Zhuyexuan Hotel in Jianshui County, Honghe

Zhuyexuan Hotel is a boutique guesthouse in Jianshui Ancient Town themed around “bamboo elegance and refined charm,” artfully blending traditional southern Yunnan residential style with modern travel aesthetics. With its serene environment and thoughtful cultural experiences, it serves as an ideal base for exploring the ancient town’s slow-paced lifestyle. Below is a detailed introduction:

Basic Information

  • Location:
    No. 26 Wumiao Street (near Chaoyang Tower), core area of Jianshui Ancient Town, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. A 5-minute walk from Jianshui’s iconic Chaoyang Tower and a 10-minute walk from Zhu Family Garden, it’s surrounded by historical sites like Wumiao Temple and the Imperial Examination Hall, located along the ancient town’s cultural axis for easy access to key attractions while maintaining tranquility.
  • Architectural Features:
    Renovated from a late Qing Dynasty to early Republic of China siheyuan (quadrangle courtyard), it preserves traditional southern Yunnan layouts such as “four courtyards with five skylights” and “circular corridors with overhanging eaves.” The exterior combines gray bricks with bamboo lattice screens, while the courtyards are landscaped with bamboo groves and stone features, creating an elegant atmosphere of “bamboo at first glance, changing views with each step.” Interior decor incorporates bamboo-woven lanterns, bamboo-patterned screens, and purple pottery ornaments, harmonizing tradition and modernity. Spanning 1,200㎡, the 16 guest rooms are distributed across the main and side courtyards, ensuring a private and peaceful stay.
  • Opening Year: 2021 (after restoration and upgrade of the historic building).

Hotel Facilities

Guest Rooms

  • Room Types: 16 rooms in total, including bamboo-view standard rooms, courtyard suites, and family lofts, named “Zhulu” (Bamboo Dew), “Zhuying” (Bamboo Shadow), “Zhuxuan” (Bamboo Rustle)—all themed around bamboo culture. Some rooms feature viewing terraces or private courtyards.
  • Amenities:
    • Locally sourced solid wood furniture combined with bamboo craftsmanship, paired with cotton-linen bedding and purple pottery tea sets.
    • Equipped with Slumberland mattresses, British Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries, smart room control systems, underfloor heating, and central air conditioning.
    • Signature “Zhuyin Suite”: Comes with a private courtyard featuring a bamboo tea table and hot spring tub, perfect for families or couples.

Dining & Public Spaces

  • Bamboo Fragrance Restaurant:
    • Breakfast offers Jianshui specialties (watercress rice noodles, grilled tofu, handmade pastries) and Western options, with ingredients from local farms.
    • Lunch/dinner features a “Bamboo Feast” including bamboo steam-pot chicken, bamboo fungus stew, and bamboo-scented sticky rice ribs, blending local flavors with bamboo elements.
    • The restaurant’s decor highlights bamboo-woven ceilings and purple pottery tableware, seating up to 40 guests.
  • Bamboo Rhyme Tea House:
    • Located beside the main courtyard, it displays Jianshui purple pottery and Pu’er tea. Guests can enjoy free tea or participate in “bamboo mat tea ceremonies” (by appointment), paired with bamboo-themed snacks.
    • Sells cultural products like purple pottery tea sets and bamboo-woven handicrafts.
  • Courtyard Lounge Areas:
    • The central courtyard features bamboo furniture and a water 景观,with evening lighting casting bamboo shadows—ideal for reading, meditation, or socializing.
    • The second-floor viewing terrace offers panoramic views of the ancient town’s green-tiled roofs and Chaoyang Tower, a favorite spot for photographers.

Services & Experiences

  • Butler Service: 24/7 dedicated butlers assist with ancient town tours, attraction bookings, and activity reservations (e.g., purple pottery workshops, day trips to Tuan Shan Ancient Village).
  • Cultural Activities:
    • Bamboo Weaving Workshops: Free sessions for guests to craft bamboo lanterns or baskets, experiencing Jianshui’s traditional bamboo art (held every Tuesday and Thursday afternoons).
    • Purple Pottery Afternoon Tea: A tasting event in the courtyard featuring Jianshui purple pottery tea sets and local snacks like Lion Cake and rice pudding.
    • Night Tour of the Ancient Town: Guided walks to explore Chaoyang Tower’s night views and Hanlin Street’s night market, with stories of Jianshui’s history.
  • Additional Facilities: Free parking (300m away), complimentary electric cart service within the ancient town, and a self-service laundry with ironing facilities.

Design & Cultural Philosophy

  • Thematic Integration: Centered on “bamboo,” the hotel embodies Jianshui’s scholarly spirit as the “Zou Lu of Southern Yunnan” and the cultural symbolism of bamboo—”having integrity even before emerging from the soil, remaining humble even when reaching the clouds.” Public areas display Qing Dynasty bamboo stationery and vintage photos, while guest rooms feature bamboo-patterned art and woven crafts, infusing local culture and natural elegance into every detail.
  • Sustainability Commitment: Uses bamboo eco-friendly amenities (toothbrushes, combs), solar lighting, and rainwater recycling for bamboo irrigation, promoting low-carbon travel.

Nearby Attractions & Transportation

Within Walking Distance (10 minutes)

  • Chaoyang Tower: A Ming Dynasty city gate and Jianshui’s landmark, offering panoramic views of the ancient town from its top.
  • Zhu Family Garden: A Qing Dynasty private garden known as the “Grand View Garden of Southern Yunnan,” 800m from the hotel.
  • Imperial Examination Hall: A Qing Dynasty exam venue now converted into a museum of imperial examination culture, 500m away.

Short Trips

  • Shuanglong Bridge: A 10-minute drive away, a Qing Dynasty 17-arch bridge famous for its stunning sunset views, ideal for photography.
  • Zitao Street: A 15-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride, a night market with purple pottery shops, BBQ stalls, and folk music bars.
  • Tuan Shan Ancient Village: A 20-minute drive, a World Heritage-listed village preserving intact Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and traditional village life.

Transportation Guide

  • By Car: Navigate to “Jianshui Zhuyexuan Hotel.” The ancient town’s core area has traffic restrictions; the butler will direct you to nearby free parking.
  • By High-Speed Rail: A 20-minute taxi ride from Jianshui Railway Station (approx. ¥25 fare).
  • By Bus: A 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from Jianshui Bus Station.

Target Guests & Reputation

  • Ideal for: Travelers who prefer cultural-themed guesthouses and seek a tranquil environment, especially couples, families, or culture enthusiasts.
  • Guest Reviews: Maintains a 4.7+ rating on Ctrip, praised for its “elegant bamboo courtyard,” “attentive service,” and “unique cultural experiences.” Guests often describe it as “a hidden bamboo retreat in the ancient town,” perfect for slow-paced exploration and experiencing southern Yunnan’s lifestyle aesthetics.

 

Zhuyexuan Hotel uses “bamboo” as a bridge, integrating Jianshui’s historical heritage and natural charm into the travel experience. Amid green tiles and bamboo shadows, guests can savor the ancient town’s poetic beauty and everyday life, making it an ideal haven for exploring southern Yunnan’s culture.