Guiqulaixi Villa

If you're looking for a "Lijiang style" busy experience with lots of nearby shops and tourists....you're in the wrong place. But for everyone else I highly recommend this Lonely Planet recommended guesthouse. Also known in English as "Go Home Hotel". - The guesthouse is located on the edge of Yancun village - which is ~2 km from Yancun Town (outside the gated area) on the main highway. Sixi, the other historic village area (a bit bigger than Yancun) is a 1 km walk down. There are a handful of other restaurants in Yancun village; a bit more in Sixi....but overall it's much less commercial than any of the bigger villages on the northern or eastern circuits. You are ~15 km from the commercial center Qinghua; ~20+ km from Likeng and the HSR. But so very peaceful....just sit out on the deck, wander around the area, relax. - The guesthouse itself is a converted historic 200+ year old building - it still maintains a tremendous amount of character. They've added on a nice main modern windowed lobby space / restaurant with a spacious outdoor patio. - Rooms itself are unique, but nothing special. The base room types on Ctrip are 2-level splits with the bedroom/loft upstairs and everything else downstairs - a bit awkward to use, but unique. Good toiletries provided; bedding was fine too. AC/Heat unit in room, - What really set this place apart for me was the amazing hospitality. From the moment I arrived and the owner getting up to help out in addition to his staff...they went above and beyond. I was traveling alone, so when I had dinner on property the owner/staff invited me to eat with them. Great homecooked meals; there are also menu options if you prefer. Throughout the day, the staff constantly offered tea, seeds, fruit, etc....solid traditional Chinese breakfast too. - Owner/staff can help to arrange anything you need in the area. No significant English skills - but they are used to foreigners given the Lonely Planet listing. Bikes available for free use throughout the area. Honestly, many people go to Wuyuan and feel the need to see as many villages as possible. Don't do that - just find at an atmospheric place like this; tour around a bit - but relax and enjoy the feeling.