destinationsFar East & South East AsiaChinaHangzhouAmanfayun

Surrounded by natural beauty and history in equal measure, Amanfayun is just a 20-minute drive from the centre of Hangzhou, and a 50-minute drive from Hangzhou Airport. The airport is serviced by both domestic and international flights, and there are direct domestic flights to most major cities in China. International flights operate daily between Hangzhou and Hong Kong, Tokyo, Macau, Taipei and Seoul. There are also regular flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Access from Shanghai is either by car (approximately three hours) or by fast train (one hour and 20 minutes).

Amanfayun offers 42 rooms, suites and villas located within the property. Due to the unique nature of the structures, no two rooms are identical. Without compromising the integrity of the dwellings, all accommodations enjoy the comforts of radiant underfloor heating, air conditioning and internet connectivity. All furniture is freestanding and includes daybeds, sofas, dining suites and floor and desk lamps. Fine calligraphy art pieces decorate the walls and a sound system with iPod option is available in all rooms. Televisions are available on request. Most accommodation units open to private or semi-private courtyards with informal outdoor dining and lounging areas.

Village Rooms
The sixteen Village rooms measure on average 66 square metres. Each has a king-sized bed, daybed, writing desk and bathroom with shower, toilet, twin vanities and dressing area.

Village Suites
There are a total of nine Village Suites, measuring on average 88 square metres. These are furnished in a similar way to the Village Rooms, however some have separate bedrooms and others have twin writing desks or daybeds.

Deluxe Village Suites
The twelve Deluxe Village Suites measure on average 135 square metres. Around half of these suites feature a duplex configuration with the bedroom and bathroom located above the living room. Seven of the Deluxe Village Suites enjoy their own private double massage treatment rooms, most with additional shower facilities.

Village Villas
There are four Village Villas - Camphor, Magnolia, Bamboo and Tea. Each measures on average 204 square metres and features a duplex configuration with private double massage treatment rooms.

Amanfayun Villa
The Amanfayun Villa comprises two king-sized bedrooms. Each has an en suite bathroom and the master bedroom has a private sitting area. The residence is spread over two levels, measures 290 square metres, and includes an enclosed courtyard and an intimate reading area. Also included is an expansive lounge with a dining area and twin daybeds, as well as a private massage room.

The Restaurant
The Restaurant is tucked away behind a grove of evergreens and offers picturesque views. This is the only outlet which serves Western cuisine. The menu features a number of classic international dishes, in essence offering guests comfort food. The Restaurant also houses the Bar which is suitable for informal dining.

Village Eatery
This casual, authentic eatery provides traditional fare in a simple, picturesque setting. Situated at the northern end of the property, the eatery boasts terraces for al fresco dining. Featuring a traditional kitchen, the restaurant’s focus is on local Hangzhou specialties.

Tea House
The Tea House provides traditional tea service along with a variety of handmade sweet and savoury snacks. A selection of the best teas from the region as well as from around China are available for purchase, and tea sampling will assist you with your choice. The hills surrounding Amanfayun produce Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, often referred to as the finest of all the green teas in China. Local communities farm the tea bushes within the property grounds to produce Amanfayun’s very own Longjing Tea.

The Aman Spa consists of five separate buildings surrounded by bamboo groves, tea bushes and Magnolia trees.

The Reception is the first building accessed via a shaded courtyard, and contains the spa library, lounge and consultation area. Upon arrival, guests are invited to change out of their street shoes and into Aman Spa slippers. Guests’ street shoes are returned at the end of their spa experience cleaned and polished. A wooden stairway leads to the second floor Reflexology Room for traditional foot massages. From the rear of the Reception building, a stone footpath leads to the rest of the spa houses.

The second building is the Bath House. This contains three treatment rooms that allow guests to relax alone or as a couple. Each treatment room is equipped with a circular wooden soaking tub, a rain shower, a steam room and double-seated showers.

The building adjacent to the Bath House is the Movement Studio. This comprises two levels around a central courtyard shaded by weeping willows. Entry is via a reception area featuring a fresh juice bar. On the lower level and directly adjacent to the Yongfu Temple wall is a separate Tai Chi, yoga and meditation room. A fully-equipped gym is located directly across the courtyard and a stairway leads from the gym to the second level which houses the Aman Pilates Studio.

