Shijing Hotel in Dali-大理柿井美宿

Forty-odd metres off Yin Cang Lu in Dali's Old Town, Shijing Hotel occupies a courtyard property built around a central garden, with rooms opening onto shared terraces rather than an internal corridor. Hot-tub and jacuzzi rooms sit alongside standard doubles, each with landmark views toward the surrounding hills.

A sun deck above the courtyard catches the afternoon light, and the shared lounge doubles as a quiet reading space away from the old-town lanes outside. Airport shuttle and concierge service suit travelers arriving without a fixed plan for Dali's lake and mountain routes.

Walking distance covers the old-town gates and food stalls; a car is useful only for Erhai Lake trips.