







The brand’s first wine resort, it pays homage to French missionaries who brought winemaking to the region in 1867, yet today it remains a vibrant mix of Tibetan, Han, Bai, and Naxi traditions
Time Magazine, March 2026World’s Greates Places to Stay 2026
The editors of Time pick 50 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay this year. We include the hotels and lodges on the list.
Time Magazine
More info
Hotels Own Introduction
Where Rivers and Mountains Converge
At the meeting point of Nushan Mountains and Biluo Snow Mountain, the Lancang River winds its way south through dramatic valleys. This remote landscape forms a striking natural and cultural crossroads, where Eastern and Western influences have intertwined for generations.
A Village of Cultural Harmony
Perched above the village, Songtsam Lodge Cizhong looks out across vineyards toward the century-old Cizhong Catholic Church—a rare architectural fusion of Gothic design and traditional Chinese elements. Within the village, diverse ethnic communities and faiths coexist in a spirit of quiet harmony, shaping a way of life that feels both timeless and deeply rooted.
Echoes of Exploration and History
Inside the lodge, black-and-white photographs captured by Western explorers during the era of the Republic of China offer a glimpse into the region’s layered past. These visual narratives add depth and character, connecting guests to the legacy of discovery that defines this remarkable destination.
Vineyards, Traditions, and Living Culture
Guests are invited to explore the nearby Songtsam Cizhong Winery, where high-altitude wines reflect the unique terroir of the valley. During harvest season, a rare opportunity awaits: joining local villagers in hand-picking grapes, an experience that reveals the enduring traditions of the region, including the crafting of “Meiguimi” red wine.
Elevated Comfort in a Dramatic Landscape
The lodge’s 26 rooms and suites are designed for immersion in the surroundings, each featuring a private balcony that opens onto sweeping views of the valley. At 2,200 metres above sea level, days are bathed in warm light, while evenings unveil star-filled skies over the river below.
Flavours of a Cultural Crossroads
Cuisine reflects the region’s unique cultural blend, drawing from Tibetan and Naxi traditions. Local ingredients—such as walnut oil, grains, and pork—are reimagined in dishes that bridge Chinese and Western influences, often paired with the lodge’s own wines.
A Fertile Valley of Quiet Beauty
Set within the lush expanse of the Upper Mekong valley, Cizhong is a landscape of vineyards, wheat fields, and walnut groves, punctuated by prayer flags, waterfalls, and traditional farmhouses. Here, nature and culture exist in delicate balance, offering a rare sense of place defined by authenticity, tranquillity, and enduring heritage.