Kasion Hotel Lijiang: Reviews, Prices & Booking Guide

Finding a hotel near the iconic Big Waterwheel in Lijiang Ancient City can be confusing when two properties share the same brand name. The Lijiang Ancient City Kasion Hotel (Big Waterwheel Store) is a 5-star property that opened in 2020 with 128 rooms and a 9.7/10 guest rating from over 4,000 reviews on Trip.com, while its newer sister, the 4-star Kasion Pugis Hotel, launched in 2025 at a more accessible price point. This guide breaks down the differences between these two Lijiang accommodations, compares their pricing, policies, and guest satisfaction, and helps you decide which one fits your travel style.

Last checked: 2026-07-18

Property name: Lijiang Ancient City Kasion Purey Hotel – Big Waterwheel Store · Star rating: 5-star · Average starting price: USD 135 · Guest rating (Kasion Pugis): 9.7/10 · Review count (Kasion Pugis): 1,961 · Distance to Lijiang Railway Station: 12 km

Where is the best place to stay in Lijiang?

Lijiang’s accommodation landscape splits between the UNESCO-listed Ancient City (Dayan Old Town) and newer districts outside the old walls. Staying inside the Ancient City means walking on cobblestone lanes, hearing the canal water flow, and being steps from the Big Waterwheel — but it also means higher noise levels and limited vehicle access. The Kasion properties sit right at this intersection of convenience and authenticity.

Ancient City vs newer districts

The Ancient City offers an immersive cultural experience, but its traditional Naxi architecture means fewer modern amenities like elevators or large-scale hotel facilities. The Kasion Hotel (Big Waterwheel Store) is one of the few 5-star properties inside the old town, with an elevator, swimming pool, and concierge service listed on Traveloka. Newer districts like Shuhe or the area near the railway station offer quieter nights and larger chain hotels but lack the historic atmosphere.

Luxury options like Kasion Purey

The 5-star Kasion Hotel (sometimes listed as Kasion Purey) commands a price range of roughly USD 58 to USD 135 per night depending on season and room type, according to Trip.com US. Its 128 rooms, opened in 2020, come with modern fittings while retaining local design touches. The buffet breakfast costs CNY 98 per adult, with children under 1.2 m eating free and those over 1.2 m charged CNY 48.

Mid-range options like Kasion Pugis

The 4-star Kasion Pugis Hotel (Old Town Waterwheel), opened in 2025, targets budget-conscious travelers who still want proximity to the Ancient City. Breakfast is priced at CNY 88 per adult, with children under 1.4 m eating free — a more family-friendly policy. The property is ranked the No.1 4-star special selection hotel in Lijiang on Trip.com JP, suggesting strong value for its class.

Is Lijiang worth going?

For visitors deciding between destinations in Yunnan, Lijiang’s UNESCO Old Town remains a strong draw. The question is less about whether to go and more about how to plan efficiently.

Why Lijiang is a top destination

The Ancient City’s network of canals, stone bridges, and Naxi architecture is unlike any other in China. The Big Waterwheel, located at the northern entrance, is the most photographed landmark in the city. Both Kasion properties sit within 0.2 km of this wheel, placing guests at the center of the action. The Hong Kong Trip.com page for Kasion Hotel notes that the property is close to the Lijiang International Ethnic Culture Exchange Center and Hongtaiyang Commercial Plaza.

Key attractions near Kasion Hotel

From the hotel, guests can walk to Sifang Street (the Ancient City’s central square), the Mu Palace (a Ming-era Naxi ruler’s residence), and the Black Dragon Pool (a scenic pond with views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain). The 29 km drive from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport to the hotel takes roughly 40–50 minutes, per Trip.com US.

Weather and best times to visit

Lijiang sits at 2,400 m above sea level, with a mild climate year-round. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures, while summer sees monsoon rains. The 2–3 day itinerary commonly recommended by travelers aligns well with the typical length of stay at the Kasion properties.

How many days in Lijiang is enough?

Three days is the sweet spot for a first visit, allowing one day for the Ancient City, one day for a mountain excursion, and one flex day for markets or rest.

A 2-day itinerary including Kasion Hotel

Day 1: Arrive at Lijiang Sanyi Airport, take a taxi or Didi (approx. 40 min, CNY 80–120) to the hotel. After check-in (from 14:00 at Kasion Hotel), explore the Ancient City on foot: visit the Big Waterwheel, wander through Sifang Street, and have dinner at a Naxi restaurant near the hotel. The late check-out at 14:00 on departure day means you can sleep in.

Day 2: Take a half-day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (about 30 km from the hotel; book a tour via the concierge). Return to the hotel for a late lunch, then visit the Black Dragon Pool in the afternoon. The Kasion Hotel’s multilingual staff, listed on Traveloka, can help arrange transport.

Day 3: Add a day trip to Shuhe or Baisha

If you have a third day, take a 20-minute taxi to Shuhe Ancient Town (quieter and less commercialized than Dayan) or visit Baisha Village to see the Mural Temple. Both are easily reachable from the Kasion properties and give a more relaxed perspective on Naxi culture.

Is Dali or Lijiang nicer?

This is one of the most common questions among Yunnan travelers. The honest answer depends on what kind of atmosphere you prefer.

Comparing atmosphere

Lijiang’s Ancient City is larger, more commercial, and more energetic than Dali’s Old Town. Dali, centered around Erhai Lake, offers a quieter, more laid-back vibe with fewer tourists and a stronger backpacker scene. If you want nightlife, dining variety, and a lively historic district, Lijiang wins. If you prefer cycling by the lake and sipping coffee in a quiet courtyard, Dali is the better fit.

Comparing hotel options (Kasion vs Dali Landscape Hotel)

Within Lijiang, the Kasion Hotel provides a 5-star experience inside the Ancient City — a combination that is hard to find in Dali, where most luxury hotels sit on the lakeshore rather than inside the old town. The Dali Landscape Hotel, a comparable property, offers lake views but requires a taxi to reach the historic center. For travelers who prioritize walkability to the main attractions, the Kasion properties have a clear advantage.

Best for first-time visitors

First-time visitors to Yunnan often choose Lijiang over Dali because of the UNESCO designation and the sheer density of sights within walking distance. The Kasion Hotel’s location near the Big Waterwheel makes it a logical base for those who want to minimize travel time between attractions.