Nestled in the core of Nuodeng Ancient Village, Dali, Yunnan, lies a high-end guesthouse that blends traditional charm with modern comfort —— Gujing Jianshan (Ancient Well & Viewing Mountains). Its five themed guest rooms, named "Ancient," "Well," "View," "Mountain," and "Viewing Mountains," each hide distinct landscapes and embody every facet of a slow-paced life. Here, you can lean against the courtyard’s光影 (dappled sunlight), soak up the sun, brew a pot of tea, listen to the wind rustling the leaves, and watch clouds drift leisurely... Or wander through the ancient alleys, savoring the tranquility and warmth of this millennium-old village.
Gujing Jianshan is more than just a stopover; it’s an invitation to slow down and embrace life as it should be. May this journey leave you with peaceful, fulfilling, and unforgettable memories.
"The trip is over, and I've been meaning to write a proper review, but my limited vocabulary leaves me speechless with the emotions I felt. So, let me start with the room.
We drove there on a whim, found Nuodeng, read the good reviews, and booked a room on the spot. Upon arrival, the owner upgraded our room. The hotel is halfway up a mountain, not a long walk, but once you get there, the scenery is breathtaking. Distant mountains, shrouded in mist, and the villages below felt like a secluded paradise. Everything was peaceful.
The hotel's decor was stylish and warm. The bedding seemed to be hemp, incredibly comfortable—the most comfortable bedding I slept on during my entire trip. The toothbrush had a soft bamboo handle and was also very pleasant. The stir-fried dishes for dinner were excellent, and we ordered two glasses of plum wine, which were much better than what we bought in the old town.
It started raining in the early morning, and in the morning we were told the road was closed due to landslides. The owner actively communicated and inquired about the road conditions. Hearing that other guests were coming down the mountain, he immediately notified us, while also informing us of the risks. My family and I decided to set off immediately. The owner was a slender and capable young woman. While we were still having coffee, she had already packed all our luggage. Without a word, she picked up our suitcases and all our belongings and headed out. My husband felt embarrassed and kept offering to carry them, but she wouldn't let us. After loading our luggage at the parking lot, she said she was worried we might be scared, so she got in her car and drove ahead of us all the way to the visitor center. There were still falling rocks at the visitor center, and she led the way the whole time. We thought she would turn back after we passed the visitor center, but she safely took us to the county town before saying goodbye.
My husband and I were deeply moved the whole way. Her room, her professionalism, her enthusiasm, her responsibility, and her kindness—these qualities cannot be adequately described with a five-star review."