Kanton inn

**Nutou** (砮偷; *nǔ-tōu,* literally 'sleeping-house') are traditional Kanton inns that typically feature sun-gardens, communal bathhouses, and a restaurant-esque eating area. *Nutou* have existed since the tenth century, and recently many old buildings have been refurbished as a way of honouring their cultural value. Traditionally, *nutou* have served wayfarers and travellers who are undertaking long, cross-country journeys. They are often found on national highways.

*Nutou* are difficult to find in large cities because they are usually much more expensive compared to modern hotels and hostels. Like most other countries, Western hotels have become a standard in Kanton urban areas. Despite this, some cities do offer *nutou* with competitive rates. Traditional *nutou* are more commonly found in scenic rural areas.

## Features

A typical *nutou* has a relatively small entrance hallway, usually leading into a communal sitting room where guests can talk, rest and entertain themselves. Modernised *nutou* will have a television; traditional ones usually retain their old-fashioned furnishings with books and paintings. *Nutou* guest quarters are constructed using traditional methods; rooms are small, but well-organised and practical. Almost everything is made from wood, except the floorboards, which are paved with brick. Sliding doors were commonplace a few years ago, but due to security risks, most nutou have replaced them with the hinged variety.

Almost all *nutou* feature communal bathing areas, known as *xiaodan*, which are segregated by gender and utilising unpurified water from nearby rivers and lakes. The lack of purification is attractive to people who wish to feel relaxed and at one with nature; unpurified riverwater is also considered to be extremely good for one's health. Obviously if a water source becomes polluted, a purification process is enforced. More high-end *nutou* may provide private baths as well, for an additional fee. Typically, *nutou* also feature a very small in-house restaurant in which guests can eat and drink free of charge (the cost is included in their final payment).

Most *nutou* also maintain sun-gardens which guests can explore. Some establishments may also offer shrine worship as an additional activity.

Beds come in the form of traditional *xie*, a cloth mat similar to a futon. In summer, there will be no blankets available; in winter, two or three may be included. Typical *nutou* bedrooms have three main features: bedding, a large window, and a small wooden stand on which guests can place their valuables or anything they may be carrying. Large bags and suitcases are stored on an overhead shelf above the door.

## Meals

Most *nutou* offer breakfast and dinner, which are included in the final cost of one's stay. It is very common for visitors to eat at the *nutou* as the quality of food is often a top selling point. Additionally, the rural location of most *nutou* makes it difficult for guests to find any comparable restaurants within reasonable distance.

Typically, *nutou* will offer foods that are local specialities, such as seafood or barbequed meats. It is customary for guests to have no more than one dish at each meal. Food is served in a timely manner, and owners encourage their visitors to be punctual so as not to miss mealtimes. In some establishments, an ordering sheet is given out so that guests can buy their meals ahead of time. Typical *nutou* do not sell alcohol; establishments which do are known as *jiu-nutou*.

## Staff

Traditionally, *nutou* are staffed by women only; in recent years this has become less common due to lack of workers and criticism of the practice. Staff are known as *fucan* and are responsible for the upkeep of the nutou. Well-established *nutou* may employ professional cleaners along with *fucan* in order to keep the place as clean and tidy as possible, and take some strain from their workers.

In by-gone times *fucan* would live within the *nutou*; nowadays this is extremely uncommon unless the establishment is family-run.

## *Ban-nutou*

A *ban-nutou* is a low-budget version of a *nutou*, named for the fact that the price of staying at one is usually half that of staying at a nutou. The facilities are similar to a hostel or may simply consist of spare rooms in a family home. *Ban-nutou* often serve as the only form of accommodation in towns or villages too small to warrant a dedicated hotel or nutou. The overall experience is much the same, but the food is usually poorer, there is no restaurant, bathhouse or sun-garden, and only one or two members of staff.