Further along the stone footpath is the Finishing Salon where hair spa treatments, manicures, pedicures and waxing are offered.

The last two-storey structure within the spa complex houses the treatment rooms – three doubles and two singles. Each room features a changing area, steam shower, toilet and soaking tub. Massage and body treatments draw from traditional Chinese massage and reflexology, as well as from ancient Asian healing therapies. At the end of every treatment, guests are served fresh herbal tea in their own private relaxation area.

Aman Spa

Fayun Place
Located in the centre of the property is the most commanding of all the original structures. Two stately courtyard houses have been carefully linked to become the resort’s main meeting area. Known as Fayun Place, it is only accessible to guests of Amanfayun. The lower level with its soaring ceilings and refined lattice work houses the property’s guest assistants, adept at introducing Hangzhou’s many attractions. Also on the lower floor is a lounging area where light traditional snacks and tea are served. The upper level features a Cigar Room and informal sitting and reading rooms.

Library
The Library features an extensive array of books and documentary DVDs (both in Chinese and English) focusing on the history and culture of China.
The Meeting Room
The Meeting Room is fully equipped with the latest audio visual equipment. A striking feature of the facility is the sweeping view of the forest surrounding the village. Taking full advantage of the view are two external terraces that can be used for refreshments during meeting breaks. The Meeting Room and terraces are also ideal for private cocktail parties.

The Boutique
The Boutique carries a handpicked selection of the finest antiques, artefacts, jewellery and crafts available in China. Handmade silk and bamboo parasols for which Hangzhou is renowned, as well as traditional Chinese paintings, books, silks, brocades, textiles and a selection of clothing are available for purchase.

Amanfayun organises informative talks and presentations on topics ranging from Buddhism and Chinese art, to regional cultural practices, tea rituals, Traditional Chinese Medicine and any number of diverse subjects. In addition there are occasions when the property hosts artists and musicians.

Scenic Attractions
Buddhist Temples
Of the seven temples and monasteries within walking distance of Amanfayun, the most renowned is Lingyin Si or “Soul’s Retreat”. Founded in the first year of Xianhe of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (326 AD), the temple once housed 3,000 monks who worshipped in more than 70 halls. Although now reduced in size, it remains one of the ten most important temples in the country. In the Main Hall sits a 24.8-metre high, gold-gilded statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, the largest sitting Buddha in China. Adjacent to Lingyin Temple and bordering Amanfayun is Yongfu Si (Temple of Goodness). Set in the forest with meandering paths and extensive gardens, this is one of the prettiest temples in the area. Higher up the mountain lies the Temple of Taoguangguanhai, boasting views across the hills and valleys to West Lake and Hangzhou City in the distance. At the very top of North Peak Mountain, the highest peak in Hangzhou district, is the 1,600-year-old Lingshun Temple (Temple of Wealth). This popular temple sees a constant stream of pilgrims lighting incense and praying for increased fortunes. Alongside Meiling North Road, at the turn off to Amanfayun, is a walkway that traces the original Tianzhu (the ancient Chinese name for India) Pilgrim Path, and links the upper, middle and lower Temples of Tianzhu.

The Temple of Faxi (Happiness) is the upper temple – the largest of the three. It was established between 906 – 970 AD. One kilometre south lies the temple established by Master Baozhang, an Indian monk, in 597 AD. It is known as the Middle India Peak. The lower temple known as Fajing Temple (Reflection) was established by the Indian monk, Master Huili, in 330 AD. This is the only nunnery in Hangzhou and is surrounded by tea fields and a small village. Many older Hangzhou women visit this temple to pray and spend time with the nuns.

West Lake
Formed from what was originally an inlet of the Qiantang River, the lake was created in its current form by the silting of the river in the 4th century. Covering eight square kilometres, the lake is surrounded by verdant hills and its shores and causeways are lined with fragrant trees and lotus blossoms. Its beauty is revered country wide and it is one of the most visited sites by domestic travellers. With its historic bridges, pagodas, islands and gardens, it can be visited at any time of the day although it is at its most peaceful early in the morning. Guests of Amanfayun are privileged to have access to an historic pavilion on the shore of the lake where a number of boats are available to take guests to both well-known and lesser-known attractions. During the cooler months, a wonderful way to explore the lake shore is by bicycle.

