Posted on May 8, 2026
Valarie474I 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.
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Price per night from:SEK 1,168
Posted on Jun 26, 2026
Elena ProkipchinOne of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed at in China!
We honestly didn’t expect to be this impressed. From the moment we arrived, everything was absolutely perfect.
The hotel itself is incredibly beautiful and atmospheric. Every corner is thoughtfully designed, making it feel like you’re staying in a boutique museum rather than a hotel. The entire property is incredibly aesthetic, and every part of it is a perfect spot for beautiful photos.
We stayed in a stunning two-level room, which completely exceeded our expectations. It was spacious, stylish, exceptionally comfortable, and spotlessly clean. Every little detail had been carefully considered.
The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of Datong Ancient Town. We could walk everywhere, with all the main attractions, restaurants, and beautiful streets just a few minutes away.
The staff were some of the friendliest we’ve ever met. Everyone was genuinely welcoming, kind, and always happy to help, making us feel at home from the very first moment.
Breakfast was also excellent. Instead of a buffet, a freshly prepared traditional Chinese breakfast was served each morning. It was delicious, beautifully presented, and the perfect start to the day.
One of the nicest surprises was that guests can borrow traditional Chinese costumes free of charge for a photo shoot around the hotel. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough free time to try it ourselves, but it’s such a wonderful idea and gives us another reason to come back.
We travel a lot and have stayed in countless hotels around the world, so it’s actually very difficult to surprise us. But this hotel genuinely did.
If it were possible to give 100 stars instead of 5, we absolutely would. Even if we really wanted to find something to complain about, we honestly couldn’t. Everything was simply perfect.
Without any doubt, this is one of the best hotel experiences we’ve ever had. If we ever return to Datong, we won’t even consider staying anywhere else. We will definitely come back.
Highly, highly recommended!
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Price per night from:SEK 359
Posted on Jul 30, 2026|Suite With Canal View
QingqinanqiThe room layout was sensible, with one large bed and one 1.2-meter smaller bed, plus two bathrooms. It's very suitable for families with children. The room was clean, with a separate wet and dry area, and the bathtub was a nice touch for families with kids. The robot service was a big hit with the children.
Service: The service could use some improvement, for example, helping with luggage when entering and leaving, providing children's bathrobes and toothbrushes in family rooms, and offering welcome fruits.
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Price per night from:SEK 458
Posted on Jul 18, 2026|Business Queen Room
DuxingxiaOn my trip to Datong, I booked a stay at the Howard Johnson Jindi Plaza Datong, located right by the ancient city, through Trip.com. It's rated 5 stars online, and it truly lives up to the hype! As soon as I checked in, I was upgraded for free to a deluxe business suite. It was my first time seeing a suite with a dining table big enough to host over 10 friends and family. After one night, I switched back to my originally booked business king room.
The king room was also incredibly comfortable, measuring a spacious 62 square meters. Opening the curtains revealed views of Datong's streets. If you walk to the end of the corridor, you can even see a panoramic view of the ancient city of Datong.
What truly stands out is the fantastic Chinese restaurant at this 5-star hotel. I stayed in Datong for three days, and除了one lunch I had in Hunyuan Ancient City, all my other five lunches and dinners were enjoyed at the hotel's Chinese restaurant. Here, a bowl of Shanxi's specialty knife-cut noodles is only 6 RMB, and a bowl of cold noodles, even tastier than those in Hunyuan, is just 3 RMB. You can order half portions of shumai, and during the first dog days of summer, they even had dumplings. I tried the braised deer tendon with scallions, something I'd never had before, and it was superb, as were the husband and wife lung slices and jellyfish salad – perfect with drinks. Dining here is delicious and affordable. If you top up 200 RMB, you even get a complimentary plate of Shanxi's signature 'guoyourou' (fried pork in sauce). A huge shout-out also goes to the restaurant staff. They are warm, thoughtful, and genuinely care for guests, even advising against ordering too much, ensuring just the right amount!
In summary, I give a 5-star rating to both the hotel and the F&B department. The last photo is of the hotel's breakfast, which was also excellent. The hotel has two breakfast restaurants, so even with many guests, it never feels crowded!
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Price per night from:SEK 488
Posted on Jul 22, 2026|Grand Deluxe Twin Room
Guest User1. **Impeccable Service:** The two staff members at the Executive Lounge were incredibly attentive and thoughtful throughout our stay. They were always anticipating guests' needs, proactively refilling drinks and tidying tables with a gentle yet professional demeanor. The doorman at the entrance was also very welcoming, immediately offering to help with luggage upon arrival. Their detailed and genuine service made us feel warm and welcomed from the moment we stepped in.
