Arrival Lijiang – Lijiang                                                                                                    [-]

Guests will be warmly welcomed upon their arrival at Lijiang’s Airport our own Asian Trails’ representative before guided to their air-conditioned vehicle. The comfortable ride from Sanyi International Airport to one of Aman’s sanctuary for the senses outside one of China’s growing cities in southern China will take approximately 40 minutes (approximately 35 kilometres, depending on traffic)

With snow-capped peaks as a backdrop and perched beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Amandayan is the perfect place to enjoy the ancient heritage of Lijiang and its exceptional natural beauty. Delivering true serenity in a mountain hideaway setting, the resort is arranged around tranquil courtyards and it utilises the architectural aesthetic of the indigenous Nakhi people through locally sourced materials, including Yunnan pine and elm. Each suite opens onto a courtyard with views of Lijiang’s rooftops, or the UNESCO-listed Old Town. A special feature is the amazing 600 sq-meter viewing platform that provides a grandstand view of the stupendous scenery.

Private check-in procedures from the Amandayan’s team is followed by an afternoon completely at leisure. Depending on your guests’ arrival flight, an oasis of peace flows through the whole resort, amplified by the spacious suites and knowing that guests are cared for from the moment of arrival until their last night in China.

Accommodation is offered at one of the sanctuary’s suites

Lijiang                                                                                                                                [B, D]

Your first morning in Lijiang’s leading resort commences with a freshly prepared breakfast, comprising of regional delicacies and international favourites. As the city itself is preparing for another day, the morning team at the Amandayan takes pleasure in serving you what is on the menu.

Established over 800 years ago, and once the capital of the Naxi Kingdom, Lijiang is an exquisitely pretty town of winding narrow lanes, mountain streams, ancient stone bridges and charming timber houses. Nestled amongst lush green fields with stunning mountain scenery Lijiang has a remarkable and unique system of streams and waterways which channels water from the mountains into courtyards and alongside the houses. Developing the town around these watercourses resulted in over 350 bridges of varying sizes crisscrossing the town, and traditional houses that were built very close together. The area is home to predominantly the Naxi ethnic group, and the town of Lijiang is a delightful showcase of their rich culture.

Surrounding the centre courtyard, the suites and restaurants form merely the base to explore the land of the Naxi. With its strategic location nearby Lijiang’s old centre, guests have ample time to meander through the old streets in search for local experiences of the Yunnan kind. With a history that dates back more than 800 years, the arrival of the Song Dynasty brought prosperity into Lijiang, still noticeable by the canals and richly-decorated houses.

Large parts of the historical values of Lijiang, Yunnan and the Naxi have found themselves in the design of Amandayan too – a marriage of local wood, embroidery from the time, the Naxi ruled the region, and the attention to detail in the design plans of Amandayan, one has ample opportunities to thoroughly enjoy the sanctuary’s compound and what lies beyond the wall of your overnight address.

Lunch is on own arrangement.

Taking pride of bringing parts of the culinary heritage to the menu of Amandayan’s Yunnan, Cantonese and western items on their menu, guests will always find something that will tantalize their taste buds in search for new experiences of the culinary kind.

At 6pm, guests are warmly welcomed by a local, English speaking guide at the lobby of the Amandayan, eagerly to give you a taste of what true Lijiang is all about. Located on the cross roads of Sichuan, Tibet and Yunnan, the variety of food options is using characteristics of the region with local recipes, used for many generations by ethnic minorities. The smells and flavours from what makes Lijiang such a mecca for food aficionados is concentrated around Sifang Square at the heart of Old Town, and its large amount of side alleys and streets. It will be moving from one local eatery to another, trying out the various dishes amongst the local residents.

The gastronomical highlights for the evening will definitely be the combination of Yunnan Lijiang Baba, the famous local potato Pan-cakes and the Crossing Bridge Rice Noodles. The satisfaction of this evening exploration will be rounded off with gaining an insight into the nightlife of Lijiang, defined by it characteristic houses, romantically-lit canals and seeing Lijiang from a different perspective before returning back to your retreat.

Overnight at your booked suite at the Amandayan

Lijiang                                                                                                                                  [B]

With the flavours and spices lingering on your palette from the night before, the vapours of breakfast delights are inviting you back for another morning of starting the day in the best way possible. With ample time on your side today, enjoy the selection of prepared dishes before picking and choosing how your final day of this exquisite experience will be filled in.

Seeking more wellness in your sojourn to feel bliss? The Amandayan’s expansive wellness centre, concentrated around its courtyard, is one of the key elements for discerned guests to further bring balance to mind, body and soul. Aman’s signature spa embodies traditional techniques, oils and balms of the country, with the chain’s renowned approach in bringing wellness to its customers. The 20-meter covered lap pool is an oasis to recharge your battery, aside from entering the realm of Pilates for a personalized session, or find yourself in the fully-equipped gym for a good workout.
If the scenery from the outside draws your attention more, let us tailor a program for you that perfectly fit your needs. The adventure goes beyond downtown Lijiang with its UNESCO World Heritage stamp of approval showing that the Old Town is more than just a food galore in its most authentic form. The breathtaking views from the Amandayan’s viewing platform certainly open doors to what lies further away – from the snow-capped mountain ranges to the small villages, dotted in a sea of agricultural green that surround Lijiang.

Depending on how you chose your day to be filled in, lunch is on own arrangement

Your final night at the magic that is called Amandayan should be one that captures one of the essences of Chinese culture. Engaging into a Chinese tea ceremony, for example, delicately shows the minute details of what has withstood the test of time. It is still practices with great valour and precision as an example of timeless China.

Overnight at your booked suite at the Amandayan

Lijiang –Lijiang Departure                                                                                            [B]

Matching breakfast with your scheduled departure time from Amandayan to our next destination will be something worth considering on the final day of this culinary package. Following the resort’s check-out times and conditions, the deluxe vehicle, accompanied by an Asian Trails representative, will be waiting for you at the resort to bring you in comfort back to Lijiang’s International Airport or train station.