Inns di 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.

I highly recommend this guesthouse! Firstly, the location is excellent. It's right inside the ancient city, very close to Huayan Temple, Nine Dragon Wall, and the ancient city wall, making it incredibly convenient for getting around. Secondly, the room layout is fantastic. In a prime location within the ancient city where every inch is precious, finding a guesthouse with two bedrooms and two bathrooms is quite rare, and it perfectly met our needs. Room hygiene: The room was clean and tidy, with no strange odors, and it was cleaned daily. Disposable bath towels and toilet seat covers were provided. The guesthouse also has parrots 🦜, peacocks 🦚, squirrels 🐿️, and goldfish 🐟, which add a lot of life to the place, and these little animals are all very friendly to people. While there are many guesthouses in the ancient city now, I still recommend this one the most, and the reason is the service! The owner of this guesthouse has an excellent service attitude, answering every question. As soon as we arrived, seeing that we were tired, they immediately brought us iced watermelon 🍉 and peaches 🍑. In the morning, they brought us warm, homegrown old corn 🌽 and local specialties. We were very touched!

Fantastic stay. Staff provided impeccable service and advice. The tour suggestions were on point and proactive (e.g. informing us that light showers were forecasted and they had readied umbrellas if we needed them). Most of the staff was fluent in English. Rooms were clean and nicely appointed. Smart use of the different courtyards meant that rooms are very private and that, overall, it was very calm and serene. The property is located centrally near one of the major intersections within the old centre and most points of interests can be reached on foot in 20-30 min. If you are travelling with heavier luggage, then the hotel provides transport against an additional charge. The cost (150 RMB per way from/to the high speed train station) is well worth the money as you get dropped off just outside the pedestrian area (but within the city walls) a few hundred meters from the hotel and staff arranges for the luggage to be brought to the hotel. Taxis can’t drive that far into the old city.

The overall environment is very comfortable, elegant and cozy. The room is quiet, you can't even hear the sound from next door.

I was a bit conflicted about where to stay in the ancient city before checking in, but I'm really happy with my final choice. This hotel, 'Seven Ins and Seven Outs Jinshang Mansion,' is right on West Street, making it super convenient to get around. The rooms are clean, and the bathrooms are well-equipped. They even have a travel photographer in the lobby! I bought my 'See Pingyao Again' show tickets at the front desk for a group discount price. The hotel also provides a shuttle service to and from the show, with the pickup/drop-off point at Xixi Gate – make sure you don't go to the wrong spot! Highly recommend it!

We came to Pingyao only for one night, but this family was absolutely adorable and really helped us with everything. They helped us with the luggage, we also took there a photoshoot and they took care of our little son (2 years old). They are kind, thoughtful and sensible and we really enjoyed our stay feeling like home. The place is awesome and breathtaking. You will really feel that you are in another age. It's peaceful though in the middle of everything.

Staffs are friendly. The inn is situated inside the ancient wall town , which make it easy to walk around the town. The decor of the inn is very unique and i luv it. The only downside of the inn is no lift. But staff will help you to carry the luggage up. Highest floor is 3 levels.

When choosing a B&B, I prioritize room size and location. ✔️ This B&B is near Xiaonanmen, and it's not a long walk to get there. Plus, they offer pick-up and drop-off service, with a staff member carrying luggage, so you don't have to lift a finger – truly great for those traveling with kids. Even better, they provide pick-up and drop-off from Pingyao High-Speed Rail Station, saving you the hassle of finding a taxi yourself. The B&B is right next to a pedestrian street, which is very convenient. ✔️ The environment is lovely. It's a two-story courtyard house with many flowers and plants in the central patio, creating a natural oasis. There are also common areas with sofas, swing chairs, and a coffee bar, making it enjoyable even if you don't go out. ✔️ Our reserved room was on the second floor, right next to the pedestrian street. The room layout is quite good; although it's an open plan, there's a sheer curtain as a divider, which prevents the bed from facing the bathing area directly. I particularly liked the sofa and tea area near the entrance. ✔️ Breakfast is served individually, with a good variety, and it's quite filling for adults. ✔️ Upon check-in, the front desk provides a map of the ancient town, highlighting key attractions, how to get there, how long it takes, and performance times. They also recommended two popular restaurants and gave us discount coupons. The Pingyao beef was indeed delicious. ✔️ Highly recommended.