Destination dining experiences in China

Against the serene backdrop of time-honoured customs, Banyan Tree has introduced an exclusive selection of evocative destination dining experiences befitting the wonders of historical Lijiang and Ringha, in Yunnan province, China.

Conceptualised to further epitomise the romance of travel, four dining experiences have been introduced to complement the existing restaurants in both award-wining resorts, including the sophisticated banquet-style Bai Yun at Banyan Tree Lijiang and the rustic Tibetan restaurant Llamo at Banyan Tree Ringha. Located just five hours drive apart, the resorts are located amongst pristine highlands, ensuring the seasonal availability of delicacies such as matsutake mushrooms, and rare lean meats such as grass-fed buffalo and yak.

Banyan Tree Lijiang
Luxury seekers may be found at Banyan Tree Lijiang, at the Presidential Villa’s Imperial Feast. A modern six-course degustation menu is served by a personal butler in this regal abode with dramatic views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Diners savour delicacies such as the sesame-encrusted Lijiang trout, and barbecued Yunnan duck with prune relish in a mesclun leaf basket. This once-in-a-lifetime sensuous dining affair is capped by an overnight stay in the villa, whereby an Intimate Moment set-up of a petal-strewn bed and specially drawn aromatic bath await the couple.

Time comes to a standstill in the midst of a tranquil courtyard pond where glowing red lanterns and a galaxy of stars cast reflections on still waters. Located in an iconic handcrafted Naxi-style pagoda, the Moonlight Pagoda meal features Naxi-inspired creations such as flat rice noodle with yak meat and barbecued local matsutake mushrooms. Sweet temptations adapted from local streetside stalls include the buckwheat cake drizzled with honey, both familiar agricultural produce of the area.

Banyan Tree Ringha
For the intrepid thrill seekers, saddle up in the tradition of the Wild West as you participate in Banyan Tree Ringha’s Highland Romance. Guests will ride on horseback through grassy alpine slopes dotted with flocks of grazing cattle, to the lush foothills of the vast Tibetan Plateau. Settle down on a mound of cushions under a colourful picnic tent as the melody of gurgling waters and wind on reed pipes work up an appetite. A hearty four-course Western dinner featuring roasted rib-eye steak flavoured with green peppercorn sauce is served by the banks of the crystal clear Shudugang River.

In the Tibetan First Night experience, guests yearning for an insightful cultural immersion session should be prepared to be swept away by the whirlwind of romance and heady exuberance of a traditional Tibetan wedding dinner recreated in full glory. The journey begins with a wardrobe change after which the participating guests will be specially escorted into a farmhouse that has been elegantly dressed with traditional motifs, floral arrangements and unique dining accoutrements.

This unique experience is accompanied by lively and interactive song-and-dance segments on top of an array of mouth-watering local specialties. Sample creations such as buttered tea, taiji cake, Tibetan deep fried baba and crispy young pigeon. Take home a slice of the experience capturing the jubilant mood and unforgettable moments in a CD of images.

About Banyan Tree Lijiang
Encircled by dramatic mountain terrain, Banyan Tree Lijiang presents many architectural wonders to complement its lush landscape. Each of the 55 stunning Naxi-inspired villas are oriented Northeast, with inspirational views of the towering snow-capped peaks of the 5,600 metre Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

About Banyan Tree Ringha
Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Temple of the Five Wisdom Buddhas in Shangri-La, Banyan Tree Ringha offers 15 beautiful one-bedroom Tibetan Suites, eight rustic two-bedroom Tibetan Lodges, six exquisite Tibetan Spa Suites and three spacious two-bedroom Ringha Lodges.

One–stop reservations at the best rates can be made on the award-winning website, Banyantree.com.