Shanghai · China · Ming & Qing Dynasty Antique Villas in Camphor Forest
Eleven Ming and Qing Dynasty villas moved brick-by-brick from Jiangxi Province, now set within a 1,000-year-old camphor forest on the fringe of Shanghai.
The story of Amanyangyun begins 700 kilometres away in Jiangxi Province, where plans for a new reservoir threatened to submerge a community of Ming and Qing Dynasty camphor forests and stone villas. Philanthropist Ma Dadong conceived and executed one of the most ambitious acts of architectural conservation in modern China: moving 1,000-year-old camphor trees and 11 antique villas, brick by brick, to 140 hectares on Shanghai's fringe.
The result is unlike any other urban resort on earth. Kerry Hill Architects wove 24 contemporary Ming Courtyard Suites among the transplanted antique structures, each with twin private courtyards, a fireplace, and living spaces that open to the camphor canopy. The 11 Antique Villas — their stone carvings bearing the legacies of original Jiangxi owners — each contain private swimming pools surrounded by manicured gardens.
At the resort's heart, Nan Shufang serves as a cultural centre dedicated to China's heritage, drawing its philosophy from the Forbidden City inscription 'Yang Yun' (nourishing cloud). Five restaurants including Lazhu (Jiangxi cuisine), Arva (Italian), and Yinlu (Cantonese hotpot) serve both resort guests and Shanghai's non-resident dining community.
Amanyangyun's 24 contemporary Ming Courtyard Suites rest within their own private wing, each 115 square metres with two walled courtyards, a fireplace, and living spaces that open directly to the camphor canopy. Light floods through courtyard screens as the ancient trees filter morning and evening light across polished stone floors. The 1-Bedroom Antique Pavilions — set within historically restored houses — add a balance of Qing Dynasty design and modern comforts.
The 11 Antique Villas — moved brick by brick from Jiangxi Province, their original stone carvings and inscriptions preserved — offer 4 to 5 bedrooms surrounding private swimming pools and manicured courtyard gardens. Each Villa is assigned a dedicated chef and housekeeper; a full concierge service, maintenance, and security team are available 24 hours.
Amanyangyun's five dining venues span China's most extraordinary culinary range. Lazhu draws on Jiangxi provincial traditions and Ming-era recipes; Arva, the lakeside Italian restaurant, is led by a former Aman Venice chef with produce from the resort's 200 sq m organic garden. Yinlu serves Cantonese hotpot and dim sum; Nama delivers precision sushi and Japanese Wagyu.
The Bar — with antique fireplaces and a copper-accented Cigar Lounge — provides Shanghai's finest afternoon tea on the lake and a personally-curated wine cellar. Private dining is arranged in the villa courtyard, at the lakeside, or in the Nan Shufang cultural pavilion.
Four nights where Shanghai's energy meets an ancient camphor forest — cycling past thousand-year-old transplanted trees, afternoon tea on the lake, TCM in Shanghai's largest Aman Spa, and the Bund at dusk.
Add-ons: Helicopter Shanghai city tour +¥6,000 · Private Bund sunset dinner cruise +¥4,500 · TCM full-day wellness programme +¥3,800pp
No other resort on earth was built from a single act of architectural rescue: Ma Dadong moved an entire Ming and Qing Dynasty village — 11 historic villas, hundreds of mature camphor trees, stone by stone — to save them from a reservoir, and Kerry Hill Architects wove a contemporary Aman around them. The result is a 140-hectare camphor forest on Shanghai's fringe where a thousand years of Chinese history grows, walks, and breathes around you. The 2,840-square-metre Aman Spa, five restaurants, and Nan Shufang cultural centre complete what is the most culturally layered Aman property in existence.
A 4-night immersion in the most extraordinary conservation story in luxury travel — Ming and Qing Dynasty villas rescued brick by brick and transplanted into a 1,000-year-old camphor forest on Shanghai's fringe. Ming Courtyard Suite with twin private courtyards, five restaurants, and Shanghai's largest Aman Spa.
Chinese afternoon tea on the lake. Organic garden chef's lunch. TCM wellness journeys. A Shanghai day programme curated by the concierge. Ancient trees that witnessed the Ming Dynasty, now your daily view.
All components are fully flexible — this is a curated starting point, refined with your Richseen specialist prior to confirmation.