Tea House Old Residence Whispering Softly, Hidden Mysteries in the Ancient City Alley: Nanmiao Homestay
This is a Qing Dynasty building with nearly 200 years of history. The gatehouse still preserves the 'Dafu Di' plaque, symbolizing a scholarly family. It was once the private residence of Mr. Li Yulin, the president of the Chao'an Chamber of Commerce in the early Republic of China. The walls still retain poetic murals. Here, you can find wooden carved screens quietly telling stories of the past and old wooden doors witnessing the historical changes in Chaoshan. Today, this ancient residence has been transformed into a homestay and a tea house, named 'Nanmiao Homestay' and 'Nanmiao Tea House'. They stand side by side in a small alley next to Paifang Street.
Chaozhou Mansion with a Thousand Years of History, Former Site of the Prefecture School: Fengshui Inn
Among the many rooms, some offer views of the spacious courtyard of the former site of the Prefecture School, some provide a distant view of the enchanting night scenery of Xihu Mountain, and some come with balconies and sky gardens where you can enjoy the scenery while sipping tea and daydreaming. Paifang Street is just a stone's throw away, but a turn around the corner places the bustling and noisy street outside the door. The Guangji Bridge light show is just a five-minute walk away, and Chaozhou Xihu can be reached in fifteen minutes. Despite such a prime location, it remains quiet amidst the hustle and bustle, with even the slightest noise feared to disturb the tranquility. This place is best suited for quietly listening to the stories of this city, as if to say, the best way to coexist with the ancient city is 'not to disturb.'
Between Choices, There Are Scenic Lakes and Mountains: Between Choices Design Theme Inn
'Between Choices' is located directly opposite one of Chaozhou's eight scenic spots, 'West Lake Fishing Raft'. From the room, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of West Lake. The rooms are mostly designed in a natural wood style, with pure white bedding and fully automatic flushing toilets. It turns out that there is such a 'minimalist style' existence in the ancient city. The entire house is mainly in soft colors and skillfully uses glass windows to create larger and more transparent spaces. Everywhere you look, traditional Chaozhou wood carvings, custom-made pottery by master craftsmen, and famous paintings by renowned artists are casually yet thoughtfully placed.
Half the trees are dyed red: Kapok Mansion
By the Han River in Chaozhou, there is such a homestay. Climb up to the rooftop, and you can enjoy the scenery of the Han River. Every early spring, when the weather is warming up and the grass is growing and the birds are flying, the kapok flowers bloom along the river. From the four-story open-air garden, you can see a sea of red. The mansion was originally a four-story small Western-style building built by the French during the Republic of China period. The design at that time was full of exotic charm. One side of the mansion is Baroque-style architecture, while the other side is Classical-style architecture. The building materials were carefully selected, with bricks and cement transported from France by water. Even after a century of wind and rain, it still retains its charm. Some say that coming here feels like wandering the streets of Paris, full of charm and elegance. Others say that it seems to transport you back to the Republic of China era, with its graceful and melodious atmosphere.
In the Blink of an Eye, Youth with an Ageless Face: Ageless Courtyard
Ageless Courtyard Boutique Homestay is nestled deep in the old alleys, away from the hustle and bustle of the central district, making it appear more quaint and serene. The old house was built in the 1930s and is said to have been the residence of one of the Gestapo. Pushing open the heavy wooden door, you are greeted by a sunlit courtyard, a fragrant and bird-chirping back garden, and a Zen-like tea room. Just taking a leisurely step and sitting on a chair for a moment, you seem to be silently swallowed by the weight of history, becoming peaceful and solemn. Whether you want to drink tea and chat or rest for the night, this courtyard offers the tranquil and leisurely Chao-style slow time you desire.
