Inns em Shanxi, China

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.

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.

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.

Ive just left the Inn and on the train to the next destination. I wish I could stay longer as this was such a pleasant stay. The boss lady was so nice. I booked just a basic room but got upgraded to almost a studio flat with separate bedroom in the mezzanine and lounge downstairs. Everytime I come back from sightseeing, all hot tired, the boss lady gave me a bowl of delicious melons. It was sweet and juicy. The best melons I have had. The second time she also gave me bananas. It was so much needed. The hotel is in the perfect location. Thank you for a wonderful stay. 1. From Datongnan station there are buses 608 or 61 which takes you directly to Huayansi stop, less than 1min from the hotel. However, the hotel frontage is a jewelry shop, I didn't know so ended up walking up/down the street for 10mins before the boss lady realised and came out to tell me I have arrived. 2. If you want to go to Yungang Grottoes. From the same bus stop take bus 38, then change to bus 3 to get to the Grottoes. Journey time about an hour in total. And cost 4RMB (2RMB per bus). However, you have to set up some kind of public travel app from Wechat to get the QR code to pay the bus fare. I didn't know this. Fortunately, some nice people helped pay my fare, then another lovely girl helped set up the app enabling me to use the bus from then as when I arrived and took the bus from the train station to hotel Wechatpay didn't work. Fortunately the driver let me ride for free as I guess he realised Im foreign and don't have this app. Only when I took the bus to Yungang Grottoes, the girl told me I need to set up the travel app etc and helped me set it up. 3. The hotel is also right opposite to the Huayan temple. A beautiful ancient temple. Deffo can't be missed. I will be uploading more photos and videos of my stay in Datong and travels in China on my YouTube channels once I'm back in UK. Check out my YouTube channels TheTravelDiary and goody2shoos for more information. Happy travels.

A wonderful inn nestled in a tranquil location amidst the bustle of the city. From the initial pick-up and parking arrangements to the final departure, there was not a single unpleasant experience; they were incredibly attentive, helpful, and meticulous. The inn is elegant, clean, and tidy. The staff are friendly, patient, and responsive. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air daily, and the Chinese and Western breakfasts are cooked to order. While the variety isn't extensive, every bite is satisfying, especially the bowl of beef noodles, which is incredibly good! The room's simple and elegant decor perfectly reflects the ancient city's style. No matter how exhausted you are from exploring, returning to the courtyard provides a truly relaxing and tranquil experience. Overall, it was a truly wonderful two-day stay. I'd especially like to thank Ms. Dong Yanxia (I think that's her name) for her patient, meticulous, and attentive service, which has left me and my family with wonderful memories of this holiday!

A very unique courtyard B&B inn. The rooms are clean, tidy and antique. The inn is located on the West Street of the Old City. It is right on the pedestrian street. It is very close to the Rishengchang Bank and the county government. The boss is very enthusiastic and the service is very good. I will give you a tip in advance. We sent location navigation and helped us pick up and drop off our luggage from the parking lot 🅿️. They introduced the ancient city travel suggestions in detail and arranged an ancient city guide for us to have an in-depth understanding of Pingyao’s historical and cultural heritage. It was great [strong][strong ] [Strong] When checking out, the boss also gave me a souvenir from the ancient city - aged vinegar, which is very nice and worth recommending [Strong] [Strong] [Strong]

Yundingxuan Inn is the perfect place to stay when visiting Pingyao. This historic inn, with its traditional seven-courtyard layout, offers an authentic and photogenic glimpse into old Jin merchant culture. Its location is unbeatable, right on West Street in the ancient city. You can easily walk to attractions like the County Government Office and Rishengchang Exchange Shop, making exploring the old town incredibly convenient. The rooms are clean and tidy, and the back courtyard provides a peaceful and private escape. The butler service is exceptional – attentive and thoughtful. They offer free pick-up and drop-off, help plan your itinerary, and ensure a worry-free and comfortable stay. It's incredibly good value for money. If you're coming to Pingyao, Yundingxuan is my top recommendation!

The location is right in the city center, and the courtyard has an antique charm. They even offer travel photography services, and I got some really beautiful shots that turned out amazing! The room facilities are complete, and there's even a large bottle of purified water. The front desk also provides travel tips. Compared to other places nearby, the price is really good value for money. It's very thoughtful and I highly recommend checking it out!

The location is absolutely fantastic, right in the heart of the ancient city. For dining: Xi Jin Dao is downstairs, Fenglin Pavilion is a 10-minute walk, and Long Juxiang offers delivery directly to your phone. Every time we took a taxi back to the inn, we'd get off at Huayan Hotel and walk two minutes. The popular Heshengcai is a 10-minute walk (though the taste was just so-so, and none of the pastries even had an ingredient list). For sights: Huayan Temple is a 5-minute walk. I visited Shanhua Temple at night, which was about a 15-minute walk. During the May Day holiday, there were only about 10 people in the entire temple at night, so we could enjoy a peaceful visit. On the way back and forth, we also saw the city wall's light show and passed through a lantern festival. Rumeng Datong (Dreams of Datong) was also within walking distance. Service was great too. On our last day, we had to leave for the train station at 7:30 AM, and the owner even packed breakfast for us. The lamb offal soup with vermicelli every morning was delicious. The furniture is all elm wood. The loft family room was perfect for our family of three. The only downsides were that the room rate was expensive during May Day, and the bathroom design was a bit impractical.