Li An Lodge is a unique, luxurious lodge, perched on top of the Longji Terraces in Longsheng County, Southern China. Artist and nature photographer, Karen Su had dreamt of living around the gorgeous Longsheng rice terraces, until in 1997, while on a photography trip she found her picture-perfect location. Remaining true to her surroundings, the lodge was built without nails, using traditional Chinese construction techniques and now serves as a haven for nature lovers to Longshen.
There are 16 individually designed, each offering a different character. Each enjoy unparalleled views of the terraces and have their own specific themes; Harvest room features farming tools used by the local Zhuang minority, while the Rock room is fitted with intricate stone carving and furniture. Li-An Lodge also has a restaurant that serves Western and Chinese food, as well as a bar and a lovely library and lounge in which to relax after days hiking in the surrounding countryside.
The real draw of Li-An Lodge comes from its unrivalled position above Ping'an village with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Situated at 1200 meters above sea-level, it’s home to just 100 families of Zhuang ethnic minority. There are no cars, just cobbled footpaths or narrow mountain roads that go past elegant wooden houses to the top of the peak from where visitors enjoy perfect views of the terraced rice fields. The feeling of stepping back to old world China.
Stay Li An Lodge has just 16 rooms including two suites. Each room is individually designed in traditional Chinese decor and artefacts, creating a quaint and rustic feel that strikes a balance with elegance and charm. Most Suites and Terrace Rooms enjoy breathtaking views of the rice field terraces though some may have partial views but all have great vistas of the surrounding landscape. The accommodation is charming, unique and enjoys a village atmosphere.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Li-An Lodge but there are no specific facilities available for them and there are no inter-connecting room options.
Dine The in-house restaurant and bar at the Li An Lodge is a social meeting place. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily with a changing set menu depending on the season and what is available in the markets. Meals include a wide choice of Western and Chines dishes, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and organic pork and poultry. There is also a well-stocked bar and living room decorated with the owner’s photography and paintings.
Relax There are plenty of lovely restful spaces with stunning vistas around Li An Lodge. In fact, it is the major draw why guests come to stay here. There is no spa, and there are no workout facilities, but most guests will find that a stroll through the rice paddies in the fresh country air will be just as good. In the evenings, the hotel features slideshows of the surrounding region, taken by the hotel’s founder. This show provides guests with a unique encounter with the surrounding region.
Experience The Li An Lodge is located in Ping'an Zhuang Village, the core tourist area of Longji Terraced Fields. There are many trails around the Li An Lodge from where you can get marvellous views of the Terraced Fields but the most scenic spots around the village are considered to be ‘Seven Stars around the Moon’ and ‘Nine Dragons and Five Tigers’. The area is also known for its remote villages, home to Zhuang and the Yao tribes who still promote their traditional culture.
Apr-May, Sep-Oct
23°C
KWL
GMT+ 8
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Location Li An Lodge is located overlooking the spectacular rice terraces and perched above the small village of Ping An.
Getting there Fly to Guilin Airport and transfer to Ping An Lodge after a drive of 2 hours and 30 minutes. There is about a 30 minute walk up the mountain to Li An Lodge and though there are porters available for hire, but small overnight bags for the stay are suggested.
When to go The best time to visit Guilin is between October and December. March to May is also a good time to visit, but there are occasional showers. January and February is generally damp and drizzly, whilst in June to September is it hot and humid with possible heavy rains.
Destination
Southern, ChinaHotel Type
BoutiqueLocation Type
Remote
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