4-Star Hotels in Fujian, China

This place makes me wish there was an option for six stars. I study Asian art for a living, and I travelled to Jianyang to visit the home of Jian ware, classic tea bowls of the Song dynasty (960 to 1279 CE), distinguished by their black and brown glazes. Over the last few decades, firing Jian ware in the Song tradition has been revived in the area. I chose Nanping Colourful Village Homestay because it was in Jianyang, affordable, and accepted international guests. What I found was a luxury resort with all the warmth and personal attention of a homestay. I asked the front desk about an excavated Song kiln site in a nearby village, and the receptionist brought me the manager, who arranged for someone to take me the next day. My driver was Ms. Huang, an employee of the resort whose job involves buying and selling contemporary pieces. She knew everything about Jian ware! The kiln site isn’t run as a tourist site, so I was only able to view it because Ms. Huang arranged for it to be opened for me. I had told them I was vegetarian, so for lunch they took me to lunch at a vegetarian buffet. Then we visited the town’s Jian ware museum, where they have exhibits on the history of tea and Jian ware, historical pieces, and the work of contemporary Jianyang potters. To my delight, Mr. Gao, the potter-in-residence at the resort, uses a Song-style wood-fired dragon kiln, built right on the grounds! His pieces that range from beautiful but quite affordable to exquisite and appropriately expensive. They include both iridescent silvery oil spot and orange-to-black hare’s fur pieces. I am still thrilled that I was able to purchase wood-fired pieces on my limited budget. For dinner, the resort’s restaurant prepared vegetarian versions of Fujian cuisine for me. The food was all delicious, featuring classic Fujianese mountain ingredients like local bamboo and mushrooms. Then we visited Mr. Gao’s dragon kiln, and later his studio, where he experiments with different local clays and glaze recipes. The rich colours and iridescence of Jian ware are the result of the iron-rich local material fired at high temperature, and the results are as unpredictable as they are beautiful. The next day, they drove me to Mr. Chen’s family tea plantation in the mountains, where they grow famous northern Fujian teas. These fine teas were all wonderful, smooth and rich with a touch of smoke, and sometimes fruity in flavour. We strolled through mountainsides of tea bushes and visited groves of centuries-old tea trees. This is a perfect place for an immersive experience in China that is also very comfortable and convenient. I often find tourist experiences in China claustrophobic due to the press of people, but the resort was spacious and airy, and they took me to places where there was no one else but us and the occasional local going about their business. Everyone was very patient with my limited Chinese language skills. They were also happy to work with translator apps on our phones, so if you don’t speak any Chinese, you will be fine. This would be a great place to come as a family. There are gardens and rides for kids right next to the resort. You can learn how to whip Song-style tea and carve your name into the base of your own Jian ware cup. Not far away is a historical theme park with a collection of real architecture from the Ming (1368 to 1644 CE) and Qing (1636 to 1912 CE) dynasties. The employees wear period dress and there are performances and activities. Nearby there are hiking trails, historical sites, and lovely villages to visit. It’s also very close to Wuyi Mountain National Park, so it would be a perfect place to stay if the mountains are your destination. If you ask, they could arrange for you to visit famous sites or take you to breathtaking places that only locals know, whatever you want. They can also arrange transport to and from the train station or airport.

The hotel's location is excellent, right on Zhongshan Road, making it very convenient to walk to Zhongshan Road and the Gulangyu ferry terminal. There's a wide variety of shopping and dining options nearby. The room facilities are also great, with a very thoughtful design. The staff are friendly and even escort guests to their rooms to explain how to use the amenities. The only downside is that most rooms don't have proper outward-facing windows; they are either faux windows or face an inner courtyard. Our window faced the inner courtyard and was essentially just for show.

