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Amanfayun lies hidden in a valley to the west of West Lake.

The 20-minute drive from the centre of Hangzhou takes one along densely wooded bamboo and tree-lined avenues, past the botanical gardens and inner waterways of West Lake, to the temples and village of Tianzhu. The resort and its surrounding tea fields lie just beyond Tianzhu, below North Peak and adjacent to Lingyin and Yongfu Temples, occupying an area of 14 hectares. Access to Amanfayun's Reception House is via a narrow roadway that is bordered by thick forest and groves of bamboo.

Bordering the property to the east is a small stream that runs from south to north. The stream was once the focal point of daily village life where the villagers would gather in the late afternoon to bathe and exchange gossip after a day spent working in the tea fields. Natural flora surrounding the resort is a combination of tea bushes, bamboo and indigenous trees including the fragrant Sweet Osmanthus, Magnolia, Camphor, Chinese Horse Chestnut, Common Fig, Chinese Ash and Waxberry.

ACCOLADES & ARTICLES

Read Luxury Travel Magazine article: Amanfayun: Is it right for you?

Andrew Harper blog: Amanfayun, China

Read article: High-Speed Bullet Train Connects Shanghai, Hangzhou

AWARDS

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SPA

Amanfayun's Aman Spa consists of five separate buildings surrounded by bamboo groves, tea bushes and Magnolia trees. The Spa offers eight treatment rooms, a reflexology room, a fitness centre, a room dedicated to tai chi, yoga and meditation, and a Finishing Salon. Massage and body treatments draw from traditional Chinese massage and reflexology, as well as from ancient Asian healing therapies. The Finishing Salon provides hair spa treatments, manicures, pedicures and waxing.

EXPLORE

Hangzhou's 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.

The 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.

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.

AIRPORT

Hangzhou-Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)

HIGH SEASON

May
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