Songtsam Resorts, a collection of luxury lodges and retreats across Tibet and Yunnan, has reopened its Cizhong property as a boutique wine-focused hotel along the Lancang River in the UNESCO-designated “Three Parallel Rivers” region. The renovated lodge, designed by Qi Shanshan, Director of Songtsam’s Design and Art Center, has expanded from 10 to 26 rooms, each with a private balcony facing the jade-colored river and snow-capped peaks.
Interiors incorporate earthy tones, salvaged timber, Tibetan bronze furnishings, and carved window frames, blending traditional architectural elements with modern design. “This authentic design pays homage to ancestral Tibetan architecture while incorporating contemporary craftsmanship,” said Shanshan, highlighting the intent to root the guest experience in both cultural heritage and natural surroundings.
The Cizhong lodge highlights the region’s wine heritage, which dates back to 1898 when French missionaries introduced viticulture that thrives in high-altitude conditions. Guests can sample the property’s own Chardonnay, described as the “liquid diamond of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,” alongside wines from Ao Yun, Shangri-La, and Xiao Ling estates. Facilities include a restaurant serving regional cuisine, a panoramic terrace, spa, and fitness center, with experiences ranging from vineyard tours and winemaking to hikes and cultural visits. Positioned in what is often called “Asia’s Bordeaux,” the lodge offers a refined entry point into Yunnan’s growing reputation for distinctive wines.