China

9 Hip Hotels in China

How much detail do you want to see?

  1. A complex of traditional style Chinese villas nestled into the mountainous landscape of South Western China. Lijiang has to be one of the best preserved traditional Chinese towns and the Banyan Tree Lijiang is the closest one can get to experiencing the magic of old China.

    Each guest is spoiled with a villa; your own walled complex which adds to the prevailing feeling of authenticity. Each has either a jet-pool or a private swimming pool, and each of the pools have a view of the spectacular 5,600 metre Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

    Set in a traditional pavilion along a reflecting pool, the bar is situated to take in the most spectacular view of the compound. A place to enjoy the magnificence of the surroundings.

    ‘House of Flying Daggers’ with room service and a fabulous wine list.

    Photos of Banyan Tree Lijiang

    • Each guest is spoiled with a villa built in the distinct form and style of Lijiang architecture – your own walled complex which adds to the prevailing feeling of authenticity.
    • Each guest is spoiled with a villa built in the distinct form and style of Lijiang architecture – your own walled complex which adds to the prevailing feeling of authenticity.
    • Each and every guest villa has either a jet-pool or a private plunge pool, and each of the villa plunge pools have a view of the spectacular 5,600 metre Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
    • Set in a traditional pavilion along a vast basin and reflecting pool, the bar is situated to take in the most spectacular view of the compound.
    • There are two restaurants at Banyan Tree Lijiang; Bai Yun is an intimate space that focuses on local specialities.

    Prices from:

    £1,655 pp

    Perfect when twinned with Ringha

    Read more details about Banyan Tree Lijiang

  2. At an altitude of 3,200 metres, Banyan Tree Ringha is the part of Tibet known, appropriately enough, as Shangri La.

    Ringha is an extraordinary story which started with the purchase of 20 old traditional Tibetan farmhouses and the subsequent deconstruction of each house supervised by the former owners, and the reconstruction of the same houses on an idyllic site by a river that snakes through a verdant mountainscape.

    With a very large fireplace and a view of the surrounding wooded mountains, the bar is the perfect place to kick back after a day of trekking – very, very ‘A River Runs Through It’

    Not a room, a house. Every guest gets their own Tibetan farmhouse – a funky Himalayan loft with a fireplace in the middle.

    Photos of Banyan Tree Ringha

    • More a handful of authentic 30 year old Tibetan farm houses than a hotel, Banyan Tree Ringha is a community unto itself in one of the most spectacular locations on earth.
    • More a handful of authentic 30 year old Tibetan farm houses than a hotel, Banyan Tree Ringha is a community unto itself in one of the most spectacular locations on earth.
    • Not a room, a house. Every guest gets their own 30 year old Tibetan farm house – a funky Himalayan loft with a fireplace in the middle.
    • With a very large fireplace and a view of the surrounding wooded mountains, the bar is the perfect place to kick back after a day of trekking – very, very ‘A River Runs Through It’.
    • There are two restaurants, one of which is an all red Tibetan affair that dominates the upper storey of a house dedicated purely to eating.

    Prices from:

    £1,809 pp

    Perfect when twinned with Lijang

    Read more details about Banyan Tree Ringha

  3. Buddha Zen

    Chengdu, China

    The décor is typically Chinese and, as you might expect from the name, elements of Buddhism are prevalent throughout the hotel. As you begin to explore you’ll find hidden pockets and nooks that are just right for contemplation and the interior courtyard is especially serene.

    Other facilities include a well-being centre, complete sauna and spa, which will gently assist with any difficulties that you might have getting into the laid back swing of things. If you’re worried about losing your charming new aura over dinner then threat not, the Rong Zhai Restaurant serves wonderful vegetarian cuisine in keeping with the Buddhist doctrine.

    Once you step outside of the hotel you’ll be thrown into the busy river of Chinese street life which quickly flows catching everything and everyone in its path. However, although you’re situated in the central business district this is a relatively calm area thanks to the proximity of the Wenshuyuan Buddhist Temple.


    For discerning guests who believe in enjoying peace and tranquillity without compromising on style.

    Photos of Buddha Zen

    • Traditional Chinese décor with contemporary amenities and facilities including a beautiful interior garden.
    • Traditional Chinese décor with contemporary amenities and facilities including a beautiful interior garden.
    • Stylish dark wood furniture with smooth silk upholstery. Most rooms have a balcony, en-suite facilities and modern technology.
    • The wonderful restaurant serves local specialties, Chinese cuisine and vegetarian options.

