Gyalthang Dzong Hotel, Yunnan

At Gyalthang Dzong Hotel in Yunnan, China you will discover your own Shangri-La... a distant and secluded hideaway of mesmerising beauty and peace. A remote paradise on earth where harmony reigns, where the gods walk among the people, and where man and nature embrace. For a holiday in a place as novel as it is ancient, choose an Angsana-managed hotel. Gyalthang Dzong Hotel is a typical Tibetan building but with a unique architecture in 'Tibetan lamasery' style. The storied tales of Shangri-la are not new to travellers. The Southern Silk Road began in Sichuan province to the north, crossed the length of Yunnan and continued on to Vietnam. Some 2,000 years later, the region gained a new mystique as the setting in James Hilton's novel 'Lost Horizon'. Today, with the opening of China, Gyalthang Dzong Hotel is the ideal base for intrepid travellers visiting this exotic destination. Gyalthang Dzong Hotel brings international standards of service to the Tibetan borders while maintaining the small and cosy scale of a boutique hotel. In keeping with Tibetan lamasery style, all rooms face inwards towards a central courtyard, which hosts al fresco dining and an informal outdoor space.

Inside, the interior decor uses vibrant colours and ethnic textiles to create an intimate ambience, befitting of this exotic, cultural locale. Rich hues of orange, rust and maroon incorporate the decorative motif of the Endless Knot, one of the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. Room windows are characteristically Tibetan, featuring multiple small glass panes set in a square frame. Facing outwards over the valley, the rooms lend spectacular views either over the expansive valley and towering mountains or otherwise towards the "protector" hill behind our retreat. From intriguing cultural tours to native dining experiences, Gyalthang Dzong Hotel offers the intrepid traveller an experience to remember it the heart of Shangri-La, China. Explore the mystical Ganden Sumsanling Monastery in an immersion into the history and traditions of Gyalthang. Take in scenic views at the spot where the Yangtze, the Mekong, and the Salween rivers plummet more than 3,000 meters at the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge. Return to a revitalizing treatment at the Angsana Spa and round off the evening with a taste of local Tibetan fare at our dining outlets.