This is a really nice hotel, located right on a food street with tons of dining options and a lively atmosphere. They have a few parking spots, but you need to inform the front desk when you're heading out. A nice perk is that guests get free tickets to the adjacent swimming pool – just remember to bring your swimming cap! The lounge area on the first floor is a thoughtful touch, offering complimentary coffee, tea, and ice. The rooms are quite spacious, featuring a huge TV and comfortable bedding, ensuring a good night's sleep. The bathroom has a separate wet and dry area, though the water pressure for showering was a bit low, possibly due to peak usage. Breakfast was decent, but they didn't offer any made-to-order items. It seems the hotel has a partnership with an electric scooter rental shop, but I didn't quite figure out the details or inquire further. The hotel's proximity to various attractions is great; you can easily walk, bike, or take a taxi. Definitely recommended!

This stay exceeded my expectations! As soon as I entered the room, I was impressed by how tidy it was; every corner was spotless. The mattress and pillows were just right – not too soft, not too firm – making it incredibly relaxing to lie down after a long day of travel. The front desk staff were patient and meticulous, even proactively offering tips on nearby attractions and transportation, which was a very thoughtful touch. The location is excellent, making it convenient for getting around and dining. Overall, it was a comfortable and reassuring experience, and I've already recommended it to my friends.

The room was very clean and the environment was quiet. Xiao Bai (the staff) was very nice and upgraded us to a higher room category. Before we left, they even gave our child some small seashells, which was a very thoughtful touch. The hotel breakfast was delicious, especially the Shacha noodles, which were tastier than any we'd had in the days before arriving on the island. The complimentary lunch included in the package was also very good, though the yellow croaker was a bit small, just one tiny fish. At the end of September, when tourist traffic wasn't heavy, we arrived on the island at 11 AM. The shuttle service was perfectly arranged, helping us avoid the scorching sun. We later found out that a shuttle ride on the island costs 50 RMB per person, so for our family of three, we saved a good 150 RMB. Most of the snacks on the island were just okay, but the Dayang Restaurant was quite good. If you have the time, staying on the island is definitely recommended. You can avoid the midday sun and take your kids to play by the beach in the afternoon. Strolling around the island in the evening makes this a very high-value-for-money place. Xiamen offers a resort experience similar to Sanya, yet also gives you the illusion of wandering through the streets and alleys of a small Hong Kong or Macau island.

The environment here is clean, tidy, and has a comfortable atmosphere. The staff are enthusiastic and attentive; someone greeted and guided me as soon as I entered, and they were very prompt in responding to all my requests. Overall, it was a great experience, better than I expected.

The location is convenient, and the hotel has a great design aesthetic. They offer a free shuttle service to the train station, and the driver was really nice. The popular beef offal noodle shop next door is delicious and affordable. Just a small heads-up: the water pressure in the shower is really strong; I'd suggest either changing the showerhead or adjusting the pressure.

I usually do not choose homestay when other modes are available. However in Yunshuiyao homestay is the only choice. Given that 1949 has to preserve the local architecture do not expect 5 star hotel facilities. For all the constraints of a ”min su” the staff do go the distance to ensure they meet the demands of guests. I checked out a happy guest and will recommend 1949 to other travelers.

Quanzhou West Lake Hotel boasts an excellent location right next to West Lake Park, offering great transport links. The 'Little White Car' stop right outside provides direct access to the ancient city's core. The hotel facilities are new and comprehensive, with spacious and bright rooms. Some room types even feature oversized floor-to-ceiling windows, offering expansive views of West Lake – truly a sight to behold. The front desk staff are warm and attentive, making check-in a breeze, and the intelligent robot delivery service is a convenient touch. The hotel's quiet environment makes it ideal for families or business travelers, and its high value for money makes it a fantastic choice for visiting Quanzhou.

This stay was absolutely perfect, five stars without a doubt! From the moment I walked in, I felt the thoughtful service; every staff member was warm and friendly. The room was spotlessly clean, the decor was cozy and elegant, and facilities like the lighting and bathroom were great to use, ensuring a wonderfully restful night. The breakfast was a fantastic mix of Western and Chinese options, with a wide variety and fresh, delicious food every day. The hotel's location is superb, with excellent amenities nearby. My entire stay was comfortable and delightful, a true haven during my trip. I'll definitely stay here again next time!