Li An Lodge

First of all, this is just an incredible location where you get to experience small village life and amazing hospitality. Most importantly the place is so English speakers friendly and extremly serene. The gentleman working there was so knowledgeable about the area can recommend more to anyone looking for a peaceful quiet moment.

We were looking forward to this stay having read positive reviews. Sadly, the lodge wasn’t up to standard. The room was old and in need of renovation, we checked in to a faint smell of mold. The so-called “bathroom” is actually what you could find on a cabin - carved into the room, a tiny sink, toilet, and shower enclosure that clogged every time we used it. Shampoo, soap and body wash were barely enough for two people, no robes only basic towels. Breakfast was also a disappointment. No menu to choose from, we were served a made-plate with omelette, sausage and bacon. As a lodge that claims to welcome international guests, the bare minimum is to account for different dietary needs and offer a menu with basic options to pick from — when we asked for tableware such as spoons, the lodge wasn’t even able to bring two. Our experience was also made worse by a few odd asks. On the morning of our first day, we were advised to grab breakfast before 8:30, as an external filming crew would be at the lodge to shoot promotional videos. We woke up earlier and complied, yet no crew was on site after 8:30, when we left the lodge to start our visit. In the afternoon, we received messages from the lodge informing us that the same crew would need to use our room for the video, and asking us if the lodge’s staff could move our belongings temporarily. This alone left us in considerable distress, as we were in the middle of a hike and couldn’t make our way to the premises while the shooting was unfolding. Topping everything off, the employee driving the lodge’s van that brought us back down to the parking lot when we left had clearly been drinking. Value for money, this was a very negative experience. There are way better options in the village and around the lodge itself. We definitely won’t be staying at Li’An again.

Excellent service, very personnel. The Manager speaks perfect English which is useful

We stayed end of May 2026 in this hotel.Excellent location, at one of the highest points of the village Pingan. Therefore, a spectacular view on the rice terraces either from our room or from the terrace one floor below which is accessible for all hotel guests. We were in the “Caledone” room with a sensational view on two sides. The dinner was very good as well as the breakfast. The manager Tony was very helpful not only due to his English speaking but also due his professional support in any problems or questions. The WIFI is for Chinese standards good. There is a free transport with a car, belonging to the hotel, from the parking lot at the entrance to the village to a place close to the hotel. We liked to stay in the hotel with its charme and will go back next time we are in Pingan.

If you get the chance to visit Longji/Longsheng to hike through the amazing rice paddies, then you absolutely must stay at Li'An Lodge. The rooms are lovely, clean and quaint, and a cultural alternative to the more modern options in the larger cities. The lodge is run by Aaron who goes above and beyond to help visitors, give local recs, and speaks perfect English. He will also help you avoid any tourist traps.  Li'An lodge is also built on the highest point so you have a fabulous view, and is situated right at the starting point of the main hike in local area. The rooms give you a great view of the rice paddies and the village.  The food is simple and great, or you can eat around the town, which is very atmospheric. We came in the low season end of March, which was misty but fab and we had most of the places to ourselves.  Really can't recommend enough. If you get to Guilinxi (station) they will send a driver to get you. You can also book directly with the hotel over email with Aaron which is easy and efficient. 

Amazing stay, best experience ever. Super host!