Since its opening five years ago, Shanghai’s most pioneering resort, Amanyangyun has demonstrated how – through a culmination of an ambitious feat of architectural and ecological conservation – Chinese culture can be preserved and still enjoyed today. Set on the edge of the city and breathing new life into history, the property has served as a sanctuary in which to celebrate the country’s heritage but a place to find balance between the modern-day allure of Shanghai and the peace of the natural world. To mark its five-year milestone, a series of new events themed around the five senses will take place throughout the coming months.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the construction of Liao Fang Reservoir in Jiangxi Province proposed significant risk to the area’s ancient Ming and Qing Dynasty houses and the surrounding camphor tree forest. In a bid to preserve nature and this significant piece of cultural heritage, a migration project began, transporting the historic courtyard and the trees 700-kilometres to the outskirts of downtown Shanghai. After over a decade of careful relocation and restoration, on 28 April 2018, the grand opening of Amanyangyun marked their reemergence as the resort’s very own Ming and Qing Dynasty Villas. Set around a resplendent central lake and surrounded by forest gardens, Amanyangyun presented a rural refuge unlike anything ever seen before in the city.
Taste of Aman: 16 – 18 June 2023
Not only is food one of the most popular ways to discover new cultures and satisfy the appetite, but it also serves as a catalyst for connection, bringing people together to make lasting memories. Aman has long recognised the importance of world cuisines, championing local produce, ancient cookery techniques and the unique flavours of its destinations across the globe. Celebrating this integral part of the Amanyangyun experience, the resort will host several events, showcasing culinary cultures from around the world.
Four Hands Dinner at Arva
Having appeared in the Shanghai Michelin Guide since opening in 2018, Arva – Aman’s homage to Italian culinary tradition – draws inspiration from farm-to-table tradition with signature dishes and sharing plates served in a warm and convivial atmosphere. Coinciding with Arva at Amanyangyun’s five-year anniversary, Aman Tokyo’s executive chef, Masakazu Hiraki, will visit the resort from Japan to host a Four Hands Dinner in collaboration with Nicola Frizzale, the resort’s own executive chef.
Born and raised in Japan, Hiraki attended the renowned Tsuji Culinary Institute before moving to Italy in 1999 to gain first-hand knowledge of the country’s cuisine. In 2016, after 17 years in Italy, he returned to Japan and joined the Arva team at Aman Tokyo. While demonstrating his knowledge of Italian cuisine, Hiraki also showcases his Japanese heritage through his culinary creations. Visiting the hotel from 16-18 June, Hiraki will work together with Frizzale, who joined Amanyangyun in 2021, to present a seven-course dinner – a journey through Italy’s culinary heritage. Served at Arva from 6-10pm, the menu will include delicious dishes and Italian favourites such as Carpaccio Di Gamberi and Risotto Al Funghi.
Four Hands Afternoon Tea at the Bar
Surrounded by lush camphor trees, Amanyangyun’s Bar is an elegant and relaxing space which has become renowned over the past five years for its exquisite afternoon tea serving visitors and locals alike.. To celebrate the resort’s anniversary, indulge in an exclusive afternoon tea experience – a collaboration between Aman Kyoto’s pastry chef Hiroyuki Matsuo and Amanyayngun pastry chef Norah Zhou. The chefs will create an afternoon tea that appeals to all the senses. A celebration of pattern, texture and colour, the experience will be available from 2-5pm on 16, 17 and 18 June, and include indulgent treats such as Brown Sugar Pancakes, Pistachio Raspberry Bavarian Cream Cake and Cranberry Scones.
Chef Matsuo started his career as a confectioner in Osaka in 1984 and has won numerous awards for his original creations including the Osaka Governor’s Award. Working together with Norah – a member of the Gourmet Committee of the Chinese Cuisine Association and silver medal winner in the chocolate showcase of the 9th FHC China International Culinary Arts Competition. –
Healing Journey: 12 – 18 June 2023
Set around an impressive central courtyard, Amanyangyun’s 2,840 square-metre Aman Spa is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the Eastern Hemisphere. Marking its fifth birthday, Spa Treatment Manager, Mima Iveson, will visit Amanyangyun from Aman Tokyo, bringing with her, for the first time to China, a new Aman Essential Skincare treatment, informed by the wisdom of ancient wellness tradition.
Combining products from the new Aman Essential Skin line with exfoliation and manual lifting techniques, the Aman Advanced Facial stimulates face muscles to improve the skin’s overall texture. The treatment begins with ultrasonic scrubbing to loosen and remove oil and debris from the pores. Supported by electric muscle stimulation and massage to firm, and cryo bulbs to eliminate puffiness, the complexion appears brighter and tighter. The treatment – exclusively available to guests from 12-18 June – continues with the application of a marine mineral mask to deeply hydrate, followed by Aman x 111Skin Nourishing Gold Algae hydrogel face and eye masks to achieve an exceptional glow.
Tea Ceremony, Art Exhibition & Flavours of the World Dinner: 16 – 18 June 2023
Also taking place from 16-18 June, Amanyangyun invites cultural discovery with a traditional Tea Ceremony accompanied by performances by Kunqu Prince Jun Zhang and U-Theatre under the resort’s majestic King Tree. Those taking part will have the opportunity to tour the resort’s exclusive art exhibition, followed by a delicious Flavours of the World dinner at 8pm – a buffet of street food favourites prepared by visiting chefs from Amantaka, Laos, and Amansara, Cambodia and served under the stars – including dishes such as Traditional Amok Fish, Tom Cheo Stew and Beef Lok Lak.
Throughout the summer season, two of Amanyangyun’s historic Antique Villas will be filled with works from Chinese artists such as Man Chen, Wei Huang, and Anxiong Qiu. The private exhibition will be accessible to those staying in the resort’s one-bedroom Antique Villa and four-bedroom Qing Dynasty Antique Villa, as part of a new, one-night package bookable exclusively via We-Chat E-Shop. In addition to unlimited exhibition access, the offer will also invite those guests staying on the 16, 17 or 18 June to enjoy a series of additional experiences celebrating the anniversary, including access to the exhibition opening ceremonies and Tea Ceremony, alongside the accompanying performances and Flavours of the World Dinner.
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