A secluded utopia at the foot of Cangshan Mountain: a wild luxury hotel transformed from a 300-year-old Bai ethnic courtyard

Who understands! Tired of the crowds by Erhai Lake, I struck gold at the foot of Cangshan Mountain😭 This 300-year-old Bai ancient courtyard hidden beside the Ancient Tea Horse Road, after renovation, directly touched my heart—it combines the rustic texture of the old courtyard with the exquisite romance of modern wild luxury. Staying here feels like stepping into a secluded paradise where "time in the mountains seems endless." 🌿 Why must you stay at Mutian Yangshan? ✅ Perfect location: Backed by Cangshan’s Sanyang Peak and adjacent to Lingquan Creek, the view from the window is clouds drifting over the mountain tops, and at night you can lie in bed watching stars fill the courtyard. ✅ Full of ceremony: From the parking lot, you are chauffeured into the courtyard by an English-style horse carriage. The courtyard decorated with brick and wood carvings lights a bonfire at dusk, instantly transporting you into a vintage film. ✅ Overflowing with artistry: The aesthetic sense of the founder of the Central Academy of Fine Arts is on point! The public area displays a collection of vintage motorcycles, a small art studio hides in a corner, and even the brick joints exude refinement. 🛏️ 24 Solar Terms rooms, each with a little surprise There are 24 rooms named after the solar terms. The "Great Cold" suite I stayed in is simply divine! ▫️ Comes with a terrace + private hot spring pool, surrounded by draped curtains and greenery; soaking while looking up at the silhouette of Cangshan is breathtaking; ▫️ Intercontinental-grade mattress + 5 types of sleep pillows to choose from, and the butler prepares a steam eye mask in advance—sleep quality is amazing; ▫️ The first-floor rooms have a private back garden, and the second floor has a small viewing balcony, perfect for tea and daydreaming. 🍵 Happy times relaxing at the hotel No need to bother with planning; you can enjoy a full day right at the hotel! ✨ Must-try list 1. Bali-style thatched hot spring pool♨️: Fully enjoy the mountain wilderness comfort, every snap is a mood-filled masterpiece; 2. Bamboo-hidden SPA + bonfire performance: Sit around the bonfire at dusk, relax to the sound of violin music, romantic to the core; 3. Surprises on the palate: Afternoon tea delivered by English horse carriage features rich brownies; locally sourced Yunnan cuisine is healthy and delicious. You can pre-order breakfast, and the insanely fresh beef rice noodles are a must-try! 🌸 Seasonal exclusives! The four-season beauty at the foot of Cangshan The charm of Mutian Yangshan is hidden in the unique scenery of each season, with new surprises whenever you visit! 🍃 Spring (Feb-Apr): Winter cherry blossoms and camellias bloom in the courtyard, Lingquan Creek is full of fresh greenery. In the morning, you can follow the butler to pick spring tea in the mountains, hand-fry it, and brew a pot—the tea fragrance mixed with floral scent is super healing; 🌿 Summer (May-Aug): The Cangshan clouds and mist are most lively, the infinity pool opens, and in the evening there’s an outdoor BBQ by the pool. Feel the evening breeze while watching the sunset dye the mountain peaks red, and on summer nights, listen to the insects and count stars; 🍂 Autumn (Sep-Nov): When the rice fields in Xizhou turn golden, the hotel organizes a "Rice Field Autumn Hunt" hike. After returning, enjoy an osmanthus honey afternoon tea. The ginkgo leaves at the corner of the ancient courtyard walls make natural bookmarks; ❄️ Winter (Dec-Jan): If lucky, you can see the snow-capped Cangshan peaks. The private hot spring pool is warm and cozy. The hotel sets up a copper stove in the courtyard to brew tea, paired with freshly baked milk fan and Sachima, warming both body and heart. There are also themed decorations for Christmas and New Year. 💡 Practical information summary 📍 Hotel address: No. 13, Zhongyin Village, Yinqiao Town, Dali City (near the foot of Cangshan) 📍 Transportation guide: 8 km from Dali Ancient City (15 minutes by car), 38 km from the airport, airport pickup service can be booked in advance, making travel very convenient. 🚗 Nearby attractions: Panxi S Bay (6 km) → Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas (6.5 km) → Xizhou Ancient Town (14 km) → Cangshan Cableway (9 km). The route is straightforward for a one-day tour. 💡 Pitfall avoidance & bonus tips 1. Photo tips: The hotel offers free travel photography. Wear a bright-colored dress and shoot by the infinity pool or courtyard greenery for instant high-end photos; 2. Cat lovers’ perk: The hotel has several super clingy cats. Cat lovers don’t miss the “free cat cuddling”; 3. Service guarantee: 24-hour butler service is available on call, any needs are quickly responded to, even sudden illness can be helped with medicine purchase—super thoughtful. Days at Mutian Yangshan feel stretched out. Waking up to the sound of Lingquan Creek flowing, brewing tea on the terrace in the afternoon while watching clouds roll by, and sipping lightly by the bonfire with violin music at dusk. There is no noise like by Erhai Lake here, only the gentle embrace of Cangshan and the ancient courtyard. When the wind passes through the carved window lattice, you understand that this Cangshan rendezvous has long been tucked into the softest corner of your heart.