Cicily Homestay, a new distinctive accommodation on Pingtan Island, becomes a hit after tourist influencers posted pictures on social media platforms. Reporters from Pingtan CMC recently visited to find out more. 

An exquisite homestay community came into view in front of a fishing wharf. Miao Dongcheng, proprietor of the Cicily Homestay, introduced that he was impressed with Dongmei Village by its proximity to scenic Celestial Well and Dongmei Fishing Wharf on a trip last March. The well-preserved stone houses made him determined to settle down and set up a business. 

“Pingtan’s stone house has been heard for a long time. I personally felt its antique and unsophisticated beauty unlike other traditional dwellings elsewhere,” said Miao. 

The homestay consists of 7 buildings, including approximately 30 rooms, one bistro, and one sea-view restaurant.

In the courtyard, there is a swimming pool that comes in the shape of a leaping whale at the bottom. A row of seats covered with bright orange cushions is placed for tourists to rest and enjoy sunbathing. Ripened green broad beans hang on the wall. The gushing fountain makes a soothing sound, an interesting juxtaposition for a random patch of asparagus fern growing in the courtyard- like being in a secret garden by the sea. There is also a blue and white ocean ball pool, a kiddy playground for families traveling with young children.

“To preserve the stone dwellings to the greatest extent, the interior decoration adheres to the principle of ‘repairing the old as it is’,” said Miao. 

Quaint features, wooden-beamed roofing, fishing nets, driftwood, Scandinavian-style knitted tapestries, wall paintings… everything about this place screams "modern vogue." All rooms come with cozy cotton and linen bedding. The designers installed a skylight on the roof of rooms on the top floors so guests can fall asleep counting stars and wake up to the first light of daybreak.  

In addition to the accommodation, you can’t miss the signature dishes of the sea-view restaurant. Here you can not only savor Chinese cuisine but also French fusion.

A chef prepares a traditional firewood chicken on a mobile stove. Chopping wood, making a fire, cutting chicken, preparing ingredients...each procedure goes seamlessly. For urbanites who have not had wood stove-cooked food for ages, here is a chance to recover the joys of a hearty pastoral meal and the flavors of yesteryears. The chef slides the fresh chicken into the sizzling oil and stir-fries for a few minutes. The fragrance permeates the air. Finally, sprinkle the spices and seasonal garden greens. Mouthwatering!

After the broth goes into the cauldron, remove some firewood and simmer over low heat until the bones turn brittle and the meat becomes tender. The cuisine results from Miao's persistence in traditional flavors. "Nowadays, restaurants consider it too bothersome cooking over wood stoves. However, without it, these rustic dishes inevitably lose their original flavors," Miao added.

Miao Dongcheng also highly recommended the French foie gras and Angus beef. The firm Angus beef was fried at high temperature, cut into small pieces, and put aside. A concoction of red wine, blueberry, and foie gras simmers over a low fire. Cover the diced beef with the lovely concoction and garnish with lemon slices. Bon Appetit! Pairing the different meat together in a pot conjures a collision of culinary delight that melts in your mouth and warms your soul.

Exquisite dishes and attentive service have attracted numerous diners to drive here. “The dishes here are really a surprise. I have recommended through sharing them on social platform,” said Lin Xiaoli, a citizen.

A Chinese saying goes, “A secluded life is a cozy home for souls.” Miao used to live in a metropolis like Shenzhen. He came to Dongmei Village, a small, lesser-known ancient village where he is running such a beautiful and stylish homestay and restaurant. Isn’t this the kind of life to go for after experiencing the glitz and glamour of a modern city?

“The fishing wharf is the biggest attraction. The scenery of the fishing port changes with the variable sky here. Now is the peak season for the occurrence of wondrous ‘Sea Sparkles’ and you can see the spectacle in the homestay at night,” said Miao. His seemingly understated words aroused a train of thoughts. 

The bistro is also a favorite for tourists. The lush plants seized most of the space here. You can indulge in the serenity and enjoyment as if in a small garden. Order a cup of coffee or a glass of beer, sit on a wooden seat, and take a beautiful sunset photo with Cicily Homestay, which has become a must for holidaymakers. They all called Cicily an idyllic existence.

Spotted a mistake or want to add something? All rights reserved. Do not reproduce our content without permission–you can contact us directly on our Facebook messenger or Twitter mailbox. Follow @pingtanchina (Facebook/Twitter)