Lijiang, ChinaShuhe Ancient Town
Banyan Tree Lijiang
Naxi courtyard village
Shuhe Ancient Town Lijiang, China
Renovated
2017
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Wellness LocalOutside the door
The house
Banyan TreeNaxi courtyard village
The grounds unfold like a traditional Naxi village, where stone footpaths and willow-lined waterways replace typical hotel corridors.
“There are no traditional rooms here—only private, standalone villas, which instantly cocoon you in your own little world.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Heated treatment pavilions host Chinese Five Elements therapies and singing bowl meditation.
Notable
Grey clay-tiled courtyards frame Jade Dragon Snow Mountain outside historic Shuhe Ancient Town.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
its 55 villas are in the no-holds-barred luxury vein, scattered amidst tranquil gardens and pools.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
The cobblestone lanes of Shuhe Ancient Town sit just down the road, easily reached on the hotel's complimentary bicycles.
The rooms
Standalone villas sit behind heavy timber gates, opening into private courtyards with carved wood interiors and heated outdoor jet pools.
The plunge pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Private plunge pools sit within courtyard gardens, reflecting swept tile rooflines against Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The spa and gym
Spa pavilions offer body scrubs with local botanicals, and treadmills in the gym face lush bamboo gardens.
Bai Yun Restaurant
The glass-walled pavilion sits above a reflection pond, serving Cantonese dishes and Yunnan specialties under high timber ceilings.
At the table
Wen Hai Bar pours cocktails and regional teas under red lanterns overlooking the central reflection lake.
How it began
Architrave Design shaped the resort around historic Naxi architecture, using local pink stone and curved clay rooflines.
Lijiang
More like this
Amandayan
“Nakhi courtyard pavilions”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.