Posted on Nov 16, 2023|Mountain-view Twin Room
Olive GohWhen I started planning our itinerary for our 15 day Yunnan holiday, I plotted out our path to go all the way up to Shangri-la, back down to Kunming and then to Jiaozi Snow Mountain and Dongchuan Red Land. Then I chanced upon a video of Aini Garden and fell in love! The only reason we came to Pu'er was to get to Aini. This was the first place I booked, and I really took a chance because it has a no cancellation policy and I really had to stick to the date once it was made.
The initial pre-arrival experience was less than pleasant. I didn't know how we were going to get to the manor and my WeChat messages went unanswered. The hotel we stayed at in Pu'er finally got in touch with someone and got them to message me. I asked how we could get there and the answer was a curt ”take a taxi or charter a car”. No pleasantries of ”we look forward to seeing you” or offering to arrange a car.
When we arrived, no one was at reception and no one came out. Our driver was so perplexed he wondered if we were in the right place and if the place was open. Finally a young girl came out and registered us in. There was an air of aloofness from everyone else. However, once we were checked in, things warmed up quickly. We were offered coffee and freshly cut papaya and had a nice introduction chat with the lady staff.
The bedroom and bathroom is well appointed, spacious and comfortable. We would have enjoyed sitting on the balcony if the chairs were more comfortable. I love the floor to ceiling glass windows but the panel above the door should also be glass (it is just netting) so traffic sounds from the road actually comes through at night. I actually wanted to book the cottage in the hills but opted for the standard room in the main house because I was worried it would be cold. Big regret as it is actually magnificently located with stunning views. However take note that you will need to call for a buggy ride or make a 1km hike every time you want to eat or get to the main house. If you are self driving, no issues as you can park right next to the cottage. Anyway it's a small price to pay for an unlimited view of the milky way and seclusion.
This is as close to a Ryokan experience as you can get in China, minus the hot springs. 3 days 2 nights of blissful, carefree living is not quite enough. They make sure they feed you well, with the freshest produce available for hotpot dinner and home-cooked Yunnanese dishes for lunch. There are so many activities organised, from taking you up the mountain for a glimpse of sunrise (with mountain goats for company ❤️) to coffee plantation education tour to horseback riding along the mountain ridges (the view is spectacular!) to scavenging for wild vegetables and fruits to drinking, dancing and singing around the campfire! So much to do, so little time!
One area of improvement I personally would like to see is the coffee serving. They tend to be quite snobbish about how their coffee is taken. Neat, with nothing else. Asking for sugar or milk feels nearly scorned upon. Coffee is a versatile drink and can be savoured in a huge variety of ways. How else is Starbucks so successful? I felt kind of stifled and deprived because I love a good latte and had looked forward to enjoying an unlimited indulgence of coffee throughout our stay.
Anyhow, I love the ecotourism efforts here. It feels natural and unpretentious. I love the people and the camaraderie they cultivate. I especially enjoyed talking to their consultant 敬梅, a beautiful lady with extensive knowledge in Yunnan culture and ecological progress. Also thank you to 徐芳 for arranging transport back to town and giving helpful recommendations. We hope to return again.
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Price per night from:US$30
Posted on Jul 26, 2026|Xu Guang Po 270° Private Sea View Onsen Suite (Jin Ke Er · Dyson)
Guest UserBack in Dali, I decided to revisit the Xianyun 360-degree Cliff Seaview Hot Spring B&B, and it truly lived up to expectations! The front desk staff were incredibly polite and attentive. I later found out that the humble and helpful manager, who was always ready to assist, was also from Beijing, which made me feel right at home. The B&B's environment is serene and immaculate. The private hot spring pool in the room is definitely the highlight. Soaking in the hot spring, you're directly facing the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake – it's like a landscape painting come to life. During my downtime, I loved sitting on the balcony, gazing at Cangshan and Erhai, which was incredibly therapeutic after a long journey. The restaurant's dishes were delicious and flavorful. My experience was as excellent as ever, truly a hidden gem of a seaview B&B. Choosing to stay here twice speaks volumes about its reliable quality. It’s my top choice when visiting Dali, highly recommended!
Amenities: Excellent
Hygiene: Good
Environment: Beautiful
Service: Fantastic
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Price per night from:US$79
Posted on Aug 29, 2025
Bingbingle、
The room was very spacious and well-equipped.
The decor and design were fantastic. The renovation of the historic building is quite unique, and the courtyard is breathtaking.
The housekeeping service was excellent, and any requests were promptly addressed.
The breakfast was also delicious, featuring some unique dishes.
I'll definitely stay here again next time I'm in Yunnan.
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Price per night from:US$131
Posted on Aug 10, 2026|Deluxe Hot Spring King Room
HuiyalanI stayed at this hotel for 5 nights. I was quite hesitant before choosing it, especially after reading about the negative elevator incident, which made me really worry about safety. So, every time I took the elevator during my stay, I was on edge. The main reason I decided to stay was for the hot springs and swimming pool, as it's been raining a lot in Kunming recently, and I figured we'd just enjoy the hotel. Honestly, I wasn't particularly impressed with the service, and the facilities are quite old, very old. If it weren't for the constant rain and traveling with a child, I probably wouldn't have chosen this hotel. Especially after visiting Fuxian Lake, the comparison really highlighted its shortcomings.