Six Harmonies Pagoda
Completed in 970 AD, the Pagoda of Six Harmonies was intended to restore the balance of the six directions of the universe – north, south, east, west, heaven and earth – to counteract the devastating destruction of the Qiantang River tidal bores. This octagonal brick-and-wood structure is one of China’s most significant pagodas preserved from ancient times. Towering 60 metres above the slopes of Moon Disc Hill, the pagoda has 13 storeys, each offering excellent views of Qiantang River and the outer regions of Hangzhou City. Just behind the pagoda is an extensive garden with miniature pagodas hidden amongst the trees. The Chinese Pagoda Exhibition Park was opened in 1993 and features over 100 replicas of famous pagodas from all over China. Tastefully designed, it offers a tranquil setting in which to wander.

The Tea Museum
The hills surrounding West Lake produce the world famous Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea. Hangzhou is often lauded as the “Tea Capital of China” for its excellence in tea cultivation, education and culture. A visit to the National Tea Museum, just a few minutes’ drive from Amanfayun, will explain the many fascinating aspects of tea cultivation and its importance in the history of China. Different teas can also be sampled to enhance the experience.

Festivals
China is renowned for its many festivals and celebrations. Amongst the most important are Spring Festival (14.02.10), Lantern Festival (28.02.10), Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) 05.04.10, Duanwu Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) 16.06.10 and Mid-Autumn Festival 22.09.10. Hangzhou also has its own colourful festivals that are unique to the city. The West Lake Pilgrimage Fair (03.04.10), West Lake Lotus Festival, West Lake Osmanthus Festival (15.09.10 – 15.10.10), Qiantang Tide Watching Festival (23.09.10) and West Lake International Fireworks Show are the best known.

Shopping
Hangzhou today is a shopper’s paradise. Visitors can browse the international luxury brand stores in Hangzhou Towers at Wulin Square in the city centre, or scour the eclectic boutiques along Wulin Road and in Si Ji Qing Market for unique items and bargain buys.

Qinghefang Street
Also known as Hefang Street, this bustling, pedestrian-only causeway lies at the foot of Wushan Hill to the southeast of West Lake. A lively boulevard almost two kilometres in length, it typifies the hustle and bustle of an earlier era in Chinese history, and offers both modern and traditional wares such as fans, cosmetic powders and hams – some sold from the same stores as they were a century ago.

Silk Street
Hangzhou has been known for centuries as the “City of Silk” and is still considered today to be China’s Silk Capital. The silk streets of Xinhua and Jiankang have been newly renovated as pedestrian-only boulevards providing a bustling mix of old and new stores and boutiques selling all 14 categories of Chinese silk. These streets were the centre for silk production and trade during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and continue today to be the largest wholesale and retail silk market in China.

Hangzhou & Beyond
Hangzhou
Famed for its natural beauty, Hangzhou is one of the seven ancient capitals of China including Xi’an, Nanjing, Luoyang, Beijing, Kaifeng and Anyang. Founded 2,200 years ago during the Qin Dynasty, it is one of the most renowned and prosperous cities within modern day China.

Once described as an “earthly paradise”, Hangzhou became the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty between 1138 and 1279. During this period, the city served as the seat of the imperial government and a centre of trade and entertainment. It is believed that Marco Polo visited Hangzhou at the height of its prosperity and described it as “the city of heaven, beyond dispute the finest and noblest in the world”. With a population that is thought to have numbered more than one million, it was at various times the largest city in the world. Following the siege and capture of the city by the Mongol armies of Kublai Khan in 1276, the capital of the new Yuan Dynasty was established in Beijing. Hangzhou remained an important trading centre through until the middle of the Ming Dynasty era.
Modern day Hangzhou is a bustling city, yet despite its recent urban development, the city still retains the historic and cultural heritage for which it is famed.

Beyond Amanfayun
Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing is located just steps from the East Gate of the Summer Palace and is the ideal location from which to discover Beijing. Transfers between Beijing International Airport and the resort take from 30 to 50 minutes each way and are provided on arrival and departure.