Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
Grand Chinese courtyard resort with strong Naxi cultural character — warm timber beams, stone pathways, pavilions and ponds — delivered with full IHG five-star service polish. Not minimalist or boutique; this is a proper large resort that wears its heritage architecture loudly.
Request a room with garden or mountain view when booking — the difference in experience is significant
Why It Matters
The only international five-star hotel located inside the Lijiang Ancient Town World Cultural Heritage Site. It has two direct gates into the old town, meaning guests can step from manicured resort grounds into 13th-century cobblestone streets in under a minute. The lobby view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain — unobstructed, direct — is one of the most dramatic hotel lobby sightlines in Yunnan.
Sitting inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the only international five-star resort actually within Lijiang's 13th-century Ancient Town. The resort sprawls across roughly 51,000 square meters of courtyards, koi ponds, and walking paths designed after a traditional Naxi estate — so the grounds alone feel like a village you don't want to leave. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain looms directly behind the lobby's floor-to-ceiling windows, and the rooms are spread across low-rise traditional-style houses connected by buggy service.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Classic Room
Entry-level rooms spread across the low-rise traditional-style houses that make up the resort. Warm timber beams and wood finishes are inspired by the surrounding old town architecture. Large bathrooms with a separate rainshower and bathtub. Complimentary minibar, coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
1 King Bed or 2 Twin BedsClub InterContinental Room
Club rooms unlock access to the Club InterContinental lounge on Hotel 1F, which is the main reason to book this tier. Private check-in and check-out, daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails (5:30–8:30 PM) are all included. Good value if you're spending significant time at the hotel and drink in the evenings.
1 King Bed or 2 Twin BedsJunior Suite
More generous floor space with a distinct sitting area. Rooms are individually furnished and draw on Yunnan ethnic cultural motifs. Well-suited for longer stays or guests who want room to spread out after day trips to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or Tiger Leaping Gorge.
1 King Bed or 2 Twin BedsOne-Bedroom Suite
The largest standalone accommodation category, with a full living area separate from the bedroom. Some suites lean heavily into a Tibetan/Yunnan theme with ornate decoration — a few guests find it over the top, but it's genuinely immersive if you're into the aesthetic. Living room connects to a bedroom and a spacious bathroom.
1 King BedPremium Room
An upgrade on the Classic, Premium rooms sit in the same low-rise traditional-style buildings but come with enhanced finishes and positioning. The design language stays consistent — local wood tones, Naxi-influenced décor, large bathroom — but expect better views or courtyard positioning.
1 King BedThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Airport pick-up and drop-off service available to/from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. Contact the hotel in advance to confirm availability and pricing. No complimentary shuttle; this is a paid service.
State-of-the-art gym with personal trainer sessions available. A solid facility for a resort at this altitude — useful for acclimatization workouts before heading up to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The only swimming pool inside Lijiang Ancient Town. Heated and available year-round. Guests consistently highlight it as a standout — not just for the swim, but for the setting inside a UNESCO heritage area.
The resort grounds are designed as a traditional Naxi estate with pavilions, koi ponds, stone bridges, and lush greenery spread across 51,000 sq m. Walking the grounds in the early morning before the day-trippers arrive is a genuine pleasure — quiet, atmospheric, and genuinely photogenic.
A supervised children's area with indoor play facilities. Children under 12 stay free when sharing existing beds with parents. Rollaway beds and cribs available (rollaway at a fee).
The concierge and tour desk arrange local sightseeing trips — Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lashi Lake wetland, Black Dragon Pool, and the Mu Family Mansion are the main draws. The concierge team is well-regarded for Lijiang expertise and can assist with ticket bookings for the popular Impression Lijiang show.
Tea demonstrations at the Green Tea Lounge showcase traditional Chinese tea culture using Yunnan varieties. Yunnan is the birthplace of tea cultivation, making this more than a tourist gimmick — it's a genuine regional tradition.
Personal trainer services available at the gym for guests who want structured workouts. Book through the concierge or front desk.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
ADA-compliant accessible rooms with handrails in bathrooms, handheld shower, and adequate clear turning space.
Full business center with computer rentals, meeting and conference rooms, and staff assistance. Large MICE facility — this is one of the main conference resorts in Lijiang.
Complimentary high-speed wireless internet in all rooms and public areas.
In-room dining available around the clock.
Children's outdoor playground on property.
Outdoor terraces and extensive landscaped gardens across the 51,000 sq m estate. Koi ponds, pavilions, stone bridges, and seasonal flora.
The only pool inside the Ancient Town. Year-round access.
On-site gift shop and newsstand.
Full dry cleaning and laundry service available to guests.
Currency exchange facility available on-site.
On-site car rental services available.
Free on-site parking available for hotel guests on the G floor and LG floor of the parking area.
Internal buggy service connecting the main building to the guest rooms spread across the estate. Useful at night or with luggage.
On-site sauna facilities available to guests.
BUILD YOUR INTERCONTINENTAL LIJIANG ANCIENT TOWN RESORT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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