2. **Outstanding Room Amenities:** The hotel's facilities are very new, and the room was spotlessly clean and odor-free. The bedding was soft and skin-friendly, allowing for immediate relaxation and a peaceful night's sleep. We were also delighted to receive fresh welcome fruit upon check-in, a lovely touch that highlights their attention to detail.
3. **Overall Summary:** From the doorman to the Executive Lounge and the room amenities, the service in every aspect was top-notch. The environment was comfortable and quiet. This will definitely be our first choice for accommodation when traveling, and we'll certainly choose this hotel again next time!
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Price per night from:SEK 914
Posted on May 16, 2026
Guest UserI stayed at the Tingbo Hotel, and the location is absolutely fantastic, right at the entrance of the scenic area. You can step out and start exploring immediately, which is incredibly convenient. The room was spotless, so clean you could see your reflection, and the bed was super soft – I woke up feeling completely refreshed. The front desk staff were wonderful, always patiently answering my questions, truly thoughtful. I especially loved the hotel's decor style; it's very unique. Every corner is meticulously arranged and looks amazing in photos. Plus, the hotel service was excellent; it was such a pleasant stay. The value for money at this hotel is incredible. The price wasn't expensive, but the service and facilities were outstanding. It felt like a great deal. The hotel is clean, and its location near the north gate of the ancient city means you can walk everywhere, which is very convenient. I'll definitely come back next time.
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Price per night from:SEK 581
Posted on Jun 1, 2026
Anna X. P.This hotel was the best one we stayed at during our trip to China (Taiyuan/Xi'an/Beijing), even though the hotels in the other two cities were also very good and unique.
The hotel is designed in the style of a traditional Shanxi compound, which is incredibly distinctive. It features multiple courtyards, each with its own unique ambiance, making it perfect for photos. The hotel offers a free 'young lady' (少奶奶) / Hanfu dress-up experience. We didn't pay for additional makeup and styling, but still took many great photos around the hotel ourselves.
The hotel's location is also superb. It's just a 2-minute walk to Food Street and Liuxiang Pedestrian Street, a paradise for foodies and shoppers. The former Governor's Mansion and Jinshang Museum are also within walking distance. Despite being so close to the hustle and bustle, the hotel itself is situated on a quiet alley, completely undisturbed by the outside noise.
The breakfast offered by the hotel was something we looked forward to every morning, eager to go and eat. It was a thoughtfully prepared, nutritious breakfast, very rich, and excellent in color, aroma, and taste.
Enjoying complimentary afternoon tea in the courtyard; free self-service laundry... the hotel truly offers a comprehensive range of services.
Most notably, their service stands out – every staff member is friendly and dedicated.
Next time I visit Taiyuan, I will definitely stay there again.
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Price per night from:SEK 471
Posted on Jul 10, 2026
softsun0424fyExcellent service with a fantastic attitude. The location is super convenient, right next to Laoye Temple Flavored Restaurant and Kaige Restaurant. It's also just 2 kilometers in a straight line from the ancient city. The hotel's food and beverages are great value for money. Parking is hassle-free. The only downsides are that breakfast gets very crowded, and the quality and variety could be improved. Overall, it's a good hotel with great value, definitely recommended!
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Price per night from:SEK 326
Posted on Apr 23, 2024|Yijing-Yanlan Mountain-View Double Bed Room (Smart Home+Great Views)
Guest User
The location of the hotel is perfect. It is the right place to stay when visiting the Hanging Temple and Jin Temple. The room and bed are large, especially suitable for bringing children. It is no problem for a family of three to stay in a big bed. The bathroom is separated into dry and wet areas. The breakfast is also very good. Overall, it is very cost-effective.
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Price per night from:SEK 232
Posted on Jul 28, 2026|Superior Queen Room
Guest UserThe room was spacious and bright, and the bedding was soft and comfortable, ensuring a great night's sleep. The front desk staff were warm and attentive, making both check-in and check-out very efficient. The bathroom had a separate wet and dry area, with plenty of hot water, showing great attention to detail. The breakfast selection was rich and varied, offering both Chinese and Western options, and I was especially pleased with the made-to-order noodle station. The location is convenient, with plenty of dining and shopping options nearby. Overall, the experience exceeded my expectations. I would definitely choose to stay here again and recommend it to my friends.
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Price per night from:SEK 689