Phoenix Cuo Homestay Secret List

Rizhao Phoenix Cuo Homestay In-Depth Experience List 1. Must-Take Mountain Trails 1. Phoenix Cuo Back Mountain Trail: Starting from the back door of the homestay, walk up the gravel road for about 15 minutes to reach a scenic viewpoint with a wide view. In the early morning, you can see the mist rolling over the valley, and in the evening, enjoy the "mountain embracing the sunset" scene. Along the trail, there are wild sour jujube trees that can be picked in autumn (safety precautions needed). 2. Riverside Walking Trail: Built along the small river beside the homestay, the path is paved with anti-corrosion wood, about 1 kilometer long. Along the way, you can see villagers' cornfields and persimmon trees, and occasionally encounter local cats and dogs strolling by the river. Perfect for a leisurely post-meal walk. 2. Local Farmhouse Dishes Not to Miss • Homestay Restaurant Must-Order: Native chicken soup (made with locally free-range native chickens, slow-cooked for over 2 hours, fresh and not greasy), fried small river shrimp (freshly caught river shrimp coated in a thin batter and fried golden, shells edible), stir-fried mountain hawthorn (spring seasonal wild vegetable, tender with a fresh mountain aroma). • Nearby Farmhouse Recommendation: A 10-minute walk to the nearby "Li Family Courtyard" to try their scallion pancake roll (pancakes freshly made, paired with local horn-shaped scallions and bean paste, very rustic flavor), and stewed mixed fish (various river fish stewed together, fresh and spicy, perfect with rice). 3. Off-the-Beaten-Path Photo Spots 1. Old Stone Wall Corner: Half of an old yellow mud wall at the homestay entrance, paired with old pottery jars and climbing plants by the wall. Around 3 PM on sunny afternoons, the sunlight slants on the wall creating strong light and shadow layers, ideal for vintage-style photos. 2. Waterside Theater Stone Steps: The shallow water area of the theater is paved with bluestone steps reflecting the sky and surrounding trees. Wearing light-colored clothes and standing on the steps with the water as the background creates a fresh "walking in a painting" vibe. 3. Box Room Homestay Terrace: Some box room homestays have small terraces with rattan tables and chairs. At night, string lights on the terrace create a great atmosphere for night photos with the distant mountains and starry sky as the backdrop. 4. Rizhao Phoenix Cuo Homestay Booking Tips Room Selection: Precisely Lock in the Best View 1. Prioritize "Courtyard View/Mountain View Box Rooms": These room types mostly have private terraces or floor-to-ceiling windows, offering direct views of the courtyard’s old stone wall, bamboo forest, or distant mountains. Avoid "Alley View Rooms"—some have windows facing narrow alleys with less privacy and poorer views. 2. For Families, Choose "Row Stone Courtyards": Composed of 2-3 independent rooms sharing a courtyard, suitable for families of 3-4 people. Each can have their own room for privacy while gathering in the courtyard for meals or tea. This offers better value than booking multiple separate rooms. Price Patterns: Save Budget by Avoiding Peak Times • Off-Season (November to March): Room rates are 30%-40% lower than peak season, averaging about 400-600 RMB per night. Fewer people and peaceful, ideal for travelers seeking quiet countryside solitude. • Peak Season (April to October): Especially during May Day, National Day holidays, and July-August summer vacation, prices rise about 50%, averaging 800-1200 RMB per night. Book 1-2 months in advance to avoid last-minute unavailability or inflated prices.