Banyan Tree Lijiang: Chinese Garden, Tranquil Courtyards, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as Its Backdrop

After the pandemic, many people, like me, have listed Yunnan as a must-visit destination, and among all of colorful Yunnan, Lijiang is undoubtedly the gentlest place. Many first-time visitors choose to stay near Dayan Ancient Town, but actually on the much quieter side of Shuhe Ancient Town lies the hotel I want to recommend this time: the second Banyan Tree in China.

Stepping through the hotel gate and standing on the lying wave bridge, you will feel the atmosphere of small bridges and flowing water, which extends to the courtyard entrances of the villa area, recreating the street layout of Lijiang Ancient Town where water flows alongside the streets.

Banyan Tree has always been known for its brand DNA of privacy and romance, and at this one at the foot of Lijiang's snow mountain, I saw more shining points of the brand, which even influenced the design style of subsequent Banyan Tree developments in China.

Timeless Design

Making the Hotel Itself an Attraction

If the first sight of the resort hotel leaves you amazed, then the hotel has won! This is what luxury hotels have been pursuing: the arrival moment.

Entering the courtyard of the reception area, the pagoda as a focal point offers a better viewing effect within the framing of the Chinese garden gate. This classic scene, representative of Banyan Tree Lijiang, is often used in hotel promotions and has become a symbol of Banyan Tree Lijiang.

Passing through several courtyard gates and several courtyards, from the enclosed courtyard to the wide and open lake area, a feeling of sudden openness arises, with the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain coming into full view.

The beautiful scenery instantly relieves the fatigue of the journey. Even if you arrive a bit early and the room is not ready, it doesn't matter because the hotel's classic design—a fusion of Jiangnan Chinese garden style with local Naxi culture—makes a walk in the hotel feel like visiting a scenic spot.

As the second Banyan Tree in China, it successfully uses traditional techniques such as framing, alignment, and borrowing scenery to fully express the courtyards of Chinese gardens and the resort atmosphere. It also set the design tone for the entire Banyan Tree in China. If you often stay at Banyan Tree, you will find that the pavilion has become one of its hallmarks in most Banyan Tree properties in China.

Banyan Tree Lijiang has always been a model of garden hotels in the eyes of vacationers. Inside the hotel, courtyards are deep, willows are graceful, lawns are green, and the wide water platform reflects the beautiful scenery. Even just strolling leisurely, the scenery and fresh air within sight are enough to make you feel relaxed and happy~

In the pond, there are large groups of goldfish. Whenever someone approaches, they gather, begging for food. A foodie friend from Guizhou said these fish would be perfect for sour fish soup. In the cage nearby, there are a few parrots, and under the trees, there are free-range geese and a very lazy peacock that rarely opens its tail.

Snow Mountain Backdrop Soaking Pool

Close the Door and It's a Romantic Little World

The hotel has 125 independent Naxi-style villas, all facing northeast towards Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, offering the best viewing angle of the snow mountain. After opening the door, through the spacious living room and courtyard, the distant snow mountain peak becomes the most striking backdrop, in line with the Naxi residential architectural concept of "unity of heaven and man" and "harmony between man and nature." Like the design at the entrance, the layout of the guest rooms is very classic.

This time I traveled with friends and stayed in a two-bedroom villa. The courtyard serves as the axis of symmetry, with one master bedroom with a king bed and one side bedroom with twin beds on two sides, and a lush courtyard in the middle. You can vaguely see the shadows of "three rooms with one screen wall" and "four courtyards with five skywells," but it does not forcefully insert Naxi residential elements. Instead, it combines the aesthetic taste of the Banyan Tree brand for transformation, retaining the simple exterior style dominated by "black, white, and gray."

The interior of the guest rooms uses a color scheme of red, black, and ebony gold, with sharp contrast, appearing elegant and noble. Details such as the Dongba script paintings on the wall, pillowcases, and carpets bear the imprint of Lijiang's characteristic culture.

Both guest rooms have their own bathtubs, especially the master bedroom's bathtub that can even accommodate two people bathing together. The Banyan Tree signature amenity kit, bath products, and sachets found everywhere in the bathroom are what Banyan Tree fans are most accustomed to and find hard to part with.

The 38°C outdoor constant-temperature soaking pool in the courtyard is the biggest feature of the room. Even at night, you won't feel the chill. You can soak in the hot spring while enjoying the starry sky of Lijiang. And the absolute privacy allows many people to relax completely in the room.

Every evening's turndown service includes different gifts and snacks. You will see the core element of the Banyan Tree brand culture—the sea turtle plush toy—as well as the Naxi local characteristic peace beads, which are very thoughtful.

Staying More Than Two Nights Is Most Comfortable

Although it is close to Shuhe Ancient Town with many local snacks, the dining at Banyan Tree Lijiang is by no means casual. The hotel has three dining outlets: Mingyue Western Restaurant, Baiyun Chinese Restaurant, and Wenhai Bar. The buffet breakfast is served at the Western restaurant, with a rich selection of both Chinese and Western dishes, and the taste is commendable. Lijiang's special rice noodles and yak yogurt are also popular with families with children. Most importantly, you can choose to sit outdoors with pleasant scenery.

In the evening, you can try the hotel's signature hot pot. There are choices like preserved pork ribs, yak, and chicken. The authentic fresh ingredients paired with rich sauces and a relaxed environment make for an unforgettable hot pot dinner.

The hotel offers free mountain bikes for convenient trips to the surrounding ancient towns. Actually, the nearest Shuhe Ancient Town is only a 10-minute walk away. If you want to try local snacks or Tibetan delicacies, Shuhe is a good choice. Compared to the noise of Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe Ancient Town is just the way I like it.

Returning in the evening, you can join the hotel's Naxi blessing ceremony. This ceremony originates from Naxi folk tradition. Whether it is a guest from afar or a family member about to leave home, a blessing ceremony is held, wishing all friends and family good health!

Write your wishes, pray under the sound of copper bells, and finally throw the stone with force. It is said that the farther it goes, the more effective it will be.

After dark, don't miss the signature Banyan Tree Spa. Banyan Tree Lijiang has created an authentic Oriental Spa experience, advocating pure techniques and skills rather than high-tech instruments, using natural herbs and spices to interpret traditional Asian therapies. A 90-minute session will leave you completely relaxed.

In addition, the hotel occasionally offers courses such as cocktail making and Italian coffee latte art. Of course, interested guests can also rent Naxi ethnic costumes from the front desk for free and take beautiful photos as memories.

By autumn, the seasonal fruits planted in the hotel's gardens will ripen. This time, I tried one but it was too sour, so I'll wait until next time.

There are many hotels in Lijiang, but in terms of atmosphere, environment, and romance, Banyan Tree remains the top choice. That is the reason why it has endured and its prices remain high. Will you come and try it next time?