The Li-An Lodge Hotel in the Longji Terraces area of Longsheng County, Guangxi Province, China, offers 16 individually designed rooms that feature local Chinese arts and crafts and views of the enchanting rice terraces of Ping’an village. Li-An Lodge is an entirely wood structure implementing the Chinese traditional building technique of tongue and groove without using nails. Created by Keren Su, a renowned photographer, painter, and adventurous world traveler, this one-of-a-kind lodge blends Chinese tradition with western standard amenities.
A unique destination for art lovers, construction of the Longji (Dragon Spine) Terrace began in the Yuan Dynasty and was completed in the Qing Dynasty, a history of 650 years. Built along the slope winding from the riverside up to the mountaintop, these tightly packed terraces cover an area of approximately 16,308 acres, span an altitude between 984 feet and 3608 feet, and present amazing beauty in each of the four seasons.
Several trails from the lodge lead to Ping’an Village, Huangluo Village, and other scenic spots. There are no cars or roads in Ping’an Village, only stone footpaths to lead people from one place to another at a leisurely pace. The lodge provides a trail map or can arrange for a local guide at no additional cost. Discover vibrant Zhuang and Yao culture through locals selling artisan handicrafts, architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and residents dressed in traditional attire.
Facilities
The lodge has a business center with high speed internet access. A spacious living room enables guests to socialize and enjoy a wonderful slide show featuring Keren Su's photography and introducing the beauty of China.
Accommodations
The lodge features 16 rooms that offer views of the village or the surrounding rice terraces. All rooms were individually designed by Li-An Lodge creator Keren Su, who used over 100 authentic antique pieces from his private Chinese art collection as well as representative samples of his photography and paintings to decorate the rooms and the shared spaces of the lodge. Each room is designed with a distinct theme with matching objects and detailed explanations of their history and folk customs.
Amenities in all rooms include:
* Air conditioning
* Hot water showers
* Laundry service
* Drinkable tap water
* Wireless internet
* International Direct Dialing
* Terrace View Suites - The two Terrace View Suites are the most spacious rooms with the best views over the rice terraces and the valley below. These suites showcase traditional Chinese architectural elements, from custom made furniture to celadon porcelain. At approximately 130 square feet, the Four Seasons suite has one king bed and can accommodate 3 people. The Celadon suite is approximately 98 square feet and can accommodate two individuals.
* Terrace View Rooms - Terrace View Rooms offer lovely views over the surrounding rice terraces and valley below. Decorative themes representing Chinese culture include music, calligraphy, stone-made carved stamps, and handmade furniture and utensils found in local houses. With one king bed or two twin, each room accommodates two people and ranges from approximately 79 square feet – 92 square feet.
* Standard Rooms - All Standard Rooms contain two twin beds with no views of the terraces. Decorative themes representing Chinese culture include under-glazed blue porcelain, silk, abacus counting tools, batik, terra cotta earthenware, and traditional pharmacies. Accommodating two people each, Standard Rooms range in size from approximately 66 square feet – 79 square feet.
Dining
The Li-An Lodge restaurant prepares gourmet meals featuring both Chinese and Western food. Many varieties of fresh vegetables grown in local villages are used, as is organic poultry and pork. Breakfast is western style, including bread, toast, jam, butter, eggs (scrambled or boiled), coffee, milk, and juice. Lunch is usually Chinese food and dinner usually Western food. Freshly brewed coffee and Chinese teas are served at every meal.
The bar offers a selection of local and imported drinks. A glass of wine (red or white) is served at lunch and dinner.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.