The Linden Centre (Yang's House)
喜林苑·杨品相宅
The building is a nationally protected heritage site that the Lindens were given permission to restore and live in — the first such arrangement granted to foreigners in China, and the reason the project is written about in architecture and preservation literature rather than hotel press.
- Indicative nightly rate
- ¥1,200-2,200 a night
- The collection
- The Linden Centre
- Setting
- Dali · 16 rooms
Bai courtyard and reflecting wall at the Linden Centre in Xizhou
Why stay here
16 rooms in a restored Bai courtyard mansion at No. 5 Chengbei Village, Xizhou Town, on the Erhai plain about 30 minutes north of Dali old town. The house is a nationally protected heritage building that has been a family home, a hospital, a military barracks and a nursery. It opened as a hotel in 2008 and was renovated in 2019.
It is still run by Brian and Jeanee Linden, the American couple who restored it in 2007, and it is the only place in Yunnan where the proprietors are present, know the village and will take you into it. Guests describe being hosted rather than checked in. There are now three Linden locations; this is the original.
The building is a nationally protected heritage site that the Lindens were given permission to restore and live in — the first such arrangement granted to foreigners in China, and the reason the project is written about in architecture and preservation literature rather than hotel press.
Rooms worth asking for
Not established. With 16 rooms in a protected heritage building the categories are defined by what the original house allowed, not by a view hierarchy.
Note the exact room or suite name before opening the booking provider, along with any connecting-room, step-free access or celebration requests.
Dining & the evening ahead
One restaurant serving à la carte and buffet, American and Asian, 07:30 to 22:30, with halal and vegetarian options. Bar, library, tea room, billiards.
Request restaurant availability alongside your stay. Tasting menus, private dining and dietary arrangements should be confirmed separately.
Spa, pool & wellbeing
A massage room only. This is not a spa hotel.
Ask which facilities are included with your room, whether treatments require advance reservations, and whether any seasonal closures affect your stay.
Photos & films
Videos open on their publisher’s site. YouTube is unavailable in mainland China; watch before travelling.
Dali, at your pace
Destination photography · explore the surrounding city.
Dali Travel Guide: Erhai Lake, Xizhou Village, The Three Pagodas, Dali Ancient Town and moreVince Travel · A practical walkthrough of Dali's main sights, covering the ancient town, Erhai Lake, Xizhou village and the Three Pagodas.Watch on YouTube ↗The Most Beautiful City in China | 3 Days in Dali, YunnanJHMedium · A three-day stay in Dali filmed on the ground, moving between the old town, the lakeshore and nearby villages.Watch on YouTube ↗Videos open on their publisher’s site. YouTube is unavailable in mainland China; watch before travelling.
Before you decide
Be clear what this is: it is not international-standard luxury and does not pretend to be. Guests report the rooms are small and the facilities limited because the heritage status forbids altering the building. Vehicles cannot reach the door during the day, so you walk about ten minutes from the car park with your bags. Xizhou is 30 minutes from Dali old town and there is little to do after dark. Guest score is 9.4 from only 154 verified reviews. If you need a proper bathroom, a gym and a lift, stay on the lake and visit this for lunch.
Location. Chengbei Village, Xizhou Town, on the Erhai plain between Cangshan and the lake; roughly 30 minutes' drive from Dali old town.
Prices are indicative, not live availability. Confirm the total including taxes, meals, transfers and cancellation terms on the provider’s checkout before committing.