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.
Show more
Price per night from:QAR 204
Posted on Jun 24, 2026
sDandy°Five-star review! The room was clean and tidy, the bed was super comfortable, and the soundproofing was excellent. The staff were warm, attentive, and efficient. The breakfast had a great variety and tasted good. The location was convenient, and the facilities were complete. Overall, the experience was fantastic, making for a very comfortable stay. Definitely worth coming back!
Show more
Price per night from:QAR 173
Posted on Dec 31, 2023
Guest UserLocated at the end of Nanmen Bay, on the upper left of Dongshan Fengdongshi Scenic Area, the room we stayed in has no noise mirrors and looks like it is in the scenic area. The super invincible sea view, we can take postcard-like photos on our own private balcony. In terms of geographical location, other B&Bs or hotels on Dongshan Island may really not be able to compare with his home. In terms of the luxury of the room, many B&Bs I have stayed in in China are really not on the same level as his home. The decoration in the room is simple but high-end, and many equipment and furniture are imported (so although the room fee has been collected, pre-authorization is still required). His shower room is one of the few hotels and B&Bs I have stayed in in China that will not leak. The projector also has a high-definition picture. There are many snacks in the room. Basically, you don’t want to go out when you stay in the room, because the beautiful sea view can make you lie on the rocking chair on the balcony for an afternoon. It’s really a bit like our vacation in Seychelles or Six Senses Yao Noi.
Because it is relatively hidden, it is a little far from the parking and commercial areas (many restaurants are in this area), and the owner of the B&B will drive a battery car to pick you up. The B&B is not far from the only remaining ancient street in Dongshan, and there are many snack shops and small restaurants on the ancient street. Go to the lower left after leaving the B&B, and you will see many piers where fishing boats are moored after passing the Fengdongshi ticket office. The more famous Fish Ball Grandma on the island is nearby. His Liufu fish balls, peanut sesame cakes and meat dumplings are delicious.
The B&B does not provide breakfast, but you can take it out, which is not inconvenient.
The main thing here is the high-end rooms and the unbeatable sea view. The most important thing is that dogs are also welcome. My two short legs also like it here very much.
Show more
Price per night from:QAR 295
Posted on Dec 16, 2025|Huacai Balcony Tub Room (Separate Large Tub + Giant Screen HD Projection)
YappariStory⭐ 5/5 — A Truly Exceptional, Warm-Hearted Stay at Zengcuo’an Village ⭐
I travel often and have experienced many different types of hotels and accommodations over the years. From 25 Nov 2025, I stayed at Hua Cai Xiao Zhu · Florich 民宿 (环岛南路曾厝垵店) for 12 nights, and extended my stay by another 3 nights because it genuinely felt like home. That alone says everything. 😊
From the moment I arrived, the experience was not just comfortable, but deeply warm and reassuring, thanks to the owner and housekeeper who went out of their way to make sure every detail of my stay was taken care of. 🙏
I stayed in the Huacai Balcony Tub Room on the 5th level. I believe this is the only accommodation in Zengcuo'an that has an elevator.
The room was very clean, modern, and thoughtfully equipped. The large bathtub and giant HD projector made every evening wonderfully relaxing. The balcony overlooks Zengcuo’an Village and is just 50 metres from the village church. I even enjoyed a beautiful sunrise at around 6:30am right from my room. 🌄
The location is outstanding. It’s about 200 metres from the main entrance of Zengcuo’an Village, surrounded by everything you could possibly need. There are countless eateries nearby, including my personal favourite right in front of the accommodation — 福鼎肉片小吃店, run by the warm and amiable 美金姐, a 56-year-old local lady (highly recommended!). 😋😋
Convenience stores, fashion and accessory shops, souvenir stalls, luggage shops, spas, travel agencies — and even a McDonald’s — are all within easy reach. 👍👍
Several attractions are also within walking distance, including Pearl Public Beach and Music Square. One of the smartest ways to explore Xiamen is the CNY 50 hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus (24 stops), with the bus stop conveniently located right in front of the village on the right side. It’s honestly the most affordable and efficient way to see the city.
What truly made this stay exceptional, however, were the people. 👬👭 The owner, 许老板, is incredibly kind, attentive, and genuinely caring. He patiently gave directions, recommended places to visit, pointed out nearby essentials like the bank and pharmacy, and even allowed me to store my luggage while I was away for a few days. When I checked out, I was down with a cold — he not only helped with my luggage, but also personally drove me to the airport, making sure I arrived safely. That level of care is rare. 💯💯💯
The housekeeper, 秀容, is equally wonderful. Always smiling, always attentive, she made sure I was comfortable every single day — from providing extra water, tissues, and towels to quietly checking that everything was in order. Her warmth made the entire stay feel effortless and homely.
.
One last tip: don’t miss the sunset. Walk across the overhead bridge from the village and enjoy the beach scene between 4:30pm and 6:30pm — it’s absolutely unforgettable.🌻🌷
Overall: highly, highly recommended.
Hua Cai Xiao Zhu · Florich 民宿 (环岛南路曾厝垵店) is more than just a place to stay, it’s a place where you feel genuinely cared for. If you’re visiting Xiamen, this is truly one of the best choices: a 3-star property delivering 5-star service and comfort. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Show more
Price per night from:QAR 88
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.
Show more
Price per night from:QAR 222
Posted on Mar 19, 2025|Morning Breeze by the Green Mountains Secluded Double Bed Room
Guest UserClean homestay, the decoration is very small and fresh, we booked a big bed room on the first floor, affordable, good stay experience. The dinner was cooked by the boss himself, the quantity was large and fresh, and the taste was good. The boss's father has been busy around and around, making tea for us, providing us with many useful tour information. It was a good stay experience.
Show more
Price per night from:QAR 55
Posted on Jun 21, 2026
Xingzoudeyouzi2000The 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.
Show more
Price per night from:QAR 159
Posted on May 2, 2026|Family Friendly Room2
Guest UserThe location is excellent, just a 5-10 minute walk to Huangcuo Beach, and there are many snack shops nearby, making it convenient to grab a bite. The family-friendly room type was a big hit with the kids, especially the slide, which looks safe despite its curves. The room itself is quite new, and you can tell a lot of thought went into some of the details. The owner is also very welcoming. Overall, it was a great experience. If I had to pick out some minor flaws, the bathtub was a bit high, which made it tricky for kids to get in and out, and the soundproofing on the door wasn't great – you could hear conversations from outside late at night. But these were minor issues, and overall, it was very good.
Show more
Price per night from:QAR 132
Posted on Jul 28, 2026|River-view Double Room
Guest UserThe hotel boasts an elegant environment with stunning views overlooking the Min River, and the service is exceptionally attentive, adding wonderful memories to our trip. Upon arrival, the front desk manager proactively upgraded us to a window room, offering even better views of the Min River. It's truly a recommended hotel!
Show more
Price per night from:QAR 306
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!
Show more
Price per night from:QAR 95