A restaurant in Jiangxi known as the "King of Soups," where you can even bring your pet along—Sanyi No. 1 Traveler

Written & photographed by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin

Now in Miaoli’s Sanyi, it’s the perfect season to admire the tung blossom, and at night, there are even magical fireflies waiting for visitors. As Liu Wenhua, the general manager of No. 1 Traveler Hotel, says: “Sanyi town may not look big, but every street corner offers a view. If you rush in and out in a hurry, it would be such a pity.”

No. 1 Traveler Hotel began trial operations in January this year. In addition to accommodation services, it also offers the “King of Soup Bucket” set meal cooked in kiln pots imported from Jiangxi, as well as a “Doggy Paradise” where guests can travel with their dogs. This allows visitors to enjoy the scenery, savor delicious food, and share the joy with their beloved pets.

The brick-red walls and clock tower-like appearance of No. 1 Traveler Hotel bring a bit of foreign charm to the simple streets of the town. Upon entering the landscape garden on the first floor, the bold exterior colors and elegant lighting, paired with a refined and minimalist landscaping style set against dappled green shadows, make one feel as if they’ve been transported to Europe.

Stepping into the guest room, the spacious and bright living area greets you. The bedside lampshade is adorned with a few tung blossoms, as if whispering to guests, “Welcome to the land of tung blossoms.” The double bed in the center of the room has just the right firmness—not as overly soft as Western mattresses that often leave you with a sore back. In the bathroom, the stone-built soaking tub is spacious enough for an adult man to stretch his legs comfortably, washing away the fatigue of the day. Behind a curtain, guests can also enjoy the clear blue sky while refreshing their body and mind with a pool of spring water in the morning, letting the sunlight herald a wonderful day.

The set meal named “King of Soup Bucket” earns its title as the king of soups by using clay kiln pots imported from Jiangxi. These pots are slow-cooked over charcoal fire at a constant temperature for three hours, sealing in the nutrients of the ingredients. Not only does it preserve the original flavors, but the refreshing and delicious broth is also unforgettable. Each kiln pot weighs 80 kilograms and can cook 50 small jars at once. It is said that in early Jiangxi households, meals and soups were placed in the kiln pots before heading to work in the morning, so that hot meals would be ready after a day’s labor.