CHINA - Destinations & Hotels

Longsheng (Longji rice terraces)

Li An Lodge | $$$
Character Boutique, Eco-friendly, Remote location

Li-An Lodge, an entirely wood structure built using the traditional Chinese technique of tongue and groove without a single nail, is located on top of a small mountain, bordering a local village and overlooking lush green rice terraces. The lodge was created by Keren Su, a renowned photographer, painter and adventurous world traveler, who came across this delightful location whilst on a photography trip in 1997. It took him 8 years to plan and complete this unique lodge, where Chinese tradition meets contemporary luxury.

The wooden homes in the village, built in the Ming and Qing dynasties converted into authentic guesthouses and restaurants, retain every bit of the charm and craftsmanship of yesteryear are dotted all around the village of Ping’an and many of the older Zhuang Tribe residents still dress in traditional attire, but all distinguish themselves through their friendly manner and warm smiles. You can easily explore the village on foot, getting lost in the winding paths and discovering corners inhabited by ducks or chickens or playful children, and on other days walk for hours through the terraces to the surrounding villages. Even though Ping An is a small town with less than a couple hundred inhabitants, there is plenty to keep you busy for a few days, and whilst exploring the amazing natural beauty of the Longji Rice Terraces, your appreciation for this stunning environment simply grows the more time you spend here.

Each of the 16 unique rooms are well insulated, equipped with air conditioning, hot water shower, IDD telephones, drinkable tap water and laundry service. The business center offers high-speed internet access and the restaurant offers gourmet meals featuring both Chinese and Western cuisines and uses many fresh vegetables grown in the local villages and poultry and pork raised organically. The bar stocks a selection of local and imported drinks and a spacious common living room offers plenty of room for guests to socialize and enjoy a wonderful slide show featuring Keren Su’s photography.

The unique location of the lodge has made it a firm favourite with people looking for the “authentic Chinese village experience”, walker and trekkers and art lovers alike. The rolling hills and rice terraces offer some of the most scenic views to be found anywhere in the world – a far cry from the huge metropolises that are generally associated with China. Li An Lodge is, by a wide margin, the best of the accommodation of its type in the area – very very highly recommended!

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