Ruth Tertilt experiences the rejuvenating powers at Amanyangyun, Shanghai.
Tucked away within a protected camphor forest on the outskirts of Shanghai, Amanyangyun is a retreat unlike any other. 16 years in the making, its story began 700 kilometres away in Fuzhou, Jiangxi province. The hotel was born from an ambitious conservation effort that saw 10,000 camphor trees relocated and 26 Ming and Qing Dynasty antique villas disassembled stone by stone and painstakingly rebuilt on this peaceful 10-hectare estate. An antidote to the buzz of Shanghai, Amanyangyun offers a rare dose of slowness, beauty and cultural rootedness.
Arriving at the hotel feels almost poetic. Guests are invited to water the King Camphor Tree using water drawn from an ancient well. This behemoth, standing at 17 metres tall and weighing a staggering 80 tonnes, travelled the same long journey as the villas and now thrives at the heart of the resort, stronger than ever. It is a quiet, grounding ritual that brings the family together in a symbolic way.
At the Cultural Discovery Centre, meanwhile, children are encouraged to nurture seedlings descended from this ancient tree, guided by the resort’s gardening team who gently share its story of preservation and growth. It’s one of those experiences that is both educational and emotional, providing youngsters with a real sense of connection to something far greater than themselves.
The experience continues with a screening of Amanyangyun’s documentary in their private IMAX cinema. The film tells the story of the resort’s 16-year creation and invites viewers to reflect on how the past shapes the future. It’s a perspective-shifting experience, enabling visitors of all ages to enjoy a shared meditative moment.
This attention to detail feeds into the hotel’s accommodation. There are several room styles on offer, including the majestic Ming Courtyard Suites which boast light-flooded interiors, two generous private courtyards, and a calming, zen-like feel. For those seeking more space laced with luxury, the restored Antique Villas range from 800 to 1,000 square metres and include private pools, Jacuzzis and traditional courtyards.
Wellness here is conceived broadly, encompassing every member of the family. The Aman Spa, one of the largest in the collection, boasts a plethora of treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, cold plunge, and a Yoga and Pilates studio complete with serene views stretching across the lake and forest.
Two private Spa Houses each feature a Russian banya and Turkish hammam for deeper thermal therapy. The restorative experience is guided by therapists armed with an intuitive understanding of the body and concludes in a private relaxation lounge where guests can sip on tea and herbal refreshments while admiring the abundance of greenery outside.
Aside from its roster of spa treatments, the hotel also offers daily morning wellness classes that have been thoughtfully designed around the natural surroundings. Tai chi classes calm the mind and increase lymphatic flow while sound healing sessions can loosen blocked energy and restore a balanced state of mind and body.
But it is perhaps the simplest activities that define family wellbeing here. Cycling through the estate provides a gentle way to explore the vast grounds. Winding along tree-lined routes and past quiet lakes and historic villas provides families with a rare chance to slow down, reduce screen time and immerse themselves in the sounds of nature.
Cultural immersion for the whole family extends to Nan Shufang, the resort's cultural pavilion modelled on the royal reading rooms of the Forbidden City. Furnished with traditional nanmu wood and housed within one of the most architecturally significant of the restored antique buildings, it is a space dedicated to art, knowledge, and contemplation.
It was here that we experienced the soothing almost therapeutic powers of Chinese calligraphy. The prized art form, which rose to prominence during the Han dynasty, demands slow brushstrokes and impressive levels of patience, presence and laser focus. There was something in the way that each sweeping motion required a certain level of concentration that felt completely new to us as a family, enabling us to bond in a way we’d never experienced before.
The Cultural Centre also shines a spotlight on traditional musical instruments, including the guqin and guzheng, and allows guests to take part in a Chinese tea ceremony or learn more about the art of incense. Each experience offers a different way to slow down, reconnect with culture, and embrace a precious moment of open-mindedness.
Amanyangyun is, above all, a place of quiet immersion. Whether cycling through its private park, participating in cultural rituals, or simply observing the mighty King Camphor Tree, the entire family is invited to adopt a gentler pace, allowing connection, reflection and wellbeing to thrive. It is a retreat where wellness is not simply confined to the spa, but woven into every fibre of the hotel and its surroundings.
Ruth was a guest of aman.com/resorts/amanyangyun
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