New hotel openings in China are a dime a dozen these days. But the upcoming Banyan Tree Yangshuo, which will be launched in the middle of the year, made us sit up and take notice. 

The resort will be located in the picturesque town of Yangshuo, in the south of the country near Guilin. The town is famed for its gorgeous karst peaks, scenic rivers and beautiful valleys—it's a breath of fresh air, literally, from the usual polluted cityscapes. Plus, the town is also home to the world-famous painted fans of China (they'll make for perfect souvenirs). 

It'll be easy to get to Banyan Tree Yangshuo—the hotel is a mere one-hour drive from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport. Specific details of resort facilities are still sketchy, but visitors can expect the customary Banyan Tree features—think rustic, yet incredibly luxe furnishings, with a strong ecological conscience. Watch this space for more updates.