Homestays in Shanxi, China

The room was great, and the underfloor heating kept it very warm. The courtyard (siheyuan) is absolutely beautiful. The underground parking was also very convenient. The service was excellent. I didn't use my car for two days, so leaving wasn't the smoothest. I had to rush to Yungang Grottoes and left before 7 AM, getting a bit delayed at the entrance. The parking fee was 100 RMB (even though there was a free parking voucher, it didn't link successfully), but the owner paid it for me. This is a very responsible establishment, and both the owner and the housekeeper are wonderful. The location is super convenient, and the breakfast is incredibly delicious. Many thanks!

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.

The room is not in and out as shown in the picture; there are many restaurants nearby, not far from Mingtang. Very clean, the projection is easy to use, the most important thing is that the service is in place! I left in a hurry today and forgot to take pictures. I left my ID card in the room. The sister at the front desk was very good and went to the room to help me find it as soon as possible. Thank you very much. Occasionally, the young lady will reply after working hours at night, and I will definitely book this one next time!

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.

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.

The place is very clean, and the environment is really cozy, making for a very comfortable stay. The shower pressure is fantastic, I'm very satisfied, it's such great value! The staff (specifically, a young lady) was very welcoming and even thoughtfully prepared breakfast for us. Five-star recommendation!

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.

This hotel boasts an excellent location within the ancient city, right next to Huayan Temple and the West Gate of the city wall, with a variety of dining options nearby. The proprietress is friendly, warm, and attentive, providing overall thoughtful service. The hotel environment is clean and tidy. The second-floor patio features a tea set, koi fish, peacocks, and parrots, creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The guesthouse rooms are well-equipped with all necessary facilities, including a full range of toiletries.