Chawu is a house built in the 8th century in an ancient village close to Huangstan. It is the perfect place to discover the deep and authentic culture of China.
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The House
The house was built by a wealthy tea merchant in the 8th century. Guangping and Julien spent three years restoring it. Their goal was to make it comfortable and ensure that its simple authenticity was preserved.
The Village
The village features around 1000 buildings from the Ming Dynasty. A river runs between its houses; people clean their vegetables in it. Most of village’s inhabitants are peasants who produce tea and rice, as well as raising silkworms.
The Huizhou Area
Huizhou is one of the most prestigious cultural provinces in China. During the Ming dynasty, it excelled in architecture, painting, calligraphy and music. Today, its landscape still touches artists’ imaginations, inspired by the taste of several of the best Chinese teas.
Documentaries
About us
Guangping & Julien
Guangping is a primary school teacher and Julien an anthropologist. They began restoring Chawu in 2003. After 3 years of labour, they opened it to public as a guesthouse.
Today they share their time between China and France. Twice a year they organize special visits dedicated to tea culture.
Zha Riwang
Zha Riwang is an artisan who makes brushes for calligraphy and painting. He was born in the village and has been looking after Chawu since 2016.
DANIEL Airbnb 2020
"Great authentic experience and very nice suroundings"
DIRK Airbnb 2019
"In the meantime you will find a lot of interesting places in China which are extremely commercialized and down trodden by masses of Chinese and foreign tourists. Not so for Zhaji, which village dates back to the Ming and Qing era. The houses are absolutely original or beautifully restored. Riwang place is a nicely restored home dating back to the Ming Dynasty (formerly owned by a Tea Master in the old days). Riwang is extremely friendly and will go great lengths to make you feel at home."
MATTHEW Airbnb 2018
"Another great Summer in Anhui! Can’t wait to come back in the fall. 🙂 amazing hosts, amazing place."
HELEN Airbnb 2016
"We had a wonderful stay here at Chawu - the building is wonderfully preserved and kept, with plenty of traditional features and modern comforts tastefully presented next to each other. A roaring log fire in the main reception room is perfect for collapsing in front of after a day exploring the surrounding Anhui countryside! I would thoroughly recommend a visit to this house and the village."