Amandayan
In the heart of Lijiang's UNESCO Old Town at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The Privata Perspective
Amandayan sits at the edge of Lijiang's UNESCO-listed Old Town — a maze of cobblestone streets, willow-lined canals, and traditional Naxi-culture architecture beneath the snow-capped massif of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. At 2,400 metres altitude, the air is crisp, the light is crystalline, and the Naxi people's unique Dongba culture — with its own hieroglyphic script and shamanistic traditions — creates a cultural atmosphere unlike anywhere else in China.
Jean-Michel Gathy's design draws directly from Naxi architectural traditions: courtyard compounds of dark timber and tile roofing arranged around intimate gardens and water features. The 35 suites each open onto private courtyards with heated floors (essential at this altitude) and views toward the Jade Dragon massif.
Aman's cultural immersion programmes at Amandayan are among the most genuine in the portfolio. Guided walks through the Old Town with Naxi-speaking historians, visits to the Dongba Culture Museum, calligraphy lessons using the Naxi hieroglyphic script, and excursions to Tiger Leaping Gorge — one of the world's deepest river canyons — connect guests to Yunnan's extraordinary ethnic and natural heritage.
Accommodations
Suite
68 sqm
Naxi-style courtyard suite with heated floors, dark-timber interiors, traditional tile roof, and views toward the 5,596-metre peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Dining
The Restaurant
Yunnanese-Naxi
Naxi and Yunnanese cuisine prepared with ingredients from Lijiang's morning market — wild mushrooms, aged ham, freshwater fish, and mountain herbs. Private cooking classes with the chef are available
Spa & Wellness
The spa combines Traditional Chinese Medicine with Naxi healing rituals unique to the Lijiang region. TCM practitioners offer acupuncture, herbal consultations, and tuina massage, while Naxi healers provide treatments using locally foraged mountain herbs and mineral-spring waters. The heated indoor pool and sauna are essential at 2,400 metres altitude, and yoga sessions overlook the Jade Dragon massif.
When to Go
Mar–May
Spring rhododendrons, clear mountain views
Sep–Nov
Autumn colours, dry weather
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Book With Preferred Access
Experience Amandayan with Via Privata
Complimentary upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, and dedicated concierge support — available exclusively through our preferred partner programme.
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