Green Village Inn occupies a peaceful alley in the old town of Lijiang, away from the busier thoroughfares. The property embodies Naxi architectural style: exposed timber beams, curved grey-tiled roofs and an open courtyard open to the sky. A terrace slightly overlooks the old town's rooftops, offering an unobstructed view across the entire historic quarter.

Why stay here

The guesthouse brings together three major assets in Lijiang: a location in the quieter part of the old town, authentically Naxi architectural character and a panoramic view from the terrace. The setting suits travellers who wish to lodge at the heart of the historic maze without enduring the noise of tourist streets once night falls.

• Preserved traditional Naxi style, with interior courtyard
• Set back from the busy thoroughfares of the old town
• Terrace with elevated views over historic rooftops
• Breakfast blending international and local flavours

Atmosphere and architecture

The house layout follows the typical plan of Naxi dwellings in Lijiang: a central patio around which rooms are arranged, galleries with carved woodwork and decorative elements characteristic of Dongba culture. The interior courtyard serves as a gathering point, ideal for an evening read or conversations between travellers. The furnishings draw on ancient Chinese design codes while integrating the modern comfort expected at this type of property.

The terrace is the guesthouse's second defining space. Positioned slightly above the neighbouring rooflines, it allows you to take in the intricate weave of grey tiles that characterises the UNESCO-listed old town.

Services and facilities

• Breakfast served on-site, combining international cuisine and local dishes
• Interior courtyard and panoramic terrace with free access
• Rooms equipped with contemporary comfort in a traditional setting
• Located in the quiet part of the old town, accessible on foot only

Location

The guesthouse sits in Lijiang's old town, in a less-trafficked area than the Sifang Square surroundings. The cobbled alleys leading to it require arrival on foot with luggage: inform the team of your arrival so they can guide you from the nearest vehicle access point. This logistical constraint is offset by the peace and quiet you'll find in the evening, once tour groups have departed.

What to see and do nearby

From the guesthouse, the old town is best explored on foot: Sifang Square, the canals, Mu Palace and Lion Hill are all within a few minutes' walk. Further afield, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge and the Naxi villages in the surrounding area form the classic day trips from Lijiang.

To extend your itinerary in Chine, other properties are worth considering: Karma Lodge in Yunnan, Dekhang Hotel or Guesthouse Everest base camp for Tibetan routes, and the experience of overnight trains to connect major stages.

Organising your stay

Green Village Inn fits naturally into a Yunnan circuit combining Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La. To build a tailor-made itinerary incorporating this property, consult our journeys in Chine.