Inns in 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.

Loved it!! Although we were only here 2 nights, this was one of our 2 favorite stays of our 2 weeks in China. We’re loved it here. This hotel was just what I was hoping for. Traditional courtyard hotel. It’s beautiful! We felt like we were in a movie. It was so relaxing. Both mornings I just relaxed on the swing in the courtyard and enjoyed the peace and the environment. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Helen was very nice and helped us with any questions we had. The room was clean and beautiful. I will say you need to be prepared for a very firm bed - but that’s the style and party of the experience, This was one of our favorite parts of our trip. If we’re fortunate enough to have the chance to come back, I will definitely stay here again. I highly recommend.

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.

We had a wonderful trip, and my child absolutely loved all the little animals, especially Little Grey – so adorable! The location is also fantastic, right across from Huayan Temple. Whenever we came back, refreshing watermelon would be sent to our room, which was such a thoughtful touch! We accidentally left some underwear behind when we checked out, and the hotel immediately contacted us and helped mail it back. We're so grateful!!

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.

We ended our five-day trip to Shanxi and were very satisfied with Shanxi, especially this B&B in Pingyao Ancient City. After booking the room, we contacted the inn and reserved a parking space for us. We got off the expressway and arrived at the parking lot smoothly, and someone came over. They were very considerate in picking up my luggage. The location of the inn is very good, just at the intersection of the pedestrian street. It is not noisy at night and is very convenient for traveling. This is the most recommended one. The inn is a typical Shanxi courtyard house, just like living in a TV series. The courtyard is very comfortable, the rooms are clean and hygienic, and the service is excellent. I recommend everyone to stay here.

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.

The room was a spacious tatami-style, fully equipped with an antique design, and incredibly convenient located right inside the ancient city. The staff member was super nice, patiently answering all my questions and enthusiastically helping me out.

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.