Lijiang, ChinaLijiang Old Town
Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town
Caravan post house
Lijiang Old Town Lijiang, China
Opened
2013
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
The house
IHGCaravan post house
The property reimagines a historic Tea Horse Road staging post, built with low-rise pavilions around quiet water courtyards.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town took over a building at the southern gate of the Tea Horse Caravan Trail and filled it with references to the route's history.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Cobblestone lanes and timber merchant houses start right outside the gate in Dayan Ancient Town.
The rooms
Storage is shaped like traditional caravan trunks, and wall murals depict Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The spa
Dedicated treatment rooms host restorative massage sessions, accompanied by on-site fitness facilities.
At the table
Charm Restaurant serves Yunnan specialties and traditional Naxi dishes, and dining tables look out onto courtyard greenery.
How it began
Design firm P49 Deesign modeled the layout on ancient caravanserai that sheltered merchants trading tea and horses across Yunnan.
Lijiang
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.