Best Hotels in Yunnan: Dali, Lijiang, Kunming, Shangri-La
Yunnan province is famous for its rich cultural and natural diversity in China. Travel to Yunnan you can find Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang Ancient City, Blue Moon Valley and Stone Forest. However, it is important to choose the right place to stay in this vast province. This guide helps you find the perfect yunnan hotel to stay include family friendly hotel, luxury hotel and more.
1. Understanding Yunnan’s Top Destinations
Before visit yunnan, it’s important to understand the different cities you will explore. Each place gives you a different experience.
- Kunming: The capital city known as the “City of Eternal Spring.” Ideal for a first stop in Yunnan.
- Dali: A laid-back ancient town near Erhai Lake. Popular for its bohemian vibe and Bai ethnic culture.
- Lijiang: Famous for the UNESCO-listed Old Town, Naxi culture, and scenic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Shangri-La: A high-altitude Tibetan town with monasteries, grasslands, and dramatic mountain scenery.
2. Two Best Hotels in Kunming, Yunnan
InterContinental Kunming
InterContinental Kunming is a luxurious urban retreat highly recommend. Architecture inspired by Yunnan’s ethnic styles and expansive gardens that mirror the natural beauty of the region. Nice for business, leisure, or a romantic getaway.
Highlights
- Elegant rooms and suites with garden or mountain views.
- Multiple dining options featuring international and Yunnan cuisine.
- Full-service spa, indoor pool, and wellness center.
- Ideal location near Dianchi Lake and the Western Hills.
Moon and Chalice Boutique Hotel
This is a hotel restored from a French-style building that blends history with modern sophistication. Perfect for couples and solo travelers. Provide a cozy and stylish retreat with a touch of Kunming’s historical soul.
Highlights
- Individually designed rooms combining vintage elegance with modern comforts.
- Charming café and courtyard lounge for relaxing afternoons.
- Central location near Nanping Street, Green Lake, and Yuantong Temple.
- Attentive, bilingual staff offering personalized service.
3. Three Best Hotels in Dali, Yunnan
Hilton Dali Resort & SPA
Located at the foot of the majestic Cangshan Mountains and overlooking the pristine Erhai Lake. Hilton Dali Resort & SPA is a five-star haven for travelers seeking luxury and serenity. The hotel blends contemporary design with local Bai cultural elements. Perfect for honeymooners, wellness seekers, and upscale travelers.
Highlights
- Easy access to Dali Old Town and nearby hiking trails.
- Spacious rooms and suites with panoramic lake or mountain views.
- A full-service spa offering traditional Chinese therapies and Western treatments.
- Indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, and yoga classes.
- On-site dining with Yunnan specialties and international cuisine.
Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai
Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai has nice artistic design and highlights its connection to local culture. Located along the scenic Erhai Lake, ideal for design lovers and eco-conscious travelers stayed in Lijiang.
Highlights
- Stylish rooms infused with local art and inspired by Dali’s landscapes.
- Rooftop bar and lake-view dining options that showcase regional cuisine.
- Pet-friendly policy and eco-conscious design.
- Proximity to Erhai Ecological Corridor and Dali Old Town.
Sky Valley Heritage Boutique Hotel
Sky Valley Heritage Boutique Hotel is a hidden treasure. Located near Xizhou Ancient Town with a beautifully restored Bai ethnic courtyard house. The town is a cultural hotspot known for its traditional architecture and slow-paced lifestyle.
Highlights
- Unique rooms with antique furnishings and modern comforts.
- Peaceful gardens, rooftop terraces, and mountain views.
- Personalized service and locally sourced breakfasts.
- Walking distance to Xizhou Market and Yan Family Courtyard.
4. Four Best Hotels in Lijiang, Yunnan
Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town
Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town sits in the old stone alleys of Dayan and offers a stylish stay. It delivers a seamless fusion of comfort, history, and boutique luxury.
Highlights
- Thoughtfully designed rooms with traditional Naxi décor, modern amenities, and private courtyards.
- Unique interiors that tell local stories through art, textiles, and architecture.
- On-site restaurant and bar offering seasonal Yunnan cuisine and cocktails with a cultural twist.
- steps from Mu Palace, Black Dragon Pool, and the heart of Lijiang Old Town.
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
The hotel offers stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Perfect for heritage lovers and upscale travelers, this resort offers a rare combination of cultural immersion and luxurious tranquility.
Highlights
- Spacious, villa-style rooms with traditional wooden detailing.
- Scenic courtyards and tranquil garden paths throughout the property.
- Award-winning spa, indoor pool, and state-of-the-art gym.
- Close to Sifang Street and local cultural landmarks.
Hilton Lijiang
Hilton Lijiang is one of the city’s newest and most modern five-star offerings. It offers real comfort for both vacation and business travelers in a historic city.
Highlights
- Stylish rooms and suites with panoramic views of the mountains or ancient rooftops.
- On-site restaurants serving Yunnan-inspired cuisine and international favorites.
- Fitness center, business amenities, and concierge service.
- Conveniently located near major attractions and transportation hubs.
Jinmao Hotel Lijiang
Jinmao Hotel Lijiang offers a escape far from the crowds. The location is close to key cultural sites. This hotel is part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection and offers a special style, comfort, and a close feeling to nature.
Highlights
- Lavishly appointed villas and rooms inspired by local Naxi design.
- Breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and lush landscapes.
- Spa, hot spring pools, and curated cultural experiences on-site.
- Eco-conscious approach with a strong sense of place.
5. Two Best Hotels in Shangri-La, Yunnan
Songtsam Linka Shangri-La
Perched on a hillside just minutes from Songzanlin Monastery. This flagship property of the award-winning Songtsam Collection. The hotel is not just a stay but a story deeply rooted in Tibetan traditions.
Highlights
- Traditional Tibetan architecture with modern luxury interiors.
- Rooms and suites with monastery or valley views.
- In-house restaurant serving refined Tibetan and Yunnan cuisine.
- Cultural activities like butter tea ceremonies and monastery visits.
LUX Tea Horse Road Shangri-La
This stylish property in Shangri-La Old Town brings a fresh, contemporary twist to traditional Tibetan welcome. LUX Tea Horse Road Shangri-La blends style, comfort, and local stories to create a unique boutique stay.
Highlights
- Chic, design-forward rooms with cozy Tibetan influences.
- Signature LUX* experiences like tea ceremonies, local storytelling, and wellness.
- Located within Shangri-La Ancient Town—walkable to temples, markets, and cafes.
Frequently asked questions
- Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
- The best time to visit Yunnan is from March to May and September to November.
- Many mid-range and luxury hotels offer airport or train station pickup. Check with your hotel in advance.
- In major cities like Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, many hotels have English-speaking staff. In rural areas, English may be limited.
- Hotels in Yunnan are foreigner-friendly. Make sure to bring your passport for check-in.
- Book early during holidays or busy seasons to get the best options.
- Hotels often serve local Yunnan cuisine, Chinese dishes, and sometimes Western options.
- Rural stays offer peace and cultural experiences, but make sure the hotel has good reviews and clear directions.
- Many hotels in Yunnan highlight eco-friendly practices and local culture, especially in Lijiang, Dali, and Shangri-La.
Don’t miss some of our popular Yunnan tours! Check it right now!
From budget hostels to luxury resorts, Yunnan has a stay for every type of traveler. Stay in a ethnic minorities courtyard or drink Tibetan butter tea in the highlands, your stay becomes part of the journey.
