6 Best Hotels in Southwestern China, China

On the banks of the Luosuo River, this luxury resort is in Menglun, about 60 km (37 miles) from Jinghong. Built to resemble Dai village, it offers a fantastic tropical getaway with beautiful mountain and river views, all of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of a poolside recliner or your private terrace. The staff is attentive and warm. If you don't want to venture into Menglun, there are Thai and Chinese restaurants on the premises.

The area's only luxury resort, the Banyan Tree is made up of villas designed to resemble traditional courtyard houses. Each of the self-contained villas has its own hot tub or swimming pool. At the foot of mist-covered Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the hotel has spectacular unobstructed views, along with all the amenities you would expect in a world-class resort, from Thai massage in the spa to fine dining in the restaurant.

Filling the gap between the small hotels and guesthouses in the Old Town and the ultraluxurious Banyan Tree, the Lijiang InterContinental was the beginning of a wave of international five-stars moving into Lijiang. Rooms are comfortable and spacious, staff speak good English, and kids eat free at the Chinese or Brazilian restaurants. The gym and pool are both clean and modern, and there are babysitting services should you want to leave the kids behind for a night on the town.

With a hard-to-beat location, the Pullman Lijiang Resort offers views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain so beautiful that it has a dedicated viewing area. All of the private villas are oriented towards the mountain, and the most expensive ones have their own outdoor hot tubs. If the two stylish restaurants aren't enough, the hotel can arrange a chef to cook for you in your own kitchen. There's a very good fitness area and a sprawling indoor-outdoor spa.

Far away from the hubbub of Yangshuo, the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is one of the area's most relaxing places to stay. Rooms are cozy yet spacious and tastefully furnished, and the food and service almost impeccable. It's ideal for small families or a romantic getaway.

The "Terrace of Serenity" more than lives up to its name. Built on a patch of regrown tropical forest, this resort lets you watch the Mekong River slide by from your hammock while you listen to birds sing or tree frogs croak—sounds that are increasingly rare around Jinghong proper. The guest rooms, resembling Dai houses on the outside, are all different on the inside, and some have furniture dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Dreamy terraces and bathrooms smoothly blend in with the jungle outside. The restaurant, one of Jinghong's best, is worth a special trip.