    Prices from:

    £1,145 pp

    Ideal as part of a China tailormade tour

    Read more details about Buddha Zen

  4. The hotel offers 42 villas (236 rooms) designed by twelve different architects, scattered along the two-thousand acre property, culminating in a large pavilion that houses two restaurants, three bars, a swimming pool and a reception lobby.

    The drive to the Great Wall takes under an hour from the centre of Beijing, but the total change in environment and ambience makes it feel like you’ve travelled for weeks.

    The best words to describe the Commune by the Great Wall are fearless and experimental; fearless in its willingness to take risks and experimental in openly embracing the new. It is a creative showcase of Asian talent: a collection of houses, all inspiringly different, adjacent to one the Wonders of the World –
    the Great Wall of China.

    “…. the new revolution in the People’s Republic of China – a design revolution – one of the most compelling hotels in Asia.”

    Photos of Commune by the Great Wall

    • “…. the new revolution in the People’s Republic of China – a design revolution – one of the most compelling hotels in Asia.”
    • “…. the new revolution in the People’s Republic of China – a design revolution – one of the most compelling hotels in Asia.”

    Prices from:

    £1,299 pp

    Hotel Available from 30th April 2011

    Read more details about Commune by the Great Wall

  5. Golden Flower

    Xi'an, China

    Ideally located for sight-seeing and exploring the ancient city of Xian, the Golden Flower hotel is a beautiful and luxurious example of contemporary living. A selection of suites and rooms, all with modern and stylish amenities, ensure your stay will be as relaxing as it will be memorable.

    Foodies will be in for a treat as the hotel’s Shang Palace restaurant serves up the best in Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine all within a thoroughly pristine and super stylish setting. All-day dining can be found within the wonderful Coffee Garden restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets against the backdrop of an ever-popular open kitchen. In the evening the lobby lounge is the place to be if you want to relax and enjoy some live entertainment before retiring to your luxurious bed.

    Xian is an ancient and extremely interesting city which is said to be the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism. Thanks to the location of the Golden Flower it’s extremely easy to visit some of the renowned world famous sites such as the Terracotta Warrior exhibition which is only some 30 minutes away.

    A beautiful and luxurious example of contemporary living.

    Photos of Golden Flower

    • Spacious, harmonious and luxurious and within easy access of all the main sites of interest.
    • Spacious, harmonious and luxurious and within easy access of all the main sites of interest.
    • An aristocratic blend of Asian furnishings and Western amenities with a wide choice of room or suite. Service levels are exemplary and considered to be the best in the whole of Xian.
    • An expansive swimming pool can be found within the fitness suite which is also home to a fully-equipped gym.
    • Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms add to the fitness suite and a massage service is available upon request.

    Prices from:

    £1,149 pp

    See the Terracotta Warriors

    Read more details about Golden Flower

  6. JIA Hotel

    Shanghai, China

    Definitely the most cutting edge property to be added to the Shanghai hotel scene. JIA gives the city street cred in terms of overnight accommodation that it already has in spades in the art world. Set in a stunning 1920’s building in the heart of Shanghai, JIA offers a stylish yet informal environment for people who want to get away from convention and predictability.

    A dark sexy affair, the bar is on the ground floor just off the lobby, a cocktail joint in the new spirit of Shanghai. More like lofts than rooms, each guest apartment features a proper living area complete with slouch couch and coffee table, and the bathrooms are havens of mosaic chic.

    JIA offers contemporary China chic in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities

    Photos of JIA Shanghai

    • The most cutting edge property to be added to the Shanghai hotel scene, JIA gives the city street cred in terms of overnight accommodation that it already has in spades in the art world.
    • The most cutting edge property to be added to the Shanghai hotel scene, JIA gives the city street cred in terms of overnight accommodation that it already has in spades in the art world.
    • More like lofts than rooms, each guest apartment features a proper living area complete with slouch couch and dining table, fully-equipped kitchenettes, and the bathrooms are havens of mosaic chic.
    • A dark affair, the bar is on the ground floor just off the lobby, a cocktail joint in the new spirit of Shanghai.
    • Find Italian flair in Shanghai. Italian food can (and should) be great, with Issimo re-creating an authentic Italian eating experience.

