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Banyan Tree Lijiang China - an overview

Banyan Tree at Lijiang China - call us to book this hotel as part of a tour of China

DESTINATION OVERVIEW

Nestled in a high mountain valley in southwest China, Lijiang is commonly known today for its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List: The Old Town of Lijiang consists of ancient sites like Dayan, Baisha, and Shuhe.

Imagine well-preserved, historic architecture that blends different cultural elements from various Chinese dynasties, where canals lined with willow trees intersect cobblestone streets. You can also discover the traditions of the different ethnic groups living here, like the Naxi, the Tibetan, and the Bai.

DELIBERATE DESIGN

Banyan Tree Lijiang opened in October 2006. Located 2,400 metres above sea level and just 15 minutes by car from Dayan Old Town, it was designed to capture the romance of travel in this ancient city.

The resort conveys a sense of place, of staying in a small village with a series of courtyards, interwoven with flowing streams and bamboo. Traditional Naxi architecture and cultural elements - such as the curved grey brick rooftops, Dongba script, and auspicious pomegranate motif - are merged with contemporary comforts like heated jet-pools. The cosy, intimate interiors are set in gold and russet red colours with furnishings of silk, timber, and stone.

Extensive calculations involving the height of all buildings and walls were made during the design of Banyan Tree Lijiang to ensure that all its villas and suites provide an unobstructed view of the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Hence, all of the resort's accommodations are angled to the northeast and carefully staggered.

A VISUAL AND CULINARY FEAST

The series of courtyards - starting with the driveway - at the front of house was deliberately laid out to culminate in a "wow" effect for our guests when they finally arrive before the handcrafted pagoda in the lake. On a clear day, this would be a picture-perfect moment with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a dramatic backdrop!

A focal point within the resort, the wooden pagoda is sometimes used for conducting wedding ceremonies. It is also the venue for "Moonlight Pagoda", a destination dining experience which features authentic Yunnan delicacies like flat rice noodle with yak meat and barbecued matsutake mushrooms. Advanced bookings are recommended as only one booking is available each night.

For a more private dining affair, try the Imperial Feast, where you will be served a six-course degustation menu by a personal butler in the Presidential Villa. After which, the villa is all yours for the night, complete with a scented bath and petal-strewn bed.

Other dining options at the resort include Cantonese and Yunnan cuisine at Bai Yun, all-day dining at Ming Yue, finger food and drinks at Wen Hai bar, as well as in-villa dining (including hotpot and barbecue).

COMPLETE RELAXATION

Banyan Tree Spa Lijiang offers unique treatments inspired by the region. These include the Gui Shi Hot Stones massage and the three-hour Yunnan Bounty treatment which incorporates local ingredients like pearl barley, red rice and ginseng. Signature Banyan Tree Spa classics like the Royal Banyan package, Lomi Lomi and Balinese massages are also available.

For some retail therapy, stop by Banyan Tree Gallery and pick up a favourite aromatherapy scent or a Naxi-inspired memento.

Top five memories in Lijiang
1

Admiring the view from the top of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain which marks the southernmost section of the Himalayas.

2

"Impression Lijiang", a cultural spectacle choreographed by China's renowned director, Zhang Yimou, it takes place in an outdoor theatre with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a backdrop.

3

Trekking through Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is considered to be one of the most spectacular gorges in the world.

4

Exploring the ancient towns. Don't be afraid to bargain when shopping for locally-made silver or leather products.

5

Sipping Pu-erh tea in a quiet corner. Did you know that for some 1,000 years Lijiang was a key trading point along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, which first started in the Tang Dynasty and ended just after the 1950s




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