Pingyao Cheng Family Old House Home (Rising Sun Chang)

#0YenTravel2025Autumn

Walking the cobblestone streets of the Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi Province, I'd like to share my travel log of my stay at the Cheng Family Court Hotel (Rishengchang). Staying in a historic building was a truly immersive experience.

✍️ Check-in Details

The hotel is located a short walk down an alleyway from the main street in the old town. From the exterior, you can sense that this is no ordinary hotel. At check-in, the staff didn't seem to speak English well, but I was able to communicate with them using smartphone translation. One review noted, "The staff didn't speak English, but they did provide an interpreter over the phone."

After receiving my key, I walked through the courtyard to my room. Stone floors, wooden beams, and traditional décor made it feel like I was stepping onto the set of a period drama.

🛏 Room & Stay Experience

The first impression upon entering the room was "clean and relaxing." One review mentioned the faint aroma of wine. The wooden beams have a patina, and the windows offer a glimpse of the greenery of the courtyard, creating a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

However, some reviewers have noted that soundproofing is not particularly good due to the building's age. You may be bothered by noise from neighboring rooms or footsteps in the hallway. My solution was to go to bed early and bring earplugs.

The beds and amenities were up to modern hotel standards, Wi-Fi was available, and the balance of "antiquity and comfort" was well-balanced.

🌿 Courtyard, Location, and Atmosphere

The courtyard is the highlight of this hotel. The beautifully landscaped gardens make it a perfect place to sit and take a break in the morning or evening. One reviewer even mentioned the small courtyard, saying, "The environment is also very pleasant and quiet."

The hotel's location is also impeccable. Located in the heart of the castle, it's within walking distance of tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops. It was also pleasant to stroll back at night, admiring the illuminated city walls.

👍Good Points & 👀Things to Note
Good Points
- The atmosphere made the most of the historic architecture. I really felt like I was on vacation.
- The staff were attentive. One traveler reviewed that they arranged transportation to the station.
- The location was very convenient. It was an ideal base for exploring the old town.
- Many guests praised the cleanliness and well-maintained facilities.

🙏Things to Note
- English service is not very thorough, so it's a good idea to bring a translation app.
- Soundproofing is a bit lacking. If surrounding noise is a concern, it's best to return to your room earlier.
- Due to the building's age, some guests may find the bathroom a bit small.

🎒Summary & Recommended Stay
If you prefer a more immersive experience in the city's history than a typical chain hotel, this hotel is highly recommended. Enjoy the charming old town in the evenings and at night, sightsee during the day, then return to the hotel and sip tea in the courtyard - this is the perfect hotel for a relaxing trip.

However, if you're looking for a quiet, soundproofed hotel to sleep in, or the latest facilities for everyone, it might be best to choose a hotel that has a bit of "architectural charm" (a little inconvenience in the good old days).