    Prices from:

    £1,095 pp

    Complimentary Breakfast

    Read more details about JIA Shanghai

  7. The China Club

    Beijing, China

    Situated down a quiet hutong not far from Tiananmen Square, this former palace has changed little since it was built in the seventeenth century for a son of Emperor Kang Xi. Remarkably, virtually all of its architectural features have survived intact.

    The guestrooms are unlike any you're likely to have been in before but the true beauty of the place is the way it's divided into pavilions. Everywhere you go, there's another hidden courtyard, private dining room or secret bar.

    The China Club plays host to one of Beijing's most successful `scenes’. Every evening at around 7pm, an entire convoy of shiny black limousines with tinted windows pulls into the courtyard.

    Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. These were the first words a friend in Hong Kong used to described the China Club in Beijing. ‘You'll love it: it’s just like staying in the film but with great food.’ And she was right.

    Photos of The China Club

    • The true beauty of the place is the way it's divided into pavilions. Everywhere you go, there's another hidden courtyard, private dining room or secret bar.
    • The true beauty of the place is the way it's divided into pavilions. Everywhere you go, there's another hidden courtyard, private dining room or secret bar.
    • In the guestrooms, colour has been limited to dark red or chartreuse green. The bed is hidden, divided from the living room by trellis panels that also provide a decorative focus.
    • Authentic Sichuan cuisine and a 920’s style bar and cigar bar.
    • Restaurant at the China Club

    Prices from:

    £1,329 pp

    Go for a Winter Break

    Read more details about The China Club

  8. The Opposite House

    Beijing, China

    The name derives from the ancient custom that the guest house is always situated on the opposite end of a traditional courtyard home. It is also a reference to the hotel’s fondness for contrast. Situated in the village of Sanlitun, a community based on traditional, low-build Beijing hutongs, The Opposite House stands out with its striking emerald glass exterior, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The colour is traditional but the design certainly is not.

    With 98 studios, three restaurants, (including Mediterranean Sureno and North Asian Bei), two bars and a state-of-the-art fitness centre with the a unique stainless steel pool, The Opposite House does not lack for facilities, yet the approach is still very much that of a small, individually minded outsider.

    Timeless tradition and a captivating, contemporary dynamic are the opposing ying and yang that successfully juxtapose to make this Beijing hotel.

    Photos of The Opposite House

    • Art and innovation is juxtaposed with tradition and historical order.
    • Art and innovation is juxtaposed with tradition and historical order.
    • High ceilings and open-plan living evoke the atmosphere of a loft. Under floor heating and large, spa-inspired bathrooms provide the comfort.
    • Punk takes luxury underground and a cool cocktail lounge called Mesh serves an eclectic menu in a chilled atmosphere.
    • Sureño has a wood-fire oven and specialises in flavours of the Mediterranean. Bei is all about reinterpreting dishes from Japan, Northern China and Korea.

    Prices from:

    £1,335 pp

    Free night offer!

    Read more details about The Opposite House

  9. The Pu-Li Hotel & Spa

    Shanghai, China

    A haven of calm and beauty amidst the chaos of China’s largest city.

    Photos of The Pu-Li Hotel & Spa

    • PuLi is something new on the urban front – a cutting edge contemporary hotel in the heart of the city that doubles as an oasis and a retreat.
    • PuLi is something new on the urban front – a cutting edge contemporary hotel in the heart of the city that doubles as an oasis and a retreat.
    • The guest rooms are unusual not just in their balance between East and West, but also in that they manage to feel more like a funky apartment than a hotel room.
    • At 32m long the long bar is exactly what it says; one of the longest bars in Asia, dominated by a massive expanse of glass providing an engaging view over Jing An Park.
    • Jing An, the epicurean signature restaurant of PuLi is distinguished by two outstanding features, the expansive view over Jing An Park and the cuisine of Chef Dane Clouston.

    Prices from:

    £1,125 pp

    Stunning hotel in Shanghai

    Read more details about The Pu-Li Hotel & Spa

Choose location



Holiday types



Location information

China


  • Virgin Holidays
  • Hip Hotels
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Virgin Holidays Cruises
  • ABTA Logo
  • ATOL protected
  • Worry Free Guarantee