Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Opens Gateway to Ancient Tea Horse Road in China

Amongst Banyan Tree's 14 hotels in China, there are two special properties found on each side of this historic thoroughfare, offering guests a unique window into this ancient world.

For centuries, China and Tibet traded tea for horses with porters carrying upwards of 150 pounds of tea across the rugged terrain. This supported a booming trade which lasted until Mao's takeover of China in 1949. Though parts of the road have eroded away or been paved over, visitors can still see the remnants of China's Tea Horse Road. Two Banyan Tree properties, Banyan Tree Lijiang and Banyan Tree Ringha sit at opposite ends of the route and provide the ideal way to experience this historical gateway to the past.

Banyan Tree Lijiang is located in Yunnan Province, the origin of China's coveted puerh teas and the root of the Ancient Tea and Horse Road. Being in the heartland of tea, Banyan Tree Lijiang incorporates tea into many of its restorative and therapeutic treatments. As part of the Royal Banyan Treatment at the Spa, the Barley & Green Tea scrub renews and cleanses the skin; whilst the Yunnan Bounty treatment's Green Tea Tonic mist offers a soothing interlude to the Gui Shi Hot Stones massage – perfect after a day of exploring.

At the other end of the Tea Horse Road lies Banyan Tree Ringha. Hidden in a valley of Shangri-la and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this tranquil retreat offers inspiring views transporting guests back in time. At Banyan Tree Ringha, visitors are immersed in the cultural history of Tibet and the resort's spa incorporates elements of tea in its blissful treatments. The Banyan Tree Pouch Massage, a part of the Royal Banyan treatment, is soothing and moisturizing. Tea is wrapped in a linen pouch and dipped in warm sesame oil before it is gently applied to the body along with a palm massage. The Ringha Relief treatment includes a Jasmine Green Tea Bath which soothes and refreshes the skin as well as awakens the senses.

Banyan Tree Ringha takes tea appreciation one step further in the Jakhang Lobby Lounge, where guests can discover the art of tea. Guests have the chance learn about the wide and fascinating array of tea leaves, buds and brews, sampling their favorites from a selection of hundreds of varieties.

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts prides itself on creating environments with authenticity of place and respect of a destination's history and culture. By staying true to local design and ethos, Banyan Tree creates a Sanctuary for the Senses that translates across the ancient Tea Horse Road and beyond.

When planning a trip to Banyan Tree Lijiang the closest airport is Lijiang Airport located approximately 18 miles south of the city with connections to Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen and Guiyang. Most international visitors fly to Kunming first and get to the city by air, train or long-distance bus. Banyan Tree provides a private car service allowing guest to transfer from Banyan Tree Lijiang to Banyan Tree Ringha (about three hours).
Accommodation starts at $285 USD at Banyan Tree Lijiang and $360 USD at Banyan Tree Ringha per night per room.

Visit website: banyantree.com