Hotel Review: Kaipuu Belfry (七栩钟楼酒店) – Quanzhou’s Most Exclusive Boutique Hotel

Located right in the heart of the old town of Quanzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage city in China’s Fujian province, Kaipuu Belfry is a relatively new hotel that opened in 2023 under Lohkah Hotels. Lohkah is an independent chain that runs another Kaipuu hotel along the coast of Fujian as well as another hotel in Xiamen. While the chain’s other properties tend to focus on their resort-like atmosphere, the Kaipuu Belfry plays up its heritage, as it is converted from an old department store that dates back from 1979.

The property was designed by local designer Xie Ke and consists of just 48 rooms. It is also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). The belfry in the hotel name refers to the two towers of the nearby Kai Yuan Temple which is within view from the hotel rooftop as well as certain room categories. 

Kaipuu Belfry is a boutique hotel that embodies understated Nordic elegance — the interiors are marked by clean design, warmth as well as occasional pops of color. My stay in the Neighborhood Studio King revealed a property that goes beyond aesthetics, offering small yet meaningful touches that elevate the overall experience.

Room – Neighborhood Studio King

The Neighborhood Studio King is a calm, well-designed space that makes the most of its compact 27 sqm footprint. With its soft neutral palette, pale wood furnishings and warm lighting, the room immediately conveys a sense of peace. The sofa, with it pop of green and blue, brings added color to the room. As the hotel was converted from a department store, not all rooms are of the same size, with 27 sqm being the minimum for this room category. 

Except for a small artwork on the wall, the room subscribes to a mostly minimalist design. Automated controls power the room’s mood lighting options and even the blinds. I would often find the blinds drawn down each time I return to the room after a long day, even while the sun is still up. Thankfully, the switch is conveniently situated just next to the door so it’s easy to put it back up. 

All rooms in Kaipuu Belfry come with a free minibar and beverages include some soft drinks, chrysanthemum teas, filter coffee and even local snacks. The tea cups and pot notably come from Dehua, or also known as Blanc de Chine, which is a prized ceramic that Quanzhou is known for.

The king-sized bed was superbly comfortable, with crisp linen and a firm yet yielding mattress. A small seating area beside the window provided a cozy nook for reading or morning coffee, while a round multi-purpose table made remote work (or snacking) surprisingly pleasant.

The bathroom possessed a darker, more masculine aesthetic — functional and fitted with a rainfall shower offering excellent water pressure. Locally made bath products, scented with light notes of citrus, subtly reflected the hotel’s design-driven but grounded personality. Bath towels here are notably blue and I was told by the hotel staff that this was in keeping with their chosen aesthetic. However, white towels are also available upon request. 

Facilities

Kaipuu Belfry isn’t about sprawling facilities – there is no swimming pool or fitness center as it is a boutique hotel after all. Rather, the property focuses on experiences that feel personal and intentional. Guests are treated to several complimentary inclusions that highlight the hotel’s creative spirit.

The buggy service is a practical and appreciated perk, especially for exploring nearby attractions or returning from the station with luggage. It’s quick, efficient, and thoughtfully offered without fuss. There are several departures each day, with the buggy making rounds to allow guests to familiarize themselves with the area. A typical ride lasts for 30 minutes and passes by some of Quanzhou’s notable heritage buildings. Guests are required to book in advance for the buggy service. 

During my stay, I also availed of the hotel’s complimentary photography service which I thought was a unique standout. Essentially, a professional photographer captures portraits or candid moments of guests around the property, making for memorable keepsakes that go beyond the usual travel selfies. At the end of the shoot, guests can choose to keep 5 high-resolution photos free of charge. It’s a simple but useful gesture that reflects the hotel’s attention to guest experience.

Equally delightful is the art workshop, conducted in small groups and led by the hotel staff. Guests can choose from two activities, either oyster shell painting or lantern making. The session essentially connects guests to the artistic proposition of the Kaipuu brand.

Beyond these, the hotel’s rooftop terrace remains a favorite corner — offering sweeping city views and quiet moments of calm after a day out. I also found that the rooftop is a popular spot for afternoon tea or coffee as I do see local Chinese tourists who are not inhouse guests taking advantage of deals from the Dianping app, as the hotel sells vouchers of its afternoon tea there. 

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the serene upper-floor restaurant called Ham Khak (蛤壳) or literally clam shell in Hokkien. Filled with soft natural light and possessing a bird’s eye view of the hustle and bustle of the old town, the setup feels more like a neighborhood cafe than a hotel restaurant — intimate, calm, and beautifully presented.

The spread includes freshly baked bread, seasonal fruits and dedicated Hokkien pastries, complemented by an ala carte selection of breakfast items – mainly local dishes such as beef noodles, dumplings, crispy sesame roll and even peanut pancakes. Growing up in an overseas Hokkien household myself, some of the dishes brought about a sense of nostalgia which matched the vibe of the property.

Overall, everything feels fresh and thoughtfully sourced, aligning with the hotel’s philosophy of quality over quantity. I loved the coffee — rich and balanced. My only gripe is that they don’t offer other types of milk other than dairy milk but not an issue as I love their americano. There’s something calming in drinking an iced americano there while watching the beautiful architecture outside. 

Verdict

Despite being located right in a busy commercially oriented junction, Kaipuu Belfry possesses a quiet refinement that makes it a surprisingly apt venue for a stay that is overflowing in relaxation and reflection. Its thoughtful details — from the cozy Scandinavian interiors to the complimentary creative experiences — make it stand out in a market crowded with design hotels. Every moment feels personal and every touch purposeful. I am now quite curious to experience the chain’s other hotels and see what extras those properties offer. 

Kaipuu Belfry
2 East Street
Licheng District
Quanzhou, Fujian
China 362000

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