Hidden in the cloud-kissed mountains of China’s Yunnan province, far from the tourist trail, are two retreats that feel like they belong to another world. Up here, mornings are slow and quiet – sunlight spills through the trees, mist rolls off age-old rice terraces, and the only soundtrack is birdsong and the rustle of leaves. It’s the kind of place where your phone stays in your bag and time seems to stretch.

These peaceful escapes are part of Vinetree, a groundbreaker in China’s eco-luxury scene. Since 2009, the brand has been carving out a new kind of travel experience – one that brings you right into the heart of nature without giving up comfort. Expect canvas tents with serious style, locally rooted experiences, and a strong commitment to protecting the landscapes and communities that make this corner of China so special. For travellers craving immersion without impact, Vinetree strikes the perfect balance between sustainability and serenity.

Vinetree Honghe Valley Tented Resort

Mornings in this corner of Yunnan begin in silence, as mist slowly peels back to reveal the Hani people’s masterpiece: a landscape shaped over centuries, where forested peaks give way to sloping villages, and cascading rice terraces stretch down the valley like green waves. This isn’t just scenery – it’s a living, breathing ecosystem. Water flows from mountaintop to field by gravity alone, no pumps, no pipes – an ingenious system that modern engineers still puzzle over. Fish swim among the paddies, ducks forage freely, and dozens of rice varieties flourish. The Hani call it their lifeline – and when you see it, you’ll understand why.

Set on the edge of this UNESCO-listed landscape, the Kuirong Tents reflect their surroundings in both spirit and design. Canvas walls open to panoramic views of the terraces. Private soaking tubs on timber decks invite slow afternoons. Inside, think old-world charm meets modern Asia: weathered campaign furniture, woven textiles, and burnished brass accents that speak softly of comfort without excess.

Days here move at the rhythm of the land. You might start with tea in a Hani home, listening as elders speak about the story behind each grain of rice. Try your hand at terrace fishing – bamboo traps in hand, feet in the mud, laughter guaranteed. Or spend a lazy hour by the infinity pool, which seems to spill straight into the terraces below. It’s not just a photo op (though it’s a good one) – it’s a moment to breathe, to look, to really be here.

As the light fades over the terraces, the on-site restaurant comes alive with flavours from across Yunnan’s incredibly diverse culinary landscape – home to 26 ethnic groups, each with its own food traditions. The spotlight, though, is on Hani ceremonial dishes: think earthy broths made with wild mushrooms gathered just hours earlier, and river fish grilled over open flame, seasoned with herbs plucked from the edges of the terraces. At the bar, mixologists shake up cocktails with a local twist – chrysanthemum, wild ginger, and foraged mountain botanicals – while the wine list leans toward bottles selected to pair with altitude, spice, and the soft glow of a Yunnan twilight.

Vinetree Southern Silk Road Tented Resort

Head northwest, deeper into Yunnan’s rugged interior, where three of Asia’s great rivers – the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween – carve dramatic paths through the mountains, and you’ll find another retreat tucked into one of the most biodiverse pockets on the planet. Perched at 2,300m above sea level, where caravans once traced the ancient Southern Silk Road, this forest hideaway features 15 tented suites and a handful of communal spaces that seem to hover among the treetops.

The setting is nothing short of extraordinary. This UNESCO-listed region is home to more plant species than all of Europe, and borders the Gaoligong Mountain National Nature Reserve – a haven for red pandas, clouded leopards, and over 500 species of birds. Mornings here are worth getting up for: if you’re lucky (and quiet), you might catch the eerie, melodic calls of white-browed gibbons echoing through the canopy. It’s the kind of moment that reminds you just how wild, and how precious, this corner of the world truly is.

The design here pays homage to the great scientific expeditions of the 19th century – the age when curious naturalists set off into uncharted wilderness with trunks full of gear and an insatiable thirst for discovery. Elevated wooden walkways link tents that seem to float just above the forest floor, carefully crafted to leave as little trace as possible while immersing guests in the treetop world. Inside, vintage expedition trunks double as side tables, brass telescopes stand ready to scan bird-filled branches, and shelves brim with field guides alongside cocktail glasses – blending adventure and comfort in perfect harmony.

Cultural threads – quite literally – run through every corner of this place. The Southern Silk Road wasn’t just a route for silk; it was a conduit for centuries-old crafts and traditions carried across rugged mountain passes. Inside your tent, you’ll find traditional woven hats and baskets – more than just decoration, these are living pieces of history, crafted by hands skilled in techniques passed down through generations. Each item tells a story of patience and artistry from a time long before machines. Every so often, local artisans drop by to share their craft, their skilled fingers deftly weaving fibers into beautiful, functional works that capture the spirit of this mountain community.

A Trails x Vinetree Tented Resorts: Exclusive Promotion

This summer, we invite you to explore one of China’s best-kept secrets with an exclusive offer in partnership with leading eco-luxury brand, Vinetree. Escape to the stunning highlands of Yunnan province with our special packages at two of their extraordinary luxury tented resorts.

At Vinetree Honghe Valley, immerse yourself in the ancient Hani rice terraces, try your hand at traditional terrace fishing, and indulge in the region’s exquisite local cuisine. Or opt for the Southern Silk Road resort, nestled within a UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot, where nature and culture come alive in every moment.

Available only from July to August, booking through A Trails saves you up to RMB 4,880 compared to anywhere else online. Don’t miss your chance to discover these hidden gems of Yunnan. Contact us to secure your spot before the summer window closes!

For reservations and detailed package information, please see below: