Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town of Lijiang, the InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort is designed to be part of its natural surroundings and celebrate the region’s traditional architecture.

The master plan places communal spaces, such as the main lobby and restaurant complex, in the south. The central core is planned as a landscaped communal recreational zone, which includes the spa and cultural facilities; the northwest corner is planned as a landscaped lake that serves as a gateway to the Old City adjacent to the site. Villas and rooms are oriented towards the magnificent views of the Yulong Snow Mountain.

Traditional architectural elements are adapted to the new structures to create continuity between the old and the new. Historical features such as the courtyard concept, articulated roofscapes, and rich façade details form the basis of contemporary designs such as the ‘lantern’ effect for the VIP villas, collapsible roofs for the restaurant courtyard, and the island cluster concept for the spa centre. At the pedestrian level, local plants, water bodies, and channels are introduced to the site.