Li-An Lodge

Li-An Lodge is set in the picturesque village of Ping An, which is surrounded by cascading rice terraces; the sense of serenity is compounded by the complete absence of cars and roads, with only stone footpaths connecting the ancient buildings. The lodge’s creator is a photographer and painter, and it’s not hard to see why artists of various kinds have long been drawn to this place.

The lodge’s 16 guestrooms are each individually designed, but all share a homely, rustic feel, with extensive use of bamboo and other local woods throughout; the work of local artists, depicting scenes from nature, adorns the walls. The attention to detail in each of the rooms is striking. In the Harvest Room, you’ll find artefacts from the agricultural life of local Zhuang farmers, such as tree bark clothing, a stone mill and a bamboo hat; the Calligraphy Room, meanwhile, pays homage to one of China’s most ancient and celebrated arts.

The menu at Li-An lodge changes constantly with the seasons, given that all the food is based on the natural produce from the surrounding villages and countryside. Generally, lunch will see you enjoying Chinese recipes while dinner takes on a more Western theme, while breakfast is always a hearty spread of fruits, pastries and eggs. Coffee and Chinese tea are available with every meal, while wine is available with lunch and dinner.

You won’t find a fancy spa or swimming pool here, but the facilities are good given the lodge’s remote location – you’ll find everything you need to make your stay here comfortable, including air conditioning, running hot water, and a business centre with internet access. The cosy living room is a great place for you to meet fellow guests and enjoy slideshows of the owner’s photography.

A stay at Li-An Lodge is all about enjoying the serenity of the countryside and the traditional culture of Ping An and the surrounding villages. The landscapes are particularly characterised by rice terraces, which tumble down the hillsides as far as they eye can see, and make the perfect backdrop to an afternoon hike. Many of the local people here make their living in the same way they have for centuries, with many of the Zhuang people continuing to wear their traditional costume; there is ample opportunity to meet local farmers, in particular tea growers, on a range of established hiking routes.