Amandayan
Serene, culturally immersive, architecturally refined. Nakhi-inspired wooden structures, hand-carved lattice screens, and Yunnan pine interiors. Very quiet, very small, very Aman.
Ask the concierge to book the Pavilion Afternoon Tea — it's in a secluded four-pillared retreat off the main property with sweeping Old Town views and is the kind of thing easy to miss
Why It Matters
One of only three Aman properties in China, Amandayan occupies a singular hilltop perch directly above a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Nakhi culture programming — Dongba calligraphy workshops, traditional paper-making, daily guided cultural activities — goes well beyond token gestures. And that mountain backdrop never gets old.
Amandayan sits atop Lion Hill with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain filling every window and Lijiang's 800-year-old UNESCO-protected Old Town spread out below. It's an intimate hilltop retreat — just three accommodation types, a serene spa, and three dining venues — all housed in elegant wooden pavilions drawn from Nakhi architectural tradition. The altitude here is 2,400 metres, which is real: take the first day slow.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Courtyard Suite
Amandayan's entry-level accommodation is still 72 square metres. These suites overlook a shared traditional Nakhi courtyard — the kind of serene, stone-paved space that makes you want to just sit with tea and do absolutely nothing. King-size bed, separate living area with daybed or sofa, free-standing bathtub, double vanities, and a personal bar. Interiors combine Nakhi-influenced décor with Yunnan pine and Dong Bei elm. A very elegant base for two.
King · 72 sqmDeluxe Suite
Structurally similar to the Courtyard Suite but with access to shared large terraces gazing out over quiet courtyards or the distant mountains. King-size bedroom with separate living area, free-standing soaking tub, and the same careful palette of regional wood and traditional textiles. The terrace views push this one toward mountain scenery rather than the enclosed courtyard feel. Good choice if you want more sky.
King · 72 sqmThe Amandayan Villa
At 440 square metres, this is the flagship. Two king-size bedrooms connect to a large living room, separate dining room, and a full kitchen — making it workable for a small group or a family wanting real space. The outdoor living terrace looks out over the rooftops of Lijiang and toward the distant mountains. Materials are regional throughout: Yunnan pine, Dong Bei elm, hand-carved wooden screens. Freestanding bathtub, double vanities, separate shower and toilet. The cobbled Old Town is literally a few minutes' walk downhill.
Two King · 440 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Afternoon workshop crafting traditional Chinese herbal sachets with local experts at Wenchang Palace
Daily afternoon class at Wenchang Palace led by a Naxi expert. Guests learn about the origins of Naxi Dongba — one of the world's only surviving hieroglyphic scripts — and practise writing it themselves. The session ends with guests writing personal Dongba wishes to take home.
Traditional Chinese fan painting activity available as part of the resort's cultural programming
Hands-on workshop in the ancient Nakhi art of handmade paper-making, led by local artisans at Wenchang Palace
Half-day experience taking in historic Wenfeng Temple and its camellia and pine grounds, a Dongba calligraphy session, traditional Nakhi dance performance, and a visit to the ancient village of Ciman (known for its Nakhi architecture and longevity). Ends with a homemade Nakhi meal.
Private guided excursion covering Dayan Old Town's cobblestone lanes and canals alongside a visit to the Black Dragon Pool — one of Lijiang's most photographed spots, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the water
Private guided tour to Shangri-La, 200km northwest of Amandayan, via Tiger Leaping Gorge alongside the Jinsha River. Includes a visit to Songzanlin Monastery, one of China's top three lamaseries.
A guided morning walk through the Zhongyi Local Market, one of Lijiang's most authentic gathering spots where Naxi, Bai, and Mandarin speakers converge in traditional dress. Light exercise combined with real local colour.
Guided Tai Chi practice on a wooden deck surrounded by trees, led by an experienced Tai Chi master. Available as part of the daily spa and wellness programme.
Seasonal excursion (June–September) through forests and streams around Lijiang to forage wild mushrooms, followed by a feast using the day's finds. One of the more unusual resort experiences available in China.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
In-room WiFi throughout the property
Complimentary daily scheduled cultural activities including Dongba calligraphy, paper-making, and Chinese herbal sachet workshops at Wenchang Palace
Daily breakfast at The Lounge is included with all room types — a combination of Yunnan local specialities and Western classics
On-site private cinema available to guests (featured as an included benefit in the Ultimate Discovery offer)
Fitness centre with exercise equipment including treadmills; set within the spa complex under traditional wooden beamed ceilings
Complimentary in-room refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages included with all stays
Under-floor heating in all suite and villa room types
20-metre heated outdoor pool surrounded by traditional wooden pavilion architecture, framed by Nakhi-style structures
Five individual treatment rooms each featuring steam showers, wooden soaking tubs, and private relaxation areas
One-way airport or train station transfer included in all stays. Round-trip transfers included for stays of two or more consecutive nights. Private limousine transfers also available for regional excursions.
Dedicated yoga studio for private and group sessions; also available as an outdoor practice space in tranquil resort settings
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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