Homestays w: 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.

The environment is great, and the staff are very nice. They reminded us to pack up and leave our belongings behind, and they responded quickly to any questions! There's also a mahjong machine to play.

Located at the end of Nanmen Bay, on the upper left of Dongshan Fengdongshi Scenic Area, the room we stayed in has no noise mirrors and looks like it is in the scenic area. The super invincible sea view, we can take postcard-like photos on our own private balcony. In terms of geographical location, other B&Bs or hotels on Dongshan Island may really not be able to compare with his home. In terms of the luxury of the room, many B&Bs I have stayed in in China are really not on the same level as his home. The decoration in the room is simple but high-end, and many equipment and furniture are imported (so although the room fee has been collected, pre-authorization is still required). His shower room is one of the few hotels and B&Bs I have stayed in in China that will not leak. The projector also has a high-definition picture. There are many snacks in the room. Basically, you don’t want to go out when you stay in the room, because the beautiful sea view can make you lie on the rocking chair on the balcony for an afternoon. It’s really a bit like our vacation in Seychelles or Six Senses Yao Noi. Because it is relatively hidden, it is a little far from the parking and commercial areas (many restaurants are in this area), and the owner of the B&B will drive a battery car to pick you up. The B&B is not far from the only remaining ancient street in Dongshan, and there are many snack shops and small restaurants on the ancient street. Go to the lower left after leaving the B&B, and you will see many piers where fishing boats are moored after passing the Fengdongshi ticket office. The more famous Fish Ball Grandma on the island is nearby. His Liufu fish balls, peanut sesame cakes and meat dumplings are delicious. The B&B does not provide breakfast, but you can take it out, which is not inconvenient. The main thing here is the high-end rooms and the unbeatable sea view. The most important thing is that dogs are also welcome. My two short legs also like it here very much.

Found a gem for our family trip to Xiamen! The Weishang Garden Hotel's family room is simply divine. It's in a prime location on Zhongshan Road, with a charming Nanyang retro vibe. Stepping out, you're surrounded by street food and shopping districts. It's super close to the ferry terminal and the Bashi market, saving us a lot of travel time. The room is incredibly spacious, bursting with a playful, child-friendly atmosphere. My kids instantly fell in love with the bunk bed with a slide, and the safety rails gave us parents peace of mind. There were dolls, building blocks, and a small tent – enough to keep the little ones entertained for half the day, meaning we didn't have to keep an eye on them constantly. The room also features a private little balcony, and the faint scent of tea in the corridor made us feel instantly relaxed upon entering. The entire room is equipped with smart devices, and the toiletries were clean and high-quality. The bathroom has a separate wet and dry area, and the floor is covered with soft mats, so we didn't have to worry about the kids bumping themselves while running barefoot. Robot delivery is available 24/7, and the concierge was incredibly responsive to our requests. The bedding was soft, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep. It's spacious and comfortable enough for a family of three or even families with two children. Our kids were already asking to come back next time we left. This is definitely our top choice for family accommodation!

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.

The apartment is located inside a modern high rise building (with four elevators) in the middle of what appears to be a middle class neighborhood. The building is within walking distance (I estimate 10-15 minutes tops) of the Fuzhou-South railway station. However. When me and my friend arrived there we decided to take a cab due to heavy rain - and we got yelled at because the driver was unhappy about the destination being so close to the railway station We yelled back and the driver apologized. We later realized that it would have been smarter to order a DiDi as cab drivers have to wait in line long time to get a railway customer and it is understandable that they want a customer who wants to go to the city center. Still. He had no right to yell at us. This is what the minimum fee is for. Anyway. It is one of those high rise buildings that is built around a huge mall. Plenty of shops, drug stores, markets, restaurants (outside the mall) are within 5 minute radius. A mall entrance is within 3 minute walking distance. Very very convenient location. Not only so. Every day after 10:00pm there is a night market down the street where you can buy all sorts of delicious snacks even grilled oysters and steak. Me and my friend had no issue locating the apartment because upon arriving at Fuzhou-South we got in touch with the owner. The owner then befriended me on WeChat, sent us the address, pictures of the entrance, description of how to open the main apartment door and the key lockers. Piece of cake. TBH I initially did not understand how to enter the code into the electronic door lock and so the owner came to assist. She was there within minutes after we asked for help. The apartment is basically a bedroom with huge screen, beamer, queensize bed, workplace with sink, water cooker, washing machine, dining table and a nice, big fridge. Naturally you also have your own bathroom with sink, toilet and shower. Everything was very clean and me and my friend were super happy with our choice. I initially thought that the mattress was too firm but then I slept very well on it. You have to take a cab or DiDi to the city center but its not far so it is not expensive. The A/C works very well. The view from the 18th floor is amazing. Would I stay there again? Given the good location, hygiene and price I would absolutely stay there again.

The hotel frontdesk assistants are all very friendly and helpful throughout our stay. They are always willing to attend to our queries at anytime. Had a great time checking out of hotel with their help of bringing down our luggages & sending us off without us asking for it too! Thank you team of Lanxi hotel !

I usually do not choose homestay when other modes are available. However in Yunshuiyao homestay is the only choice. Given that 1949 has to preserve the local architecture do not expect 5 star hotel facilities. For all the constraints of a ”min su” the staff do go the distance to ensure they meet the demands of guests. I checked out a happy guest and will recommend 1949 to other travelers.

I rarely say this on my reviews, but I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at this Minsu. When I come back to Quanzhou for another family holiday, I will book this place again. Firstly, the location: It is unbeatable. It is near enough to be in the midst of the action in Quanzhou (near the walking street, eateries, restaurants, shopping etc etc), yet very quiet for us to enjoy a good night’s rest, or a good conversation at night over tea. Second, the nice balance between an authentic cultural home and modernism. We had the entire Minsu to ourselves, 6 rooms in total. Renovated about 3-4 years ago, the Minsu gave us the experience of living in an authentic Chinese inn, yet the amenities were modern….comfortable beds, modern toilets, refrigerators available etc….The courtyards were also beautiful. The entire Minsu was tastefully done…..plus it was spotlessly clean. Thirdly, the owners. They were so friendly and helpful. They met us at the drop off point, and brought us to the Minsu when we checked in, helping to move some of our luggages (and they did the same thing when we checked out). They went out of their way to help purchase traditional puppet show (木偶) tickets (at a small discount somemore). After we checked out, my son left his hoodie in the room. The owners assisted to courier the jacket to the next city we were heading to (we were already in the train at that time). And lastly, every morning and every night, either Mr Du, his son or his daughter in law would invite us to join them for tea. They would then proceed to serve tea the traditional way, while having a conversation with us. They also taught us certain traditions, protocols and rules when serving tea. They have a cat called TangYuan (汤圆), in which the kids in the family enjoyed playing with. The only thing to note is that public transport (via taxis and buses) only can drop you off at a spot about 5min walk away. Also, they provide disposable towels, not the regular towels given at hotels. If it is an issue, just bring your own towels. Otherwise, this place deserves 5 out of 5 stars.

1949 truly feels like an idyllic retreat, far from the city's hustle and bustle, yet brimming with local charm. It's conveniently located very close to the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster (Four Dishes and One Soup). The front desk and service staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive. We booked a family suite with a slide, which was an absolute hit with the kids! They played all evening, and there was constant laughter – it was truly delightful and excellent value for money. We had dinner at the hotel, and it was also fantastic – the chef truly puts thought into every dish. Breakfast by the stream, listening to the gentle babbling water and enjoying the crisp morning air, offered a truly unique and wonderful experience. Simply wonderful! 👍