China’s hotel scene is buzzing with fresh openings for summer 2025, offering everything from beachfront escapes to mountain retreats and urban design havens. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, these new properties blend local culture, modern comfort, and unique experiences. Here’s your curated guide to the most exciting new hotels across the country.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
- Top New Hotel Openings
- 1. Sown Hotel (北海sown颂酒店) – Beihai, Guangxi
- 2. The Tavern by IHG Qiandao Lake Yanshan Resort (洲至奢选千岛湖燕山度假酒店) – Qiandao Lake, Zhejiang
- 3. Qu Chan Li Hotel, Liyang, Autograph Collection (溧阳曲禅里酒店·傲途格精选) – Liyang, Jiangsu
- 4. EDITION Dali (大理艾迪逊酒店) – Dali, Yunnan
- 5. Kimpton Shanghai Jiukeshu (上海九棵树艺术中心金普顿酒店) – Shanghai
- How to Choose the Right Hotel for You
- Getting There & Around
- Best Time to Visit
- Booking Tips & Costs
- Food & Dining
- Where to Stay: Quick Comparison
- Practical Tips for International Travelers
- FAQ
Top New Hotel Openings
1. Sown Hotel (北海sown颂酒店) – Beihai, Guangxi
Opened in early 2025, Sown Hotel (sown颂酒店) is a bohemian art sanctuary steps from Silver Beach (银滩, Yín Tān). Its Moroccan-inspired red-brick architecture stands out against the blue sky and sea. The hotel features an art district called “Sown Market” with boutique shops, cafes, and a 3,000 sqm gallery space. Rooms are minimalist wabi-sabi style, with sea-view soaking tub options. The on-site restaurants include a Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan bistro and a charcoal-grill sake bar. It’s a 20-minute walk to the Beihai International Passenger Port for ferries to Weizhou Island.
Price range: ¥1,600–2,680 per night for sea-view rooms.
2. The Tavern by IHG Qiandao Lake Yanshan Resort (洲至奢选千岛湖燕山度假酒店) – Qiandao Lake, Zhejiang
Rebranded from a local hotel to IHG’s upscale “Vignette Collection,” this resort sits on a private bay of Qiandao Lake (千岛湖, Qiān Dǎo Hú). It boasts a 4,000 sqm indoor water park, a children’s playground, and a private Swan Lake. The design blends Suzhou garden aesthetics with modern luxury. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake or mountains. It’s a 20-minute drive from Qiandao Lake Station (high-speed rail from Hangzhou in 1 hour).
Price range: ¥1,100–1,400 per night for standard rooms.
3. Qu Chan Li Hotel, Liyang, Autograph Collection (溧阳曲禅里酒店·傲途格精选) – Liyang, Jiangsu
This former resort has been rebranded as a Marriott Autograph Collection property, located near the 35,000-acre Nanshan Bamboo Sea (南山竹海, Nán Shān Zhú Hǎi). The architecture follows a “round heaven, square earth” concept with four circular buildings and one square pavilion. It features six outdoor hot spring pools, a cold spring for summer, an infinity pool, and an 8,000 sqm children’s playground. Rooms are designed with bamboo and zen aesthetics, some with private hot spring pools. It’s a 30-minute drive from Liyang Station (high-speed rail from Shanghai in 1.5 hours).
Price range: ¥1,000–2,900 per night.
4. EDITION Dali (大理艾迪逊酒店) – Dali, Yunnan
Opened June 18, 2025, this is the second EDITION resort in China after Sanya. Located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain (苍山, Cāng Shān), it offers panoramic views of Erhai Lake (洱海, Ěr Hǎi). The design concept is “contemporary courtyard,” blending local stone and wood with minimalist luxury. The hotel curates experiences around nature, outdoor activities, and wellness. It’s a 40-minute drive from Dali Airport.
Price range: From ¥2,500 per night (estimated).
5. Kimpton Shanghai Jiukeshu (上海九棵树艺术中心金普顿酒店) – Shanghai
Opened June 30, 2025, this is IHG’s second Kimpton in Shanghai, nestled next to the Jiukeshu Future Art Center (九棵树未来艺术中心). The hotel is surrounded by forest, with rooms featuring linen and wood textures inspired by southern Shanghai’s rural landscapes. It has a spa with 8 treatment rooms focusing on mindfulness and nature immersion. It’s about a 40-minute drive from downtown Shanghai.
Price range: From ¥1,500 per night (estimated).
How to Choose the Right Hotel for You
- Beach lovers: Sown Hotel in Beihai offers direct beach access and a vibrant art scene.
- Family with kids: Qiandao Lake Yanshan Resort and Liyang Qu Chan Li have massive water parks and playgrounds.
- Culture and nature: EDITION Dali and Kimpton Shanghai provide immersive local experiences.
- Budget-conscious: Look for opening promotions – many hotels offer 30-50% off during the first few months.
