Posted on Nov 24, 2025
Elizabeth Frances Rose
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.
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Price per night from:€55
Posted on May 12, 2026
Guest UserHad a fantastic stay! The location is super convenient for getting around, and there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop nearby. The room was spotless, spacious, and didn't feel cramped at all. The bedding was really comfortable, and the soundproofing was great – it was very quiet. The front desk staff were lovely and very responsive to any requests, paying attention to all the little details. Overall, it's excellent value for money. I felt comfortable and at ease during my stay. I'll definitely choose this place again next time I'm in Fuzhou!
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Price per night from:€43
Posted on Jun 13, 2026|Superior Queen Room
Iain13This is a duplicate of my review for dates from 6 to 8 June 2026, as I extended my stay for one night.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at this hotel and would happily stay here again.
The location is excellent. It's right next to the metro, directly across the road from China City Mall, and within easy walking distance of Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street, the waterfront and the ferry wharf. It made exploring Xiamen incredibly easy.
The staff were consistently helpful and efficient. They obtained information about the Xiamen-Kinmen ferry, which was greatly appreciated. The breakfast restaurant staff deserve special mention as they were always friendly, welcoming and genuinely seemed pleased to see their guests each morning.
The room itself was lovely. The bed was extremely comfortable, the bathroom was excellent and while I didn't use the bath, the shower was very good. The hotel also has a nice swimming pool, gym and lounge area, all of which added to the overall experience.
Breakfast was good, with plenty of choices, both Asian and Western, and a pleasant atmosphere.
I only intended to stay a short time, but enjoyed both the hotel and Xiamen enough that I extended my stay by an extra night. From my room I had good views, including Zheng Chenggong's statue on Gulangyu Island and Xiamen's Twin Towers in the distance.
This hotel certainly helped make my stay in Xiamen an enjoyable one. I left with very positive memories and would gladly stay here again.
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Price per night from:€56
Posted on Jun 9, 2026
Shiwumingmao。We booked a 270° river view room. When we arrived, the previous guests had just checked out, and the front desk upgraded us to a suite directly. It was a bit of a shame, actually, because I originally wanted to book a suite when I made the reservation, specifically for the river view from that particular room. Luckily, everything else went smoothly.
The elevator system in the hotel is a bit cumbersome; you have to go from the underground parking to the ground floor, then from the ground floor up to the 40th floor to check in, and then switch elevators again to go up to the 54th floor. However, there's a dedicated service for delivering food orders directly to your room. Another reason I booked this hotel was for the gym, but due to my schedule, I couldn't make it there, which was a bit disappointing. I missed out on the 'sky gym.'
I didn't try the hotel breakfast, so I can't comment on its quality. The hotel's surroundings are very convenient, making it easy to get to various places.
Every single staff member at the hotel is exceptionally good. No matter who it was or where they were, if they saw you carrying something, they would proactively ask and offer help. The turndown service was also excellent. Setting aside the hardware, their service awareness surpasses even the Waldorf Astoria in Xiamen.
Attendant Xiao Yang's service was excellent and very thoughtful. The housekeeping auntie also had an outstanding service attitude; towel replenishment was prompt, and trash was collected in a timely manner. Really excellent. Special praise for the 'sky shower' – the water pressure was impressive.
It was a very comfortable trip overall. However, there might be a significant mite problem with the hotel bedding. My baby developed rashes, which was a bit upsetting. Everything else was quite good.
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Price per night from:€80
Posted on Feb 20, 2026
YappariStory
📍 青年阳光S酒店(厦门会展中心加州广场店)
🏨 Youth Sunshine S Hotel (Xiamen International Convention & Exhibition Center California Plaza Branch)
🗓 Check-in Date: February 15, 2026
🗓 Check-out Date: February 19, 2026
🕘 Departure Time: 5:00 PM (Special Request Accepted)
We arrived at the hotel at 9:45 PM on the eve of Chinese New Year. Given the late hour and festive season, we were concerned that nearby restaurants might already be closed. To our pleasant surprise, several small eateries within 50 meters of the hotel were still open, allowing us to enjoy a proper late dinner. It was a reassuring start to our stay.
The hotel’s environment is comfortable and welcoming. The lobby features a bright, clean design with warm wood tones and soft lighting that create a calm, relaxing atmosphere. A tasteful display area and cozy seating space add a subtle blend of business functionality and artistic charm. The front desk staff were professional and courteous, and the check-in process was smooth and efficient despite the late hour.
We stayed in the Premier Themed Room (Japanese Style with Sakura), which was truly one of the highlights of our trip.
Upon entering, we were greeted by a beautifully designed Japanese-inspired interior. Warm lighting, wooden flooring, and delicate sakura (cherry blossom) wall art created a serene and elegant ambiance. Wooden partition panels and subtle decorative details added refinement, giving the space an artistic yet tranquil feel — almost like a small ryokan-style retreat in the heart of Xiamen.
The room was thoughtfully designed, spacious, and impeccably clean. A charming feature was the private balcony, which allowed fresh air in.
The bed was exceptionally comfortable, dressed in crisp white linens. The mattress offered excellent support, and the pillows were soft yet supportive, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
All essential toiletries were generously provided, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, dental kits, slippers, and towels. Everything was neatly arranged and well-maintained, reflecting attention to guest comfort.
The complimentary breakfast was another pleasant surprise. It offered a good variety of well-prepared options, making it a satisfying way to start each day.
The location is highly convenient, close to the Xiamen International Convention & Exhibition Center, with California Plaza Shopping Mall next door offering numerous dining choices. Whether for business or leisure, the hotel is an excellent option.
Most importantly, the nightly rate was very reasonable and offered excellent value, especially considering the themed décor, balcony, full amenities, and included breakfast. The stay exceeded our expectations.
We would gladly choose this room again on our next visit.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Highly recommended!
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Price per night from:€22
Posted on Jul 9, 2026
SituoketademeienweizifuThis 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!
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Price per night from:€23
Posted on Jun 30, 2026
Guest UserThis 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.
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Price per night from:€23
Posted on Jun 21, 2026
Guest User
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.
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Price per night from:€36
Posted on Feb 22, 2026
Guest User
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.
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Price per night from:€37
Posted on Jan 18, 2026
Anonymous User
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.
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Price per night from:€27