotel service is simply excellent: as soon as they learned about our late arrival, they immediately offered to meet us at the railway station, which was absolutely the sweetest thing. They brought us to the city gate, met us there, and walked us to the hotel. There they gave us a map, on which they explained in great detail where everything is, what is worth paying attention to, how it is better to build the route, and what opening hours different sights have. They also helped us organize a private transfer to Shaolin Temple the next morning. It was just perfect: we got there in 15 minutes instead of one and a half hours by foot, and after our walk in the temple they met us and brought us back. Also on the evening of arrival they helped us immediately buy the ticket for visiting all attractions of the city, valid for three days. And also they advised us where to eat, and gave us a hotel discount in both places. We did not regret it even once, the food was amazingly delicious in both places! The hotel itself is just wonderful: it really looks exactly like in the photos. You want to photograph every corner and record how the sparrows are chirping on the roof, and how two wonderful cats are meowing. The room also matches and even exceeds expectations. A huge kang bed, very comfortable. Excellent shower with everything needed. Breakfast is included in the stay: the traditional Chinese one was very tasty! Unfortunately, we did not manage to eat the egg, it was freshly boiled and still hot, but we were hurrying to Shaolin Temple by opening time. Also the hotel has a laundry service, and special thanks for that too! Washing and drying were very fast, and we got our nicely smelling clothes back already after four hours, which was critical for us, because we were leaving the same day. We felt like we really were honored guests, and we really appreciated it, even if only for one day.

It is two kilometers away from the ancient city of Datong. You can achieve sightseeing freedom by scanning an electric shared bicycle downstairs. If there is a laundry room for facilities, it would be great, because in summer, there are more clothes that are sweaty and not washed. There is no laundry room or drying room for long stay, the hotel can change the operation strategy. There are also bath towels that are disposable, although convenient but very thin, and the experience is not good.

My experience staying at this hotel as below. 1. They provide pickup and drop off from the train station. The day before the Inn contacted me to make arrangement for the pickup. Then they arranged to drive me back to station on the day I leave. Service was efficient and prompt. Much appreciated. 2. I was able to use the washing machine to wash come clothes which was much needed. Comb and toiletries were provided. So grateful for these little necessities as I left mine at the previous hotel. 3. The boss upgraded me to a bigger and better room because it was the low season. The kang bed was so comfortable and firm. I had the best sleep so far at this Inn. I'm so happy. 4. The Inn is inside the old city and practically next to one of the city gates. Very convenient for sightseeing old Pingyao city. 5. Everyone very friendly and helpful. Boss also gave me a bottle of vinegar. Wish I could take it back to UK with me. 6. The price of this Inn is also very reasonable and affordable. 7. Pingyao is a beautiful, ancient old city. Worth coming. I highly recommend staying here. I will be uploading photos and videos of the Inn and my travel experience of China on my YouTube channel TheTravelDiary and goody2shoos once I'm back in the UK so look up my channel for full information and experience. Happy travels everyone.

This guesthouse boasts a wonderfully elegant ambiance and a truly superb location. Stepping out, you're right on Gulou East Street, perfect for exploring, and Southeast Yi is just a few minutes' walk away. Despite its bustling street location, the guesthouse's courtyard offers surprising tranquility. We slept soundly through the night and woke up naturally, completely undisturbed. The owner and the housekeeper were incredibly thoughtful and attentive. They were always ready to answer any questions, from before our arrival until our departure, and their responses were always very detailed. Every day, the housekeeper would kindly ask us what time we'd like breakfast the next morning, and at the agreed time, she'd even come to our room door to let us know it was ready. I absolutely adored it!!! If I ever visit again, I would definitely choose Yishui Street.

Very good experience. The owners are friendly and provide pick up at the gate entrance. Pretty courtyard and the owners shared a lot of information on where to eat / shop at. Would definitely recommend this guesthouse to those wanting to visit Pingyao.

This charming, old-fashioned courtyard is a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the old city, yet still very close to the bustling pedestrian street. The owner is incredibly genuine and offers fantastic service. They even arranged car transfers to and from the high-speed train station, which was a huge plus. It was a wonderful stay! I'll definitely choose to stay here again next time I visit and will recommend it to my friends.

We took a 23-day trip through China, staying in 9 different hotels. Without hesitation, I can say that our stay at Floral stood out in many ways. First, the hotel's structure is very beautiful and has been renovated while staying true to the traditional style of the region. The hotel room itself was probably the most beautiful we had seen on our entire trip: spacious, with windows that actually opened, good air conditioning, and modern decor and furniture without being over the top. Second, the hotel's location is within the boundaries of the city wall and is part of the old town, so beautiful to walk around and see the traditional houses - many of them renovated according to the traditional style. And third and most importantly, the kindness of the people who work at the hotel. I have never felt so welcome anywhere on holiday as at this place. Unfortunately, I arrived with health problems and needed antibiotics - equivalents of the ones I had brought from Europe. I asked the reception where I could find the closest pharmacy, but rather than guiding me there, Xiao Liu, the lady at the reception, figured out for me which antibiotic would be the right one and got it for me. The same when we needed a suitcase, rather than sending me to the shop she inquired about our desired suitcase and in one hour it was there. Drinks are complementary at any time of the day, and the breakfast (Chinese and international - sandwiches) was generous and unlimited. When we were running late coming back from the grottoes and needed to catch a train, Xiao Liu helped us out by bringing us all our suitcases directly to the train station. We will never forget all these acts of kindness and we are still grateful to her and the entire hotel staff for making us feel so much at home. Datong will stay in our minds and hearts forever thanks to the people of the Floral hotel. Datong is special enough for all the incredible cultural sights you can visit - but our stay there will never be forgotten thanks to the beauty of the Floral Hotel and its amazing people. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

The location of the hotel is good, easy access from main road to get big bags to it and also to go around the ancient city both during day and night time to enjoy all the landmarks. Missing signages make it a bit difficult to find the hotel at first. Also, while we had paid for a bigger rooms the room barely had walking space. It had no luggage storage space or cabinet. The washroom and room floor was not cleaned. Staff on the other hand are very friendly and willing to help with all the questions - on local travel, places to see, vegetarian food, etc. They find a way to help to the best. All in all was a good experience and would have been better with some adjustments.