Amandayan

Amandayan’s architectural design follows a traditional aesthetic inspired by the indigenous Nakhi people, and makes extensive use of Yunnan pine, Dong Bei elm, and other locally sourced natural materials. This organic feel fits in well with the beautiful natural surroundings, with the rivers, plateaus and mountains of Yunnan province all around.

The hotel’s 35 lavish suites are at once luxuriously comfortable and rich in tradition, made up of intricately carved wooden screens and blinds, Nakhi embroidery and Dongba artefacts carved from local wood. Particularly special are the Deluxe Suites, which rather than opening onto a traditional courtyard feature their own private terraces, overlooking the ancient rooftops of Lijiang’s Old Town and the modern city beyond.

The position of Yunnan province on the Chinese frontier means it has always been a melting pot for cuisine, among many other things, and that tradition is proudly upheld across Amandayan’s three restaurants. The Chinese Restaurant specialises in traditional Nakhi cuisine, which blends Chinese and Himalayan traditions, while pan-Asian and Western offerings are served at the Lounge. The Tea House, meanwhile, is a lovely spot to relax and look out over the Old Town while you enjoy a range of traditional Chinese and Western teas.

The beautiful spa follows the same design aesthetic as the rest of the hotel, and its therapies are similarly traditional; a wide range of treatments are on offer which draw on ancient Chinese traditions, including massages, cupping, and scrubs. There’s also a well-equipped gym, Pilates studio and swimming pool, so you can make sure you keep up with your fitness routine during your stay.

Lijiang is famous for its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which dates back over a thousand years and is impossibly atmospheric thanks to its ancient, brilliantly preserved buildings. The culture of the indigenous Nakhi people is strongly felt here, as is that of neighbouring Tibet. In the countryside, a trek through the dramatic landscapes of Tiger Leaping Gorge is an unforgettable experience.