Linden Centre
Overview
IN THE NEWS: The WildChina Collection is proud to announce...
Congratulations to the Linden Centre for winning
Travel + Leisure's 2010 Global Vision Award!
The Linden Centre is an educational and cultural retreat owned by American couple, Brian and Jeanee Linden. Housed in a traditional courtyard mansion originally built by a powerful local warlord, the center offers a range of activities in a meticulously restored, peaceful setting.
Brian and Jeanee spent four years researching local Bai architecture and finding traditional craftsmen to totally renovate their courtyard complex, which is located in Xizhou Village near Dali’s Erhai Lake in the Himalayan foothills. The result is a uniquely elegant and authentic Bai heritage mansion aligned with fengshui design principles to ensure peace and prosperity reign over the house.
Guests are encouraged to linger in the courtyards, gardens and bamboo groves of the compound and also to explore the nearby mountain village to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Bai people first-hand.
Travel Information
Location
Xizhou Town, Dali City, Yunnan Province, China
How to get there?
Closest Airport
Dali Airport, 50km or 31mi from the Linden Centre.
Getting There From
Old Dali City (20km or 12.5mi): By taxi, CNY 80.
New Dali City (37km or 23mi): By taxi, CNY 120.
Dali Airport (50km or 31mi): By taxi, CNY 150.
Lijiang (200km or 125mi): By private vehicle, CNY 450 - 600.
Kunming (350km or 218mi): By plane, CNY 450 per person to Dali Airport. Then proceed to hotel by taxi. | By private vehicle pick-up from Kunming, CNY 1,200 - 1,500. Prices increase to CNY 1,800 for major holidays.
To arrange private vehicle, please contact hotel in advance.
Climate
In general, Dali and Lijiang enjoy temperate climates, sunny skies, and fresh air all year-round. However, the daily temperatures fluctuate greatly, averaging a range of 10°C. We recommend layered clothing for all seasons.
- Rainfall is heaviest in the summer, especially July. Driest weather in winter, especially January.
- Winter temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F).
- Autumn & Spring temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C (50°F to 73°F).
- Summer temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).
Health
Given its low altitude (2200m or 7218ft), guests do not normally experience altitude sickness in Dali. However, sun protection is needed to protect against intense sun exposure during outdoor activities.
Contact Information
Email: info@linden-centre.com
Tel:+86 (0) 872.245.2988 | +86 (0) 872.245.3699
Accommodations
All rooms in the Linden Center are unique and reflect the local Bai culture with custom-designed furniture built by local craftsmen. Contemporary art and regional antiques adorn the courtyards to create an elegant, stylish and artistic space. All amenities and bathrooms have been renovated to international standards. The beds are equipped with Western style mattresses and fine cotton linens.
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Double Room
Suitable for 2 persons. All rooms equipped with two twin beds.
# of room: 13 -
Suite
Suitable for 4 persons. The suite contains two rooms with two twin beds and a queen bed.
# of room: 1
- Free Wireless Internet
- International Direct Dial (IDD)
- Tea-making equipment
- Smoke alarms
- Refrigerators are not equipped in room but are fully accessible in the center’s public area
- Hot water is available from 6:00 -10:00 AM in the morning and 7:00-11:00 PM in the evening
- 24-hour hot water available upon request
- Prices inclusive of all service charges, taxes, and breakfasts.
- Replacement of twin-sized beds with king-sized bed can be arranged at additional charge per night.
- Extra bed can be provided at an additional charge per night.
- Crib can be provided at an additional charge per night.
Facilities
- Free Wireless Internet
- Library
- Large Screen TV available in public space
- Movie room
- DVD Library
- Small exercise facility
- Museum highlighting the local architecture
- Gallery
- Game room
- Gardens with view of terraces & mountains
The Centre features two restaurants - a spacious Western style room and a more intimate Chinese style dining room, serving only the best local food using fresh ingredients sourced from the farming families in Xizhou village. In addition to sumptuous regional Chinese cuisine, delicious Western fare is also prepared by the executive chef, who boasts over 30 years of experience at some of the finest eateries in Yunnan.
All meals can be served on-site during your stay, including a full Western buffet breakfast and Yunnan coffee and tea every morning. Meals are served Chinese style and can be tailored to specific dietary needs. Guests can also enjoy the café and espresso bar's full range of local teas, coffees, wines, and spirits either indoors or on the secluded garden terrace.
For capacity, the Western style dining room holds up to 40 people. The Chinese style dining room holds up to 20, and the Café holds up to 12 people.
The conference room can comfortably seat 16 persons. The Linden Center has two large conference tables, a screen for computer presentations, a white board, and 2-3 breakout rooms that complement the main conference area. There is no extra cost for the conference room.
You can arrange a special event at the Centre, including weddings or family reunions.
Day Experience
Exploration - come to discover
- Trace the steps of the ‘Flying Tigers’ in Xizhou village
- Traditional Bai music and dancing performances in our courtyards
- Antique hunting in village homes and attics
- Participate in a local meal inside a family’s home
- Visit with local organic farmers and fishery owners
- Tour factories of families creating indigenous textiles
- Interact with locals in rustic Muslim communities
Enrichment - come to learn
- Chinese language introduction
- Introduction to calligraphy and Chinese characters
- Traditional Chinese medicine clinic and pharmacy
- Study and temple prayers with local Buddhist clergy
- Trace the tea growing, picking, and blending process
- Discuss local economy and customs with business owners
- Observe local stoneworking by Dali marble craftsmen
- Source local produce and cook with our head chef
Voluntouring - come to give
- English Corner: teach basic English to local villagers
- Heritage of China: help clean and restore a local temple
- School Fun: singing, reading, stories with village children
- Hospital Cheer: visit locals in Chinese traditional hospital
- Go Fish: Assist local fishermen on Erhai Lake
To arrange activities, please contact hotel in advance.
