Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network
Lijiang Ancient Town, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is located in Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, where the fusion of Han and ethnic minority cultures creates a unique character all its own. In addition, the magnificent scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain combined with the mild and refreshing climate, along with its proximity to Shangri-La—just a 30-minute drive away—renowned for its Tibetan flair, has made it a paradise in the eyes of many. InterContinental Hotels Group’s premium boutique hotel brand, “Hotel Indigo,” is set to open its first resort hotel in Lijiang Ancient Town this autumn, presenting the lingering charm of the ancient town through 70 exquisitely designed rooms.
China's first boutique hotel in Lijiang Ancient Town—Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town—is set to open this autumn. (Image provided by Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town)
Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town is the first premium boutique hotel situated in Lijiang Ancient Town, which boasts an 800-year history. The hotel features 70 rooms, each uniquely themed. The Indigo Premium Room is themed around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, while the Indigo Deluxe Room draws inspiration from horse hooves, with light fixtures and coat racks both designed in the shape of a hoof. On the other hand, the Indigo Deluxe Suite is inspired by horse bells, and the 360-square-meter Indigo Presidential Suite recreates an old-style post station, with each room displaying various gifts brought along the Tea Horse Road. Other amenities include Me Space (a private area), the signature Cha•t all-day dining restaurant and tea lounge, as well as creatively designed meeting facilities and leisure and entertainment areas.
In addition, Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town, like a contemporary “post station” along the Tea Horse Road, warmly welcomes explorers from around the globe. The hotel’s refreshing neighborhood design incorporates elements of Naxi and Tibetan culture as well as the Tea Horse Road culture. The surrounding natural landscape also inspires the design, especially the diverse flora and the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which stands tall above the ancient town year-round with its snow-capped peaks.
A highly fashionable design and color scheme inject new vitality into Lijiang Ancient Town. (Image provided by Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town)
Lijiang, also known as Dayan Ancient Town, is famed for its rows of ancient residences and picturesque arched bridges and canals. It was once an important trade hub on the Tea Horse Road connecting Yunnan and Tibet, and is one of China’s most enchanting tourist destinations. Due to its location at the intersection of Han and Tibetan cultures, the barrier of the Hengduan Mountains and the Tibetan Plateau, along with the challenges of high-altitude climate, deterred merchants from venturing further south. Instead, they gathered their goods in Lijiang for distribution, leading to the formation of a large-scale commercial market and making it the ideal place for caravans to rest and regroup. The local Naxi people are also well-known for warmly welcoming visitors from afar with their rich and colorful culture, attire, and cuisine.
[info]
Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town
Address: No. 111, Xingwen Lane, Qiyi Street, Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China
Phone: +86 (0)888 559 9111
Website: www.hotelindigo.com
● Further Reading:
Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi, Preserving the Sentimentality of Jiangnan
http://goo.gl/2Y3ZDx
MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network – The Largest Chinese-Language Travel Information Platform
www.mook.com.tw