Shangri La Hotel Guilin  

On the banks of the Li River in central Guilin, this 5-star riverside hotel sits a short drive from Diecai Mountain, Elephant Trunk Hill and the bustling Zhengyang pedestrian district. It's about 35 minutes by car from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and close to the city's International Exhibition and Conference Center. Family-friendly and perfectly placed for the Two Rivers and Four Lakes cruise departures.

Chinese-classical design threads through over 430 guest rooms, many with Li River or landscaped garden views. Roughly 40 garden- and mountain-view rooms include private terraces; rooms offer separate tubs and showers, LCD TVs, minibars and designer toiletries. A 6,300 m² garden, indoor and outdoor pools and kid-focused play areas give the place a lively, family-friendly vibe.

Dive in at indoor and outdoor pools, work out in the health club, or stroll the large landscaped garden. Kids get their own kingdom—kids' club, mini zoo, mini royal train, bumper boats, art and craft classes, rock climbing and an organic farm. Evenings can feature local folk shows and poolside cocktails—wake up to Li River mornings and unwind poolside at dusk.

A pillarless grand ballroom (about 1,800 m² with a 9 m ceiling) hosts large events, plus a full conference center, meeting rooms and a business center with a computer station. Complimentary wired and wireless high-speed internet, limo/town-car service and extended parking keep meetings and arrivals smooth.

Two on-site restaurants, a café and a bar/lounge plus a poolside bar serve everything from casual snacks to elegant meals and cocktails. Buffet breakfast is available for a fee and 24-hour room service is on hand. Expect a focus on local dishes alongside international options.