2 Best Hotels in Beijing to Shanghai, China

Wake to crowing roosters at this curio-filled boutique hotel opened by a Shanghai artist; it's in a 400-year-old stone house outside Xidi, an hour's drive from Tunxi, so a stay here lets you experience ancient village life—without forsaking air-conditioning or Internet access. The staff prepares tasty home-style meals for lunch and dinner using whatever's in season. A driver is on hand for local tours, airport pickups, and trips to Huangshan, making this a good base for exploring the area. A second, larger location is a 10-minute drive away.

This grand old mansion next to historic Pingjiang Jie balances period atmosphere and contemporary comfort; just ask to see a few rooms before check-in—antique furniture and modern bathrooms are a given, but a cramped, awkward layout and lack of natural light can be issues. The dimly lighted lobby is the oldest part of the complex, dating back 450 years. A series of 11 individually designed gardens are planted with bamboo, plum trees, and peach trees, making it a fun place to explore.