Dali, ChinaDali Ancient City
Sunyata Hotel
Cast-concrete courtyard compound
Dali Ancient City Dali, China
Opened
2017
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
The house
WadangwasheCast-concrete courtyard compound
Named after the Buddhist concept of void, the compound operates as an inward-facing village shielded from the busy old town.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Fair-faced concrete pavilions and internal courtyards compose an inward-facing village of fourteen rooms.
Listed
Local rubblestone walls and tiled Bai-style roofs respect the ancient town building traditions.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
a contemporary tour de force by Zhaoyang Architects, comprising some 14 rooms in an ingeniously laid-out site that seems to conjure an entire village from two houses’ worth of land.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
South Yeyu Road runs outside the doors, and the lively street markets of Renmin Road are a short stroll away.
The rooms
Every room has a distinct layout in cast concrete and timber, with windows angled toward the quiet courtyards.
At the table
The street cafe opens pivot glass doors onto the pavement, serving barista coffee and light dishes made with Yunnan produce.
How it began
Built across two residential plots of just 390 square meters, the hotel fits eight interconnected pavilions beneath traditional Bai tiled 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.