Amid the glossy skyscrapers and gleaming skylines of the Chinese Mainland, a select few hotels stand out for all the right reasons. From inspired architecture and heritage buildings to underwater rooms and hotels that blend into their natural surroundings, these luxurious, quirky and wonderfully unique stays are anything but ordinary.
To inspire your next trip, we’ve handpicked the best places to stay for a one-of-a-kind experience. Plus, when you book a property through our Cathay Holidays page you’ll earn Asia Miles with your stay.
Carved into an old limestone quarry on Tangshan Mountain, this Nanjing resort – aptly nicknamed Mine Valley – is a sprawling masterpiece of ecosystem restoration and modern architecture. Each room features a private thermal pool and breathtaking views, while the hotel’s silhouette traces the quarry’s natural contours, blending seamlessly into the landscape. Golden accents provide a striking contrast to the rugged stone-grey walls. At Banyan Tree, guests can indulge in immersive experiences in nature and award-winning wellness treatments.
Sitting on the shores of Lake Taihu, just an hour north of Hangzhou, this property makes a statement with its bold and innovative design. Affectionately dubbed the Moon Hotel, Horseshoe Hotel or Doughnut Hotel, the structure draws from traditional Chinese arch bridges and ethereal ink paintings – marrying cultural homage with futuristic flair in an eclectic mix of styles. Each of the 282 guestrooms boasts panoramic lake views, with unique design motifs that echo the building’s unconventional geometry, while the interiors are replete with jade and Swarovski crystal chandeliers.
Located in the heart of Beijing