GGuest UserBefore coming to Hongcun, I didn't have high expectations, thinking it would just be another old village to visit and leave. However, my stay at 'Hongcun Yike Homestay' made me feel that every detail of this trip radiated warmth.
Upon arriving at Hongcun bus station, I was unfamiliar with the area and was stressing about how to drag my luggage across the stone-paved paths to the homestay while looking at a map. The moment I called, the owner's enthusiastic voice immediately put me at ease: 'Wait there, I'll be right over to pick you up!' In less than ten minutes, the owner appeared on an electric scooter, swiftly tied my luggage to the vehicle, and cheerfully motioned for me to hop on. We weaved through Hongcun's winding alleys and past bustling crowds of tourists. The homestay was tucked away in a quiet lane near Moon Pond, an excellent location. You could see Moon Pond just around the corner, yet it was peaceful and quiet – truly an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle.
Stepping into the courtyard, I was captivated by this homestay, a renovated Huizhou-style building. The exquisitely carved porch, wooden corridors, and rustic private courtyard exuded the unique elegance and serenity characteristic of Huizhou homes. Inside the room, it was bright and clean. The antique-style wooden bed paired with a soft mattress offered both classic charm and comfort. The night was exceptionally quiet, and I slept soundly. Early the next morning, I opened the window to a beautiful view of the Huizhou-style horse-head walls in the morning light, distant mountains draped in lush greenery, and the nearby sounds of birdsong and fragrant flowers. It truly felt like living inside a traditional Chinese ink wash painting.
On the day of my departure, the owner drove me to the bus station as usual, reminding me of other places I hadn't visited in Hongcun along the way. Before saying goodbye, the owner pulled out a packet of chrysanthemum tea from the trunk, handed it to me, and smiled, saying, 'This is our local chrysanthemum tea, take it home and try it.' Holding that packet of tea, my heart felt warm. Staying here truly felt like returning to an old friend's home in Huizhou, thoughtful and considerate in every way.
'Yike Homestay' truly lives up to its name – making one feel 'at ease' (逸) and so content that guests (客) forget to leave. Next time I'm in Hongcun, I'll definitely stay here again.
Show more