Jinzhai Inn

We enjoyed an absolutely fabulous three-day stay at Jing's Residence. The building itself is a very nicely modernized Qing-era building. We've stayed in some similarly ages buildings in Europe and this was right up with the nicest of them. The spaces look very similar to the ones in the museums in town, albeit with bathrooms and more comfortable furnishings. The service was absolutely impeccable. Our room was constantly restocked with complementary drinks and baked goods, and the front desk staff (Crystal and Leo) was helpful with everything from restaurant recommendations to transportation to the train station to us mixing up our departure date (whoops). All staff spoke great English. Afternoon tea was a particularly nice touch: no fee, great service, and a very relaxing atmosphere. Food was light Chinese snacks, not the huge spread of a British-style high tea. Breakfast was a similar relaxing experience. We tried all the of the Chinese-style options and they were all excellent. We did not try the Western-style options. Dinner was a set menu, shown to us in the morning before making the reservation. It was a combination of Western dishes and local Pingyao/Shanxi food. If given the choice we would have preferred purely Chinese food, but it was all very good and honestly the change of peace was probably good-- getting a salad was nice after two weeks in China. The Pingyao Beef was the highlight: big cubes of high quality meat, easily my favorite of the three places we had this dish. The bar had a nice selection of Western wines, Scotch, etc, but I was disappointed to not see any local rice wine or Baiji. Air conditioning worked very well in our room, easily getting the temperature down under 20C even at midday on ＞30C days. Overall I really can't recommend this place enough: this hotel was really a highlight of our trip.

It's amazing hotel, I recommend it for sure, the hotel is something special.. and the staff is very helpful and friendly, actually you will not find a great hotel staff like them.

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.

The hotel is very posh and luxurious. Great location, within 5 minutes walk to main street. Right outside the hotel, there are robot guides that you can rent to ride through the city. Breakfast is delicious, and the service provided is perfect. The only downside is the room is a bit old.

I've found out about Jinzhai in the middle of COVID and wanted to stay here in for years. It met all my expectations and more! All the staff were incredibly generous and sweet with my daughter. Just book early because not many rooms are available and may book out fast with tour groups. Thank you for such a lovely stay.

What a superb courtyard boutique hotel, located within the famous and iconic Pingyao ancient city this lovingly restored courtyard residence ticks all the boxes, beautiful rooms, ever present and friendly staff, and a location right on the main walking streets of the city. Here one can immerse oneself in Chinese history while enjoying 21st century comforts. We could easily have stayed another night.

Great place, and great food!