Guilin to Guizhou: Mountains and Ethnic Minorities of Southwest China

On the banks of the River Li, nestled in a valley surrounded by lushly verdant mountains, Yangshuo is a must-see destination for nature lovers and those seeking a respite from the fast pace of life. Active visitors will enjoy the range of outward-bound activities available in Yangshuo, including rafting and world class rock climbing. And what better place from which to explore the stunning scenery than the Banyan Tree? In the elegant one- or two-bedroom villas overlooking the tranquil gardens or the peaceful lake, the ancient Orient meets modern comfort. Gastronomic delights are served at Baiyun, where diners can enjoy a range of Guangxi and Canton dishes. Meanwhile, the sumptuous international buffet at Ming Yue is sure to whet appetites. Guests can enjoy refreshing cocktails and exquisite snacks at sunset at the poolside bar or relax with a coffee or glass of wine in the lobby lounge. Recreation options on site include the glittering outdoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped gym with yoga studio, a cosy library and games room and a peaceful spa with a number of treatment rooms. 

Yangshuo Sugar House provides a slice of luxury amongst the beautiful karst mountains, green hills, and winding rivers for which Yangshuo is famous. Located in a former working sugar mill constructed during the cultural revolution, the facilities have been remodeled by renowned architect Dong Gong of Vector Architects with interiors by award-winning Ju Bin of Horizontal Space Design. The result is an inspired blend of style and comfort. Each of the 117 rooms, suites, and villas offers contemporary aesthetics, LCD cable TV, Wi-Fi access, telephone, safe, minibar, and coffee and tea-making facilities. The resort includes a stunning swimming pool, international restaurant, in-house rum distillery, opulent spa, fully equipped gym, cardio theatre, separate weights area, and gorgeous views of the Li River. The local natural splendor of the region can be explored through the diverse range of exhilarating activities available such as biking, rock climbing, and hiking.

Li-An Lodge is the culmination of artist and traveler Keren Su’s decade-long quest to build a unique, luxurious lodge amidst the gorgeous Longsheng rice terraces. Su first discovered this area on a photography trip in 1997 and finally opened Li An eight years later; the entire lodge is built without nails and instead uses a traditional Chinese construction technique of fitting pegs into grooves to secure joints. There are 16 rooms, each with unparalleled views of the terraces and their own specific themes and designs. For example, the Harvest room features farming tools used by the local Zhuang minority in addition to other Zhuang-specific pieces, and the Rock room fitted with intricate stone carving and furniture. Although the rooms do not have Internet access, there is a high-speed connection in the business center. Li-An Lodge also has a restaurant that serves Western and Chinese food, as well as a bar and sitting room decorated with Su’s photography and other work.

The Dong Village Hotel is a classic wooden Dong-style building overlooking the river and the Chengyang Wind and Rain covered bridge. Each of the 21 rooms in the hotel has a private balcony, flat-screen TV, wireless internet access, and writing desk and the hotel is just a short walk from the iconic covered bridge. The owner, a local of Chengyang, established the hotel in 1998 and operates the hotel with his wife. The kitchen can prepare local Dong and other cultural dishes upon request, which can be enjoyed on the patios that overlook the river and bridge.

Experience Chinese remote village life in a charming guesthouse. Visitors are welcomed warmly to the humble and simple guesthouses here, which are sometimes no more than a small number of very basic rooms. Accommodation, while not sumptuous, is cozy, comfortable and clean; the twin and double rooms are well appointed. Though conditions are certainly not luxurious, the adventure through remote China and meeting its local people certainly make it worth it.

For a comfortable short term stay, the Dongxiangmi Grand Hotel is an inexpensive and simple form of accommodation in the center of Rongjiang, China. Rooms offer twin beds, TVs and computers, as well as spacious and clean bathrooms with running hot water. The restaurant offers simple-yet-tasteful Chinese delicacies, but no western food, which cannot be expected as this is no tropical hot spot for western tourists. The hotel is located off the main road to seclude you from the noise, allowing a peaceful and pleasant stay, yet close enough to the town center for daily excursions.    

Experience Chinese remote village life in a charming guesthouse. Visitors are welcomed warmly to the humble and simple guesthouses here, which are sometimes no more than a small number of very basic rooms. Accommodation, while not sumptuous, is cozy, comfortable and clean; the twin and double rooms are well appointed. Though conditions are certainly not luxurious, the adventure through remote China and meeting its local people certainly make it worth it.

The Cloud Country Hotel is located in Xijiang, the largest Miao village in China. The hotel offers simple accomodation in a traditional Chinese setting. The non-smoking, air-conditioned rooms come with a telephone, mini-bar, writing desk, en-suite bathroom, and free internet. There are several dining options in the area, which are mostly local restaurants that serve Chinese and local cuisine.

Situated in Guizhou’s tallest building, this luxury five-star hotel provides guests with expansive views of the city’s classical architecture. Choose from any of the 366 incredible luxury guestrooms and suites, including Deluxe, Executive or Panorama suites, as well as one Ambassador and one Presidential suite on the 53rd floor. Dine in style at one of three restaurants that offer flavorsome international cuisine, mouthwatering regional Chinese specialities and fresh seafood, plated by world class chefs in show kitchens. Enjoy an array of pastries, cakes and chocolates as you sip on the famous tea offered at the hotel. Guests may also enjoy indulge in the hotel’s efficient room service. Kempinski Hotel Guiyang is conveniently-located within walking distance from the attractive city center, offering premier international shopping and entertainment experiences. Similarly, the hotel is just minutes away from Nanming River, leading to the 15th-century Jiaxiu Pavilion, Yangming Temple and Qianling Park. Enjoy day tours around the nearby national park where guests can go hiking and rafting, exploring rivers, mountains, caves and sightseeing in and around Guiyang. 

A burgeoning center of ecotourism in China, the “Forest City” of Guiyang is a lush backdrop for the Anantara Guiyang resort. The capital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang’s abundance of natural phenomena such as lakes, caves, rivers, and waterfalls beckon those with an affinity for exploration. Resort accommodations include 218 rooms, suites, and pool villas, all of which are inspired by the Chinese “yin and yang” concept of culture and nature. Guests at the Anantara Guiyang may also choose to venture out and explore the city’s cultural and historical landmarks like the renowned garrison town of Qingyan — famed for its immaculate stone architecture — and the waterfalls at Huangguoshu, which are among the largest and most scenic in East Asia. After a day of sightseeing, the luxurious Anantara Spa awaits those wanting to indulge in a signature massage or green tea purification treatment.