Jingdezhen Lying Flat Chronicles｜3 Days at Dongli Courtyard, Living Life Like a Chinese Prose Poem

Before coming to Jingdezhen, I scrolled through all the guides and finally locked in "Xingshan Shiwai" in Sanbao Village with my sisters. We thought it was just an ordinary popular homestay, but it turned into a secluded retreat we didn’t want to leave — it turns out the best travel is the relaxed feeling of not even wanting to step outside the door🌿 🏡 From "So-so" to "Don’t Want to Check Out" — The Moment It Felt Just Right As soon as we got off the car, the mountain humidity wrapped around us. The corners of the room walls had some damp marks, and at dusk, we had to battle mosquitoes, making us regret not choosing a hotel in the city. But by the second day, we were completely hooked: - Choosing the right courtyard to avoid disappointment: Xingshan Shiwai is divided into "Dongli Courtyard" and "Jielu." Dongli Courtyard’s standalone rooms are super spacious, with windows opening to layered mountain shadows and full privacy; Jielu’s wabi-sabi style is even more photogenic, with blue brick paths and wooden tea tables, every snap is a masterpiece of Chinese aesthetics. The public areas of both courtyards are connected, so staying at Dongli Courtyard means you can also hang out at Jielu’s café. - Poetry hidden in the details: There’s a creekside path above the restaurant, with babbling water and bluestone slabs, making you feel like you’ve wandered into a little Kyoto. The tea sets in the rooms are handmade by local ceramic artists. Drinking the minibar’s complimentary drinks before bed, watching moonlight pour through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the floor, even fatigue slows down. - Public areas are more fun than the rooms: Five themed tea rooms are free for guests to use. Jielu’s tatami courtyard tea table is the most popular; brewing local green tea and sitting all afternoon never gets old. The heated pool is hidden in the greenery; after an evening soak, head to the rooftop terrace to catch the breeze and look up at the starry sky. 🍜 Jingdezhen on the Tongue, Stunning Inside and Outside the Homestay - Thoughtful meals on-site: Dongli Courtyard’s restaurant covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast features Cantonese dim sum paired with local snacks; cold noodles mixed with chili oil are so good you’ll stomp your feet. For main meals, the soy chicken feet and steamed pork with rice powder are highly recommended. Using the accommodation voucher to offset the cost is super cost-effective, but portions are a bit small, so it’s best to order more when with friends. - Eating out tips: A 10-minute walk to "Xunwei Sanbao," where the sour and spicy taro shreds and kiln worker’s native chicken soup are must-orders, so authentic we ate there twice. But expect long queues during meal times; remember to ask the housekeeper to get a number in advance. Taking the food back to the homestay’s terrace to eat is even more pleasant. - The ritual of coffee and tea: You must visit Qianchuan Café at Jielu! Sunlight streams through the glass roof onto shelves full of pottery. Order a ceramic pot iced Americano; the girls all instinctively lower their voices to take photos. The atmosphere is quiet and healing. 👩🍳 Pampered by a 24-Hour Housekeeper as a "Hands-Off Boss" The biggest surprise on this trip was the housekeeper service! Before departure, we received a detailed check-in guide. Worried about getting lost on winding mountain roads, the housekeeper drove to the village entrance to pick us up. The homestay is full of stone paths and steps; as soon as we arrived dragging suitcases, the young man quickly came over to help carry them. At night, if we wanted milk tea, a message to the housekeeper had it delivered in minutes; asking about nearby pottery studios, we immediately got addresses and booking info for three niche shops, even with clear notes on the best times to avoid crowds. At 1 a.m., when I wanted to change my pillow, as soon as I sent the message, someone knocked on the door — the response speed was truly amazing. 📌 Pitfalls & Tips (Take My Advice Version) 1. Must-have for insect and moisture protection: There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, remember to bring mosquito repellent. The homestay can provide it, but it’s safer to bring your own. 2. Transportation advice: It’s a 20-minute drive from the city center, and the homestay has free parking; renting a small electric scooter in the village is recommended for easy access to the Ceramic Zebra Crossing and Sanbao Peng Art Cluster. 3. Off-peak photo times: Jielu café and tatami tea rooms are least crowded before 9 a.m., with perfect sunlight, doubling your chances of great shots. 4. Seasonal reminder: July is really hot! Spring and autumn visits are recommended, so you can hike, play in the water, and enjoy chilled watermelon by the Sanbao Reservoir creek. On the day we left, the housekeeper slipped us a jar of the homestay’s homemade tea cakes and said, "Next time, let us know in advance, and we’ll reserve the best room with a view for you." It turns out a great homestay isn’t flawless, but the warmth woven from dampness, insect sounds, and timely responses creates the most authentic Jingdezhen memories.