Getting There & Around
By Air
- Beihai: Direct flights from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Alternatively, fly to Nanning (南宁, Nán Níng) and take a 40-minute high-speed train to Beihai.
- Dali: Direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Kunming.
- Shanghai: Two international airports (Pudong and Hongqiao) with global connections.
By High-Speed Rail
- Qiandao Lake: From Hangzhou East Station (1 hour), Shanghai Hongqiao (2 hours).
- Liyang: From Shanghai Hongqiao (1.5 hours), Nanjing South (30 minutes).
- Dali: From Kunming (2 hours).
Local Transport
- Use Alipay or WeChat Pay for taxis and ride-hailing (Didi). Download the app before arrival.
- Many hotels offer shuttle services from train stations or airports – check when booking.
- For car rentals, an International Driving Permit is required; however, hiring a driver is often more convenient.
Best Time to Visit
- Beihai: April to October for beach weather; summer can be hot but sea breezes help.
- Qiandao Lake: April to October; summer is popular for water activities, but the lake stays cool.
- Liyang: May to October for bamboo forest hikes; hot springs are enjoyable year-round.
- Dali: March to November; spring and autumn are mild, summer is rainy but lush.
- Shanghai: March to May and September to November for pleasant weather.
Booking Tips & Costs
- Opening promotions: Many new hotels offer 30-50% off during the first 3-6 months. Check platforms like Ctrip (携程, Xié Chéng) for deals.
- Mobile payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Set up before your trip with a foreign credit card.
- Visa: Most travelers need a tourist visa (L-visa) for China. The 144-hour transit visa-free policy applies in Shanghai, Beijing, and other major cities – check eligibility.
- Average costs:
- Budget: ¥500-800 per night (local brands like Atour)
- Mid-range: ¥800-1,500 per night (IHG, Marriott)
- Luxury: ¥1,500-3,000+ per night (EDITION, Kimpton)
Food & Dining
Each hotel offers unique culinary experiences:
- Sown Hotel: Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan bistro, charcoal-grill sake bar, and a future French fine-dining restaurant.
- Qiandao Lake: Local Chun’an cuisine with fish head hotpot (鱼头煲, yú tóu bāo).
- Liyang: Huaiyang cuisine featuring local specialties like white tea, black rice, and Tianmu Lake fish.
- EDITION Dali: Contemporary international and Yunnan dishes with local ingredients.
- Kimpton Shanghai: Farm-to-table dining with seasonal produce from nearby farms.
Where to Stay: Quick Comparison
| Hotel | Location | Vibe | Best For | Starting Price (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sown Hotel | Beihai, Guangxi | Artistic beach retreat | Couples, art lovers | ¥1,600 |
| Qiandao Lake Yanshan | Qiandao Lake, Zhejiang | Family resort with water park | Families | ¥1,100 |
| Qu Chan Li, Autograph | Liyang, Jiangsu | Zen bamboo forest escape | Wellness seekers, nature lovers | ¥1,000 |
| EDITION Dali | Dali, Yunnan | Luxury mountain lake retreat | Luxury travelers, honeymooners | ¥2,500 |
| Kimpton Shanghai | Shanghai | Urban forest design hotel | Design enthusiasts, culture buffs | ¥1,500 |
Practical Tips for International Travelers
- Language: Download a translation app (e.g., Google Translate or Pleco). Hotel staff may speak basic English, but not always.
- Internet: VPN is required to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Install before arrival.
- Power outlets: China uses Type A, I, and C plugs (220V, 50Hz). Bring a universal adapter.
- Etiquette: Tipping is not customary. Remove shoes when entering some hotel rooms (check signs).
- Health: Tap water is not drinkable; use bottled water (provided in hotels).
FAQ
Q: How do I book these new hotels from overseas? A: Use international platforms like Ctrip (English version), Booking.com, or Agoda. Many hotels also accept direct bookings via their websites. Ensure you have a valid visa before booking.
Q: Are these hotels suitable for families with young children? A: Yes, especially Qiandao Lake Yanshan Resort and Liyang Qu Chan Li, which have dedicated water parks, playgrounds, and kids’ clubs. Sown Hotel also provides children’s beach toys.
Q: What is the best way to get around if I don’t speak Chinese? A: Use ride-hailing apps like Didi (with English interface) or ask the hotel concierge to arrange taxis. Many hotels offer shuttle services to nearby attractions.
Q: Can I use my credit card at these hotels? A: Yes, international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at major hotels, but for local shops and transport, Alipay or WeChat Pay is more convenient. Set up mobile payment with a foreign card before your trip.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit these destinations? A: Most nationalities require a tourist visa (L-visa) for China. However, some cities offer 144-hour visa-free transit for certain nationalities. Check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
Q: What is the cancellation policy for these hotel deals? A: Cancellation policies vary by hotel and booking platform. Many promotional rates are non-refundable or have strict cancellation windows. Read the terms carefully before booking.
For more travel inspiration, check out our China itineraries and destination guides. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss our food guides for local dining tips.