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Banyan Tree has announced the opening of its newest luxury property – a mountainside resort in China’s Sichuan province.
Nestled in the heart of one of China’s most significant landscapes, the new Banyan Tree Mount Emei serves as a gateway to the Mount Emei Scenic Area, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed for “both its cultural and natural significance and known for its rich biodiversity”.
“Mount Emei holds a distinctive place in China’s cultural and natural heritage,” said Philip Ding, Senior Vice President, Head of Hotel Operations, Northeast Asia and Business Development, China, Banyan Group.
“As one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, it brings together centuries of tradition and exceptional ecological value.”
Rooms, villas and dining
Reflecting western Sichuan’s traditional courtyard homes, the resort follows the natural contours of a forested valley, with its design, landscaping and guest experiences taking inspiration from the surrounding environment and local culture.
On arrival guests are welcomed by mature camphor trees which lead to an open-air courtyard inspired by the traditional Chinese architectural principle of “four waters returning to the hall”.
The resort features 130 rooms and villas across six categories – including Mountain View, Garden Villas, Lakeside Villas, and a Presidential Villa – with each featuring a private outdoor hot spring pool. Ideal for families and small groups, the 320sqm Presidential Villa has a private garden of similar size and a terrace which overlooks a forest and stream.
Dining options at Banyan Tree Mount Emei include the Jiayao Chinese Restaurant, which showcases locally sourced ingredients and regional specialities alongside Cantonese favourites. Meanwhile, Chinese and international flavours are served at Mingyue All-Day Dining and afternoon tea and evening drinks at the Lobby Lounge.
For a more unique and private experience, guests can enjoy afternoon tea aboard a traditional black-canopy boat, dine in the Mid-Lake Pavilion or among the bamboo forest, or gather in the Study Room for tea.
Nature and wellness
Banyan Group revealed that during the development stage of the property, seven century-old camphor trees, as well as all existing trees measuring more than 10 centimetres in trunk diameter, were retained in their original locations. Pathways through the bamboo forest follow the natural terrain, allowing bamboo to grow alongside the walkways.
For some R&R, guests can head to the Banyan Tree Spa, which draws on Asian healing traditions and features five private treatment rooms designed for couples. There’s also a rainforest-inspired hydrothermal experience and spa café.
Beyond the spa, guests can walk the bamboo forest trail, practise yoga or relax with a weightless floating therapy experience. Other wellness experiences include a temperature-controlled swimming pool with 180-degree views of the bamboo groves and lake, and a dedicated yoga studio and fitness centre.
A curated selection of local crafts and cultural experiences are also on offer, including Emei martial arts, traditional tie-dyeing and bamboo weaving.