Jining | Qufu One of My Favorite Hotels
by LaylaLopez_21
Apr 15, 2025
In late autumn, Qufu is covered with thin frost on blue bricks and black tiles. I originally thought the ancient city’s guesthouses would carry the chill of autumn, but when I stepped into Shanhe Courtyard Hotel, I was warmly embraced by the cozy atmosphere—the whole house has floor heating that spreads warmth from the feet up. Just after taking off my thick coat, I felt completely relaxed, with no need to worry about the biting cold of northern winter. The layout of this place is cleverly designed, without clutter, blending Qufu’s elegance into every detail. The stone path in the courtyard winds around small scenic spots, and the desks and decorations in the guest rooms are arranged with tasteful irregularity. Even sitting by the window reading in the afternoon, you won’t hear any outside noise—only sunlight filtering through the window, casting delicate shadows on the warm floor. The most delightful surprise is the lighting at night, which seems tailor-made for photography. The warm-colored lights outside the courtyard wrap around the ancient trees, casting a soft yellow glow on the gray walls, creating a hazy, ancient atmosphere; no need to pose deliberately, every snapshot tells a story.
I specifically tried different angles: in front of the greenery behind the lobby, the warm light hits from the side, capturing soft side profiles; the photos all seem to come with a built-in gentle filter.
No need to worry about freezing hands while taking photos in winter, since you can immediately retreat to a room with floor heating, sip hot tea, and browse your pictures. If you want to find a guesthouse in Qufu that is “comfortable to stay in and perfect for photos,” Shanhe Courtyard is probably the best choice in winter—it has the charm of the ancient city and the reassuring warmth, with even the light and shadows prepared for you, just waiting for you to press the shutter.
Post by 曲阜山禾庭院酒店(三孔景區店) | Oct 26, 2025

















