Set beneath the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and above an ancient village, the UNESCO-listed site of Lijiang in Yunnan Province is home to Amandayan, the newest intimate luxury resort from Aman Resorts. The resort’s architecture and interiors draw directly from the region’s Nakhi heritage, incorporating Yunnan pine sourced from Shangri-La, Dongba woodcarvings, stone floors and locally woven fabrics for an authentic, harmonious aesthetic.
Amandayan comprises 35 tastefully appointed suites designed for calm and privacy. The resort’s spa emphasizes Traditional Chinese Medicine and treatments that use locally sourced healing ingredients. For recreation, guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a combined Pilates-yoga studio, all arranged to complement the tranquil surroundings.
Outside the resort, curated sightseeing and cultural excursions introduce the highlights of the area. Tours commonly include Lijiang Old Town and nearby villages such as Baisha, Shuhe and Baoshan Stone Village, where traditional crafts and local life remain vivid. For active guests, hiking and horseback trails traverse scenic routes like Tiger Leaping Gorge and pass through rich birdwatching meadows, offering both adventure and opportunities to observe native wildlife.
Seasonal events also enrich a visit. Depending on the lunar calendar, the three-day Huoba Festival—also known as the Fire Torch Festival—takes place in August or September and showcases local customs, music and communal celebration. With its thoughtful blend of cultural authenticity, understated luxury and access to natural and historic sites, Amandayan provides a peaceful base for exploring Lijiang and the surrounding landscapes.