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Price per night from:US$69
Posted on Aug 28, 2026|Deluxe Villa Two Bedrooms
Guest UserI stayed in a deluxe two-bedroom villa with my parents. The whole hotel is like a huge garden, and staying there was a real pleasure. The rooms and courtyard were incredibly spacious, and the decor had a distinctive local feel. The bathtub was large, and the room was kept immaculately clean. Breakfast offered a wide variety of choices, and the restaurant overlooked the hotel garden, making for a very pleasant dining experience. All the staff were incredibly welcoming, and the electric shuttle service was prompt. The package also included a complimentary hotel photoshoot, a local chicken hotpot, and station pick-up service. They even thoughtfully decorated the room for a birthday celebration and provided a cake, all free of charge. While some facilities are showing their age due to the hotel's long history, it's clear they make a great effort to maintain everything, and it barely affected our stay. These minor issues are easily overshadowed by the positives; this hotel was definitely the highlight of my trip to Yunnan.
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Price per night from:US$85
Posted on Jan 13, 2026
M244286****
This guesthouse in Dali is absolutely fantastic! The room was spotless, clean, and tidy with no overlooked corners. The bedding was incredibly soft, skin-friendly, and fresh, making for a super comfortable stay. The whole house is equipped with smart home features, which are simple and convenient to use – a real blessing for anyone who loves ease. The owner was warm and thoughtful, patiently answering all our questions and even recommending some local, lesser-known activities, which was incredibly heartwarming. The location is also convenient for getting around. The overall experience was top-notch. If you're coming to Dali, choosing this place is a no-brainer. I genuinely recommend it to all my friends!
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Price per night from:US$53
Posted on Apr 24, 2026
Henny P Adi
Honestly, I rarely post reviews—but this time I really felt like I had to, because this hotel was the highlight of my family trip to Yunnan.
From the moment we entered the hotel gate, we were already amazed. The place is even more beautiful in real life than in the photos. The staff member who communicated with us via WeChat was incredibly helpful—from arranging our transfer from the station to the hotel, to accommodating my dietary restrictions as a Muslim. They kindly prepared a special breakfast for us: rice noodles with egg, along with sweet potatoes, corn, and boiled eggs. What made it even more special was that everything was cooked by a very warm grandmother. Despite the language barrier, we could truly feel the warmth and love in her cooking.
The cabin we booked was absolutely perfect. It had a spacious yard, a hot tub, and a terrace with a table and chairs—great for dining or simply spending time together with family. Stepping inside the cabin was even more impressive: a large bed, lots of natural light, and equipped with smart home devices. One important detail for us was the bathroom—it had a bidet and a fully smart toilet with remote control. Since the temperature in Lijiang varies greatly between day and night, we were very grateful that the cabin had both floor heating and room heating. The bedroom also featured a large projector, and above it, a sunroof that can be opened—perfect for stargazing at night. It truly exceeded all our expectations.
The hotel area is also next to a very aesthetic café with a stunning view called Yuntian Cafe. For those traveling with family, this place is perfect—the area is spacious and great for kids to explore nature. If you want to go out for meals, Baisha Ancient Town is just a few kilometers away.
What I will remember the most is the kindness of the staff. Everyone was incredibly helpful and friendly, always doing their best to accommodate every request. Please never change—your hospitality feels just like being with family. Next time we visit Lijiang, we will definitely stay here again without hesitation.
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Price per night from:US$46
Posted on Jul 29, 2026|Courtyard Room (Double Bed)
Guest UserChoosing Baizhuo Xiang Guesthouse for our Lijiang trip was an absolute delight! Its location in Xingwen Alley, near the South Gate of the Old Town, is perfect. It's just a few minutes' walk into the ancient city, saving us from dragging heavy luggage along endless stone paths – a huge plus for families with kids.
The guesthouse courtyard is lush with greenery, and the alley is quiet and serene, away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets of the Old Town. The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views; on a clear day, you can see the rooftops of the Old Town and the distant mountains. The on-site cafe is incredibly stylish, and the drinks are delicious – perfect for photos.
Breakfast was a heartwarming set meal of rice noodles with a variety of sides, which our child thoroughly enjoyed. The room facilities are comprehensive, and the private hot spring bath was a fantastic addition. The overall vintage design creates a wonderful atmosphere. There's also a kids' play area, which made entertaining our little one much easier, and the staff's service was attentive and thoughtful.
I highly recommend this place for family trips to Lijiang. It's a peaceful oasis amidst the lively town, and the comfort level is top-notch! If the weather is clear, you can even see the snow-capped mountains from its superb location within the Old Town.
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Price per night from:US$67
Posted on Jul 27, 2026|Snow Play • Deluxe Double Room(Shared Hot Spring Bath & Laundry Room)
Yaojingdetongren
Excellent! The sunshine was just right today, the coffee was just right, and even the breeze passing by was just right. Sometimes life is “just right” in a way that makes you laugh out loud — it turns out, happiness is hidden in those “just right” moments. ✨ How about you? Did you encounter any “just right” little things today?
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Price per night from:US$30
Posted on Aug 25, 2026|Deluxe King Bed Room
Guest UserThe MGallery Dongfengyun is an absolute design masterpiece, where the hotel itself is a destination, even more enjoyable and photogenic than the actual attractions. Located within the scenic area, it's a short walk to the Kaleidoscope Art Museum, saving you the hassle of entrance tickets. The architectural aesthetics are incredibly atmospheric; every corner, from the pool to the lobby, is perfect for photos. The front desk even upgraded our room, offering a fantastic view of the Kaleidoscope directly from our window. The room was spacious and comfortable, providing an excellent experience with plenty of children's activities that kept the kids highly engaged. Breakfast offered a wide variety, including many local specialties. Parking was convenient for self-drivers, making it ideal for family vacations and photo opportunities. The only drawback was that the travel photography package only included 5 digital photos for free. Purchasing additional photos or packages was quite expensive. It would be great if they could offer more affordable packages; this would not only acknowledge the photographers' work but also enhance the guest experience and create better memories.
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Price per night from:US$131