Discover a unique and immersive experience at Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve's latest resort. Rissai Valley is located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Southwestern China, offering guests a chance to connect with the UNESCO World Heritage List Jiuzhaigou Valley's landscapes, culture, and traditions in a unique manner.
Jiuzhaigou, situated on the outskirts of China's Southwestern Sichuan province and the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, is a breathtaking valley worth visiting. The region is stunningly beautiful, with magnificent alpine mountains towering over a picturesque landscape of forests, lakes, and waterfalls. UNESCO recognised it as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and World Biosphere Reserve in 1997. Rissai Valley, named after the Tibetan word for "village," is a luxurious and private retreat that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and traditional Tibetan village life. It offers a unique opportunity to gain rare insights and meaningful connections with the local culture.
The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area is a protected national nature reserve covering 72,000 hectares in northern Sichuan Province. The park is home to a variety of rare species of plants, animals, and birds, including China's beloved giant pandas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, sampling traditional Tibetan cuisine, and watching colourful cultural performances. Jiuzhaigou is located approximately 430 kilometres north of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, and can be reached by daily connecting flights from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport. Rissai Valley is about 88 kilometres from the airport, which takes approximately 75 minutes to drive.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Rissai Valley through its 87 intimate villas that offer magnificent views of the snow-capped Minshan mountain range, forests, and ancient Tibetan villages. The U.S.-based architectural firm, WATG, paid homage to the natural surroundings and Tibetan heritage using traditional building forms and locally-sourced materials. The immaculate gardens with indigenous planting, created by John Pettigrew, reflect the extraordinary landscapes. The elegant interiors, curated by the late Indonesian interior design legend Jaya Ibrahim, celebrate the culture and heritage of the local villages with examples of artisanal Tibetan craftsmanship throughout the property. The palettes of forest greens, emeralds, and icy blues mirror the jewel-coloured lakes and waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou.
At Rissai Valley, guests are greeted with a traditional Zhaxi Dele Tibetan blessing ceremony and offered a chance to learn about local heritage and culture. A team of local experts, including culturalists, chefs, and healers, share their knowledge with guests, providing a transformative experience and authentic connections with the people of Jiuzhaigou. Each villa has a dedicated personal host, known as a "Nieba" in the local language, who takes care of all guest needs for a seamless stay. Guests can enjoy Tibetan folk dance and classical music performances, learn the meditative art of Thangka painting, and take leisurely hikes in the surrounding forests. It's an idyllic setting for a memorable cultural experience.
At Rissai Valley, dining experiences are enhanced by stunning surroundings. You can enjoy romantic outdoor dinners amidst a picturesque garden overlooking the forests, plan unforgettable family picnics by clear streams, or attend elegant cocktail events with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Bo Ri Village, opposite the Reserve, offers all-day dining in an idyllic ancient village. For a taste of local specialities, the refined Sichuan restaurant Cai Lin Xuan is a great choice, while La Montagne serves Western dishes and al fresco barbecues with breathtaking views. If you're looking for a relaxing and intimate spot for afternoon tea or evening cocktails, check out the Lobby Lounge.
The Rissai Spa is a peaceful retreat that focuses on holistic wellness and promotes a calm state of mind. Guests can relax and rejuvenate with Tibetan-inspired treatments and healing practices, such as singing bowl sound therapy and yoga sessions near a beautiful waterfall. Additionally, the spa boasts an expansive infinity pool with clear blue waters and a stunning view of a Tibetan village nestled among towering mountains.
Families visiting Rissai Valley can expect a variety of activities that will entertain and inspire their young ones. The Reserve Kids' Club offers a program called Rissai Kids, designed to engage children in the wonders of Jiuzhaigou. This program focuses on Tibetan culture through music and dance, as well as exploring the native plant and animal life. Kids can enjoy guided outdoor adventures, treasure hunts, animal feeding, kite flying, and stargazing evenings as part of the program. Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Reserve: +86 837 819 9999
Location: Zhongcha Valley, Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China, 623402
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