Although there are many hotels in Lijiang at the foot of the Jade Dragon
Mountain. It may be hard to find a nice
one. There are two areas in the city: the old town and the new city. Since
many years the foreign travelers like to stay in the old city. Although
originally there were no guest houses, hotels or inns in town, with the
arrival of First Bend Inn more hotels arrived in the old town. Many offer
rooms in traditional styled houses. Here is a selection.
The Wang Fu Hotel Lijiang is located in the old town of Lijiang.
The hotel breaths some of the atmosphere of the ancient days when China was
a feudal country. Rooms are spacious and build in Naxi style (as the whole
hotel is).
The hotel is build around a central court yard which generates a
beautiful atmosphere. The hotel offers:
Deluxe Suits
Standard Suits
Standard Twin Rooms
Standard Twin Rooms
It's a good deal if you want to stay in a local styled hotel and do not
want to spend too much money.
The Moon Inn (Lijiang Xinyuege Kezhan) stands in the middle of
Lijiang's historic "ancient town," just 100 meters from Square Street. The
hotel's architecture takes after the local Siheyuan style, traditional
single-floor houses arrayed around square courtyards, replete with flowers
and bamboo.
There is a coffee bar made of palm trees, for a relaxed, organic
atmosphere. Guestrooms in this Lijiang hotel have individual bathrooms,
24-hour hot water, telephones, cable TV, and internet access (no air-con).
Second floor deluxe suites feature views of the Yulong Mountains and
charming night view of the "ancient town" historic area.
The Banyan Tree Ringha Hotel Lijiang is the top end hotel of
Lijiang. And not for nothing. Here you can leave yourself behind in all
luxury you could possibly imagine.
On the north side you will see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Amongst the
hotel featuresyou find an indoor and outdoor café, multi-national cuisine.
hundreds of varieties of teas from various Chinese provinces are served at
the Tea Lounge, and live music, finger foods and nightcaps are offered at
The Bar.
Individual function rooms accommodate up to 60 people, and Internet
access is available in public areas of the hotel. When it is time to relax, the Banyan Tree
Spa offers a range of options from ancient Asian healing arts to European
rejuvenation therapies. The spa houses an activity room, tea house, beauty
salon and a fitness facility. Other facilities include: babysitting or child
care, spa services on site, tennis court, massage-treatment room, swimming
pool - outdoor - private plunge pools. Recommended for those who need a
splurge or come with family.
The Lishui Tianjing Inn Lijiang is a relatively new hotel in the
old town. It's like many Naxi buildings a two storey house. The hotel has 56
special decorated standard rooms and equipped with TV and shower facilities.
It's a nice deal.
The Ancient Town Inn (Gucheng Kezhan) is the only luxury hotel
located in the ancient town of Lijiang. Ultra-conveniently located near
Sifang Jie, the center of the ancient town, the hotel combines the
convenience and comfort of a star rated hotel with the peaceful beauty of
the ancient town.
The hotel itself is the result of a successful renovation project which
turned several traditional Naxi courtyards into modern hotels without
destroying the original structure and artistry of the architecture. This is
a great place to stay.
The First Bend Inn Lijiang is one of the traditional styled guesthouses
in Lijiang. The Inn (Diyiwan Jiudian) is one of the best
preserved Naxi courtyards in the old town of Lijiang. The guesthouse is a
renovated complex on two levels situated around an attractive courtyard
where guests can sit reading books or lazing the afternoon away. This is a
favorite haunt with foreign backpackers especially.
It's a cheap place too. I have stayed here frequent and it is always a
pleasure to be here. Dorms go for RM20 and doubles are also available.
Showers are public, but hot water is available 24 hours. This is also a
great place to get travel information and find travel partners. It's
basic but very atmospheric.
The old town is still an atmospheric and tranquil place even though
every street corner seems to be filled with either hotels or tourist
shops. Nevertheless, Lijiang is a place to visit, not only the town,
take your bicycle and go around in the valley. It's a great place
Before Lijiang became famous it was Dali that attracted travelers.
With it's distinct cultural flavor it became a backpackers Mecca. That
changed when Lijiang was "discovered" and Dali became less important.
Still, Dali has much to offer, the old town has its own style and
with the local minorities in the area you can expect a colorful journey.
