The Linden Centre·Yang's House

Linden Centre isn't just a place to stay; it's a highlight of the trip itself. Everywhere you look, there are exquisite collectibles. Ms. Peng Dan's bilingual explanations (Chinese and English) were incredibly thorough and engaging – I loved them! Mr. Linden himself was also there, busy chatting with us, so much so that he didn't get a chance to eat his bowl of egg fried rice. The handicrafts sold at the center are beautifully curated, a cut above the mass-produced items you find elsewhere. We also had lunch at the Rice Paddy Restaurant, which was delicious.

Years ago, when I first visited Dali, I heard the story of Mr. Linden and this old mansion and always dreamed of staying here to experience it firsthand. This time, I finally fulfilled that wish, and I was even lucky enough to meet Mr. Linden in the courtyard! When he learned we were from Nanjing, he happily told us he had studied at the中美文化交流中心 (Sino-American Culture Exchange Center) at Nanjing University in '87 and '88, and had many fond memories of Nanjing. This instantly made us marvel at the wonders of fate – Mr. Linden's timeless encounter with this old mansion, and our own timeless encounter with Mr. Linden and this mansion. So, this isn't just a house or a hotel; it's a spiritual home, a place of shared understanding for Mr. Linden and his guests, our collective beautiful home! The 'Old Mansion Exploration' and 'Market Stroll' activities were excellent, and our guide was wonderful! I regret missing out on the afternoon tea, but the restaurant's dishes were delicious, and the breakfast's Ersi noodles and beef with rice were also fantastic!

The room was clean and elegant, and the staff were warm and attentive. Many thanks for the explanations of local culture and guidance on our tour.

Staying here in December, there were no wheat fields swaying, but the hotel service made my trip to Xizhou full of pleasant surprises. I really loved the hotel's location and learned about the history of the Yang Residence. The service was excellent, and the courtyard is perfect for rural travelers looking for a peaceful break. The service was genuinely warm and welcoming.