Hotels in Guilin, Yangshuo and Xian
If you want to experience more Chinese cities with that special something from Beijing, then I recommend a domestic flight with Air China in First Class (equivalent to a European Business Class on a domestic flight) to Guilin / Yangshuo and from there to Xian.
The Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
The Executive Suite 723 with access to the Horizon Club is really nice. Check out the photos in the slideshow. Dinner at Li Café was fine. However, I personally prefer the restaurant Shang Palace. The hotel scores especially well with its privileged location, outdoor swimming pool, outdoor areas that are beautifully lit in the evening and also serve as a backdrop for dance events.
The Banyan Tree Yangshuo
The Banyan Tree Yangshuo, in a fairy-tale location directly on the Li River and nestled in the world-famous karst landscape, is the prime example of a luxury resort in the style of the Qing Dynasty in the town of Fuli. Even more beautiful in the evening than during the day, as torches immerse the entire resort in a romantic atmosphere.
Our private Villa 201, equipped with all imaginable amenities, exuded elegance and purism in the spacious interior (entrance area, separate living room, bedroom with desk, large bathroom) as well as in the outdoor area with garden. Insider tip: Book a private villa, because the suites are very bright! Check out the photos in the slideshow.
Furthermore, the Banyan Tree scores with a fascinating outdoor pool overlooking the river and mountains, as well as an inviting spa area.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to get pampered there. The resort also offers recreational activities, some free and some for a fee, such as badminton, table tennis, yoga, silk ball making, sunset ceremonies, and river cruises on the private Banyan Tree boat. The two restaurants, the gourmet Chinese restaurant Bai Yun and the international Ming Yue, tantalize the gourmet palate in their own way. The pool bar also offers tasty international dishes. Ckeck out the pictures in the slideshow as well.
After three fantastic days, the suitcases were packed again and ready for pickup.
The Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel
Our exclusive China trip ends in Xian at the legendary Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian right in the heart of the capital of central China’s Shaanxi province. (Xian was the capital of ancient China).
Newly opened in 2014, the Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel must be on your bucket list just like visiting the Terracotta Warriors (45 minutes away by car). The grand luxury hotel is so unique that you should book at least two nights there to discover all the secrets of this hotel, which welcomes you with a garden including a small waterfall and a sun terrace. Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel is the only truly luxurious accommodation in Xian and the butler service is one of the best in the world.
Our Grand Prestige Suite 1603 truly deserved its venerable title. Check out the pictures in the slideshow as well.
As for dining, Dolce Vita offers an absolute treat for the discerning palate. The Italian cuisine served there will make your taste buds tango.
If you have the time – we didn’t – take a few laps in the indoor pool, work out in the fitness center, or relax in the spa. Treat yourself to a rare Louis XIII Fortress Coke at the elegant Bar Louis XIII. Louis XIII Fortress Cognac in the elegant Bar Louis XIII or enjoy whatever your heart desires at the time in the elegant Lobby Lounge 1953.
One last insider tip: visit the hotel’s private museum. There, you’ll immerse yourself in the living history of the Renmin Dasha, also known as the People’s Hotel, which has been influential since 1953 and has risen like a phoenix from the ashes since 2014 in new, magnificent splendor as the People’s Grand Hotel Xian. The managers of this hotel legend with its illustrious past as a government and VIP guest house will tell you interesting stories about the hotel’s past. For example, for some time Xian was one of only eight cities in China that welcomed Western tourists.
