Nestled amid the peaks of China’s Yunnan Province, the ancient water town of Lijiang invites travelers into its charming warren of cobblestone alleyways, gushing canals, and wooden buildings with upturned eaves. Though quaint, the UNESCO World Heritage Site sees no shortage of tourists flocking to its teahouses and souvenir stands. That’s why on a recent trip, I sought solace from the crowds at a luxurious refuge in the mountains: Banyan Tree Lijiang. Overlooking sprawling rice terraces, this 5-star hotel provided the perfect base to explore Lijiang’s cultural and natural splendor. In this psot i share Our Hotel, Banyan Tree Lijiang & Our Flights experience.
Journeying to Lijiang
I departed Washington, D.C. on a transpacific flight bound for Beijing. After almost 14 hours aloft, I stretched my legs during a three-hour layover before boarding a regional jet to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. Nestled high in the mountains, the recently constructed airport cut travel time by more than half compared to the overland route. The hour-long connecting flight afforded breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks before touching down. A driver from Banyan Tree was waiting to whisk me directly to the secluded resort just 23 minutes away.
First Impressions at Banyan Tree Lijiang
We crossed an unassuming bridge and suddenly the lush grounds came into view. I was greeted by smiling staff at the open-air lobby and received a refreshing herbal tea made from wild chrysanthemums – the first of many thoughtful touches. The check-in process was seamless, without any language barrier, and soon I was walking to my private pool villa just steps from a tranquil stream. The blend of timber, marble, and regional motifs created a warm, luxurious atmosphere. After settling in, it was time to indulge at the on-site restaurants and spa before turning in early.
Dining at Banyan Tree Lijiang
I awoke the next morning ready to fuel up for area adventures. My elaborate breakfast spread at the Oriental All-Day Dining featured dim sum, rice congee, stir-fried mountain vegetables, and fluffy steamed buns. The restaurant’s outdoor terrace overlooks the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range – an idyllic backdrop for sipping Lijiang specialty tea. In the evenings, Harbor Chinese Restaurant took center stage serving freshly prepared Beef Hot Pot alongside colorful cocktails infused with foraged berries and blossoms from Yunnan. For fine international wining and dining, the swanky Rainforest Bar & Grill boasts a walk-in wine cellar of over 500 labels complemented by grilled Wagyu tenderloin and whole fresh Yunnan trout.
Indulging at Banyan Tree Spa Lijiang
After burning calories climbing Lion’s Hill for panoramas of Lijiang’s tiered shingled rooftops, I was more than ready for my scheduled massage at the spa. Each treatment room unveils scenic views of mountain ridges while Signature Rainforest therapies incorporate wild-foraged ingredients like camellia oil and Yunnan red rice. I selected the rejuvenating Royal Lijiang Ritual combining a mineral-rich floral footbath, full-body exfoliation, and muscle-melting massage. The experience concluded with a cup of antioxidant pu-erh tea handpicked at a nearby organic plantation owned by Banyan Tree.
Cultural Day Trips from Banyan Tree Lijiang
Over steaming bowls of Crossing the Bridge Noodles – a revered Yunnan dish – my attentive guide Cherry outlined worthy side trips to enhance my week-long stay. Thanks to the resort’s central location, the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Baisha and Shuhe were easily accessible for morning strolls among heirloom gardens dotted with shrines. Daylong excursions to rural Hongpo Village and the First Bend of Yangtze River provided glimpses of enduring ethnic Dong culture against dramatic backdrops – well worth lengthy drives across mountain ridges.
Key Takeaways from Staying at Banyan Tree Lijiang
Luxury – Architecturally striking pool villas, indulgent spa, and exceptional dining venues deliver premium pampering with intuitive service.
Surroundings – Tranquil mountainous landscapes with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views create an atmosphere ideal for recharging.
Accessibility – Proximity to Lijiang Old Town and transportation coordination to outlying areas allow flexible adventures.
Sustainability – Local partnerships, on-site organic farming, and foraging initiatives positively engage the community while protecting regional biodiversity.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly Lijiang deserves time exploring its cobbled laneways and rebuilding timeworn bridges washed away by the surging Yuhe River each spring. But outside the Old Town along the peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Banyan Tree Lijiang presented sacred solitude and sustainable luxury hospitality. My stay proffered precious opportunities to soak in Yunnan’s cultural essence while enjoying mindful relaxation against storybook panoramas – a winning combination for any world traveler! I hope you like reading this Our Hotel, Banyan Tree Lijiang & Our Flights post.