GGuest UserPoised in mountains and waters, nestled in clouds – an exceptional stay at Jiyun Shangyuan Resort Hotel by the Yulong River.
First things first: More than just accommodation, it's a destination.
Yangshuo boasts countless hotels, but Jiyun Shangyuan is an utterly underrated 'heavenly guesthouse'. This stay offered a complete cure for the senses – visual, taste, and soul. It’s truly a perfect hotel with no flaws!
Reason for a perfect score one: Divine views that 'frame' the karst landscape into your room.
The hotel is located in the heart of the Ten-Mile Gallery, far from the hustle and bustle of West Street, enjoying its own tranquil space.
Our room featured a floor-to-ceiling glass window spanning an entire wall. Honestly, photos don't capture even a tenth of its beauty! The misty green hills of the Yulong River unfold before you like a dynamic IMAX movie. It truly lives up to 'open the window to a view, sleep under the moon, and wake with the sunrise'. Lying in bed gazing at the mountains and waters, or watching stars from the balcony bathtub – this ultimate sense of relaxation is something no other scenic spot along the Li River can offer.
Reason for a perfect score two: Heartfelt service that treats guests like 'family'.
The service here could easily be a textbook example for the industry. If 10 is a perfect score, I'd give it 100 points.
From the butler's proactive contact after booking to the warm reception upon arrival, the entire process was smiling and efficient. When the Li River was flooding, the butler constantly reminded us to be safe. When our child wanted local fruit, the butler thoughtfully provided some. After playing in the water, our clothes got wet, and there's a self-service laundry room. We even forgot our clothes in the laundry, and the butler kindly delivered them to our room. This feeling of 'everything is handled, every need is met' is truly more touching than the standardized service of a five-star hotel.
Reason for a perfect score three: Culinary delights and high-end amenities.
Regarding dining, the Chinese breakfast offered authentic Guilin rice noodles, while the Western breakfast perfectly blended with Lipu taro and pumpkin. The afternoon tea was exquisite, and the coffee at Cloud Restaurant was top-notch, with the Basque cheesecake being unforgettable. The lighting in the restaurant also helps for great photos.
In terms of amenities, the hotel spared no expense: King Koil mattresses, Kohler sanitary ware, Dyson hairdryers, and even a thoughtful self-service laundry room. The bedding was soft and skin-friendly, showing attention to detail. It offers the warmth of a guesthouse while maintaining five-star hotel hardware standards.
Reason for a perfect score four: Immersive local cultural experiences.
This place isn't just selling scenery; it's dedicated to sharing culture. The hotel is filled with Zhuang elements. Beyond beautiful decor, you can also enjoy free photo shoots in traditional Zhuang attire. Against the backdrop of the infinity pool and the mountains, every shot looks like a magazine cover.
Furthermore, activities like hand-sewing embroidered balls and making oil tea kept both adults and children engaged. Families with kids don't need to worry about boredom, as the children's playground and pool are enough to tire out the little 'beasts'.
Final thoughts: We'll be back.
Our stay happened during heavy rain, but after the rain cleared, the scenery was even more beautiful. Regardless of the weather, Jiyun possesses a different charm. We even felt a little reluctant to leave. Just like its name suggests, there's an ethereal, otherworldly quality here, yet it's filled with the warmth of home.
If you come to Yangshuo, you must 'waste' your time at Jiyun Shangyuan.
Tips:
· We recommend booking a panoramic room type or a family room for the best views.
· Definitely try the hotel's electric bicycle rental; the Ten-Mile Gallery is right at the doorstep.
· The hotel is very close to the Yulong River rafting (Shuidi section), within walking distance, which is very convenient.
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