China is a vast country with many exciting destinations for travelers to explore. From bustling mega-cities like Beijing and Shanghai, to quaint water towns and villages, to natural wonders like the Great Wall, China has something for everyone. As a tourist visiting China, one of the most important decisions you will make is where to stay during your trip. China has a wide variety of hotel options to suit different budgets and interests. Here is an overview of some of the most popular, highly-rated hotels in China that are great options for tourists.
The Peninsula Shanghai
If you're looking for luxury, The Peninsula Shanghai should be at the top of your list. Located right on the historic Bund promenade in downtown Shanghai, this hotel oozes elegance and style. The Peninsula has stunning views of the Huangpu River and city skyline from its rooms and restaurants. Many rooms have been recently renovated in a sleek, art deco style. The Peninsula also offers exceptional dining options, including a beautiful lobby tea lounge, Chinese restaurant, western grill, and rooftop bar. The level of service from staff is impeccable. From Rolls Royce car transfers to personalized butler service, The Peninsula pampers its guests. The location right in the heart of the Bund can't be beat. Ready to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience? The Peninsula is for you.
The Opposite House Beijing
For a contemporary, designer hotel experience in Beijing, check out The Opposite House. This chic hotel designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma is located in the Sanlitun neighborhood, Beijing's hub for shopping, dining and nightlife. The open, minimalist architecture and layout of The Opposite House creates a unique urban oasis feeling. Rooms are spacious, modern, and gorgeously designed with natural wood and marble elements. The hotel's three trendy restaurants offer Japanese, Mediterranean and Cantonese cuisine using fresh, quality ingredients. Swim year-round in the indoor pool or relax in the tranquil spa. The artsy, funky vibe draws both business and design-minded travelers. Staying at The Opposite House puts you right in the heart of Beijing's cosmopolitan side.
Banyan Tree Lijiang
In the ancient water town of Lijiang, the Banyan Tree Lijiang provides a peaceful, luxurious sanctuary. Lijiang is located in Yunnan province, known for its gorgeous scenery and ethnic minority cultures. The resort's villas combine traditional Chinese architecture with modern amenities set amidst mountains and streams. Spend a day exploring Lijiang's old town, then come back to your villa's private pool and relax. Dine on authentic Yunnan cuisine at the resort's restaurant while taking in panoramic mountain views. Take a dip in the infinity pool which seems to merge into the landscape. The Banyan Tree spa offers rejuvenating treatments based on Chinese medicine. Whether drinking tea on your villa's patio or gazing at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this resort allows you to fully immerse yourself in Lijiang's magic.
The Temple Hotel Beijing
For a unique experience in Beijing, spend the night at The Temple Hotel, a historic Buddhist temple complex converted into a hotel. Located in the hutongs not far from the Forbidden City, The Temple Hotel has rooms decorated in a traditional Chinese style, featuring antiques and art. Guests can participate in activities like calligraphy, tai chi, and guided meditation to gain insight into Chinese culture. The on-site restaurants Dacheng Hall and Yun Hall serve delicious organic vegetarian food, perfect for balancing your qi. The temple grounds have serene courtyards, ponds, and gardens to walk around and relax in. With its devotion to culture, art, health and sustainability, The Temple Hotel's vibe is Zen and peaceful. Staying here provides travelers a glimpse into a part of Beijing's more spiritual side.
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland
For a truly unique hotel experience, spend a night at the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland. Mainly built underground, this hotel was constructed in an abandoned quarry. Of the hotel's 18 floors, 16 are below ground level. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the aquatic wonderland, as if you're staying in an inverted aquarium. The lowest floor has the world's largest underwater restaurant. For recreation, there's a water sports center, spa, and athletic club. The unique architecture and surroundings make you feel far away from the buzzing city. Located about an hour outside of Shanghai, it's worth the trek for the wow-factor. If you're looking for a hotel you'll never forget, the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland should top your list.
Amanfayun Hangzhou
Surround yourself with serenity at Amanfayun in Hangzhou. Located just outside Hangzhou, Amanfayun comprises 47 dwellings and temples surrounded by tea fields, gardens and forest. The property was painstakingly constructed using historic dwellings and temples, some dating back 200 years, that were dismantled and brought from other villages. Staying in one of the traditionally-styled houses or temple suites, you feel transported back through time, immersed in Chinese history and culture. Spend your days hiking the peaceful trails, cycling around the nearby West Lake, getting a rejuvenating treatment at the spa, or practicing calligraphy. The excellent restaurants on-site serve organic, seasonal dishes from locally sourced ingredients. With its tranquility, natural beauty, and nod to history, Amanfayun is a sanctuary that allows you to connect deeply with China's past.
Conclusion
China has no shortage of amazing hotel options for every type of traveler. From luxurious hotels in Shanghai and Beijing that provide 5-star service, to cozy water town resorts that immerse you in culture, to architectural marvels built into the earth itself, China's hotels are destinations in themselves. When planning your trip to China, take time to research hotels that fit your personality and interests. The right hotel can greatly enhance your experience and be one of the highlights of your journey. The hotels mentioned here are just a sampling of the wonderful options China has to offer.