Guilin, ChinaQixing
Shangri-La Hotel
Riverside garden resort
Riverside garden resort
The property operates as a grand riverside estate, where broad lawns stretch directly toward Guilin's limestone pinnacles.
What it’s good at
Notable
Eleven thousand square metres of riverside gardens house resident peacocks and ostriches.
Listed
Horizon Club privileges include dedicated riverfront lounge service and evening cocktail tastings.
Listed
The kitchen at Shang Palace prepares traditional Guilin dishes and regional banquet fare.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
the Shangri-La, which opened in 2009 as the city's first international five-star hotel, has one of the best seats for them: 439 rooms on the east bank of the Li River
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
On the Li River near Yushan Bridge, a short drive from downtown Guilin.
The rooms
Ink-wash karst murals cover the bedroom walls. Wide windows look out over the Li River or the inner grounds.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A seasonal free-form pool curves through the gardens, and a heated 300-square-metre pool sits indoors under high windows.
The spa and gym
Treatment suites with carved wooden screens host massages and foot baths, and the gym looks out onto the gardens.
At the table
A small bridge leads into Shang Palace for Cantonese and Huaiyang specialties, and Li Café serves international buffets.
How it began
Architects Wong Tung & Partners drew on classical Chinese traditions, shaping the buildings with hanging eaves and dark-tiled pitched roofs.
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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.