EDITION Hotels has expanded its presence in Greater China with the opening of The Dali EDITION, introducing the brand to one of the country’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations. Set above Erhai Lake on the slopes of Cangshan Mountain, the new luxury retreat combines contemporary design with a strong connection to the landscapes and traditions that have shaped Yunnan Province for centuries.
The opening marks EDITION’s third hotel in Greater China and reflects growing interest in Dali as a destination beyond China’s major metropolitan centres. Known for its Bai heritage, dramatic mountain scenery and historic Old Town, the city offers visitors easy access to attractions including the Three Pagodas, Cangshan Mountain Scenic Area and Erhai Lake, while the hotel is conveniently located within easy reach of both Dali Railway Station and Dali Fengyi Airport.
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Rather than dominating its surroundings, the hotel’s architecture has been designed to complement them. Created by Shenzhen Cheng Chung Design, the property draws on the natural materials and colours found across the region, incorporating aged timber, bluestone and pebbles sourced from Erhai Lake throughout its interiors. Floor-to-ceiling glazing ensures the surrounding scenery remains a constant feature, framing views across the lake, gardens and mountains from many areas of the hotel.
The Dali EDITION offers 151 guestrooms, suites and private pool villas, with accommodation starting from a spacious 60 square metres. Interiors continue the understated design language found throughout the property, pairing natural materials with soft lighting and open-plan layouts to create bright, calming spaces. Many rooms overlook either Erhai Lake or Cangshan Mountain, while the Presidential Suite includes its own indoor pool, private courtyard and expansive terrace.
Food and drink at the hotel take a similarly considered approach, with menus shaped by the surrounding landscape and local produce. Market at EDITION focuses on seasonal, farm-to-table dishes, drawing ingredients from the hotel’s own vegetable garden and orchard. At KUSHO, cooking is centred around a wood-fired grill, where locally sourced hardwood charcoal is used to highlight the flavours of Yunnan. The Lobby Bar offers a quieter setting during the day with tea service, before easing into a more relaxed cocktail atmosphere in the evening, while the hotel’s Chinese restaurant reflects elements of Bai architectural tradition in its design.
Alongside its restaurants, the hotel offers a selection of experiences designed to introduce guests to the region’s cultural heritage. At the Tea House, the Trail of the Tea Horse: A Harvest Journey experience guides visitors through the process of tea production, from freshly picked leaves to the finished cup, offering insight into one of Yunnan’s most enduring traditions.
Wellness forms another key part of the guest offering. The hotel’s spa features five treatment rooms opening onto private courtyards, with therapies inspired by Eastern wellness practices and incorporating natural botanicals and gemstones. Guests also have access to a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre with an indoor-outdoor yoga terrace overlooking the mountains, and a programme of activities that includes guided mushroom foraging, sunrise mountain runs and sound bath sessions.
As EDITION continues to grow its portfolio across Asia, The Dali EDITION represents one of the brand’s most destination-led openings to date. By pairing contemporary luxury with thoughtful references to the region’s landscape, culture, and traditions, the hotel introduces an appealing new base from which to explore one of Southwest China’s most captivating destinations.
