Minzu Hotel

We were in the newer, larger building. The room was quiet and clean, and the beds were comfortable. There was plenty of parking out back, towels and toiletries were provided, and the staff were friendly. Breakfast was Chinese style, with steamed buns and rice porridge. Fair price, highly recommend.

Being so close to Xitou meant we could get there first thing in the morning, and we could buy the entrance tickets right at the counter, which was handy. The rooms looked just like the pictures, had plenty of amenities, and the shower pressure was perfect. The food was yummy, too. We had a wonderful stay this past weekend and I can’t recommend it enough. I’ll definitely come back.

The duck with spicy pickled cabbage was my favorite, and they serve lots of vegetables alongside the meat dishes. The whole fish had light seasoning that let its flavor come through. Wood ear mushrooms with fresh baby ginger and bamboo shoots were good, too. Dessert was fresh guava, Concord grapes, and sweet pickled plums. If you like those plums, you can buy some to take home, along with other packaged treats. The food is fresh, not the usual greasy Chinese meal. Though the restaurant is part of a lodging, you can come just to eat. Tables and stools are made from polished wood, including tree trunk stools and a wooden Lazy Suzan. Bathrooms are available, and the kitchen seems clean.

The cottages are charming, cute, cozy, and comfortable. If you’re visiting Xitou or sanlinsea, I’d strongly recommend stopping here to enjoy what the villa has to offer. This was my first visit, and the meal already left a big impression. The winter bamboo shoot and spare rib soup was delicious, a new dish for me. Zhushan means bamboo mountain in Chinese. Kimchi and egg worked so well together in the stir-fry. The “teal oil deep fried chicken” was tasty, and the ginger slices on the plate are worth trying. Fresh, tender wild celery had great flavor and texture. The fresh mushroom and rice ball tempura made both ingredients into a memorable new dish. One of the best meals we’ve ever had.