Sunyata Hotel, Dali

Zhaoyang Architects squeezed what feels like an entire village onto a two-house footprint in Dali's old town, and the result is a 14-room boutique hotel that turns its back on the street completely. Strategically placed windows open onto private courtyards rather than neighbors, so each minimalist room gets light and views without sacrificing privacy. It's a design exercise you happen to sleep in, selected by the Michelin Guide.