Xishiju(Stone Haven Retreat) is nestled in Liucun Village, Rongcheng City's Shidao District. With a history stretching back to the Yuan Dynasty, Liucun is an ancient village boasting over 700 years of heritage. Surrounded by mountains and embraced by a meandering river, it exudes timeless charm. As part of the local "Ten-Mile Ancient Villages" area, it is listed in the Catalogue of Traditional Chinese Villages.
Xishiju features twelve guest suites, meticulously restored over four years to preserve the original layout, reviving the architectural craftsmanship of affluent farming dwellings from ancient times. Designed for gathering, connection, and community, the rooms include cozy doubles, loft family suites, and rooms with traditional heated brick beds (Kang), accommodating over 40 guests.
The communal lobby area offers a bar, dining space, game tables, a cozy reading nook, and a movie-watching zone.
The courtyards provide versatile spaces for both lively gatherings and quiet solitude. The front courtyard includes parking, a pebble path, and a charming mini post office. The central courtyard features a fire pit, terraced tents, a small performance stage, and a sunroom. Each guest suite also boasts its own private patio. The rear courtyard holds a treehouse, a stargazing bar, an outdoor barbecue area, and flower-filled grassy meadows.
Spend evenings gazing at the moon and stars, listening to crickets sing. Greet the dawn with sunrise views and morning mists. Frolic with your children on the lawn, brew tea around the fire with family, or brainstorm the future with colleagues during team-building retreats.
Welcome to Xishiju.
"After a long journey, we finally arrived at Xishiju, a place not too far from Dongchu Island and Baihe Bay. After checking in, we went to Dongchu Island to see the sea. The drive took about ten minutes. There were not too many tourists at the beach, so one person could have a large pristine beach to himself. That day was the first time I saw the gentle pink sea.
The owners of Xishiju are a very enthusiastic and kind young couple. When we got back to the B&B, we had dinner that they had prepared for us. Afterwards, the guests gathered for a bonfire party with clear skies and bright stars overhead. Finally, I pet the cat and all my worries disappear.
The room my mother and I booked was very clean and comfortable, with modern and elegant decoration, reflecting the owner's attentiveness everywhere. I really like the strong water pressure of the shower head and took a comfortable bath. We all had a good sleep.
The next morning, the owner personally led the guests to visit the ancient seaweed house village, and his explanation was lively and interesting. What impressed me most was the Liucun Stone Tombs, which were built in the Yuan Dynasty. They are very cute in appearance, like mushrooms, lotus flowers about to bloom, and yurts, reminding people of the changing of seasons and the cycle of life.
After touring the village, my sister and I explored Xishiju further. There is a large lawn in front of the door, a cherry tree in bloom, and two yew trees. The lobby has a very spacious public lounge area, a bright and clean restaurant, a sofa game area, a library area, etc. Various handicrafts are placed in an orderly manner. The atmosphere is very comfortable and full of artistic flavor.
Before leaving, I climbed the tree house in the backyard, wrote myself a postcard and put a stamp on it.
Because we booked it at short notice, we only booked one night, which we all felt was too short and we didn’t want to leave more. I think I will remember the day and night I spent in Xishiju for a long time to come. Driving here is like coming from the city into the embrace of nature, and it also feels like going back in time to the peaceful, simple and joyful days of the past."