Hotel in Hangzhou 310013, China
Amanfayun Hangzhou
Exclusive resort in a restored tea village adjacent to Lingyin Temple with traditional houses converted to luxurious villas. Surrounded by tea plantations and bamboo forests. Features tea master sessions, meditation, and authentic Chinese dining.
Amanfayun is an ultra-luxury resort occupying a restored Qing Dynasty tea-farming village adjacent to Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou's Xihu (West Lake) District, Zhejiang Province. The property comprises 42 traditional farmhouses and three villas converted into spacious guest pavilions, each retaining original stone walls, wooden beams, and slate roofing while incorporating discreet modern amenities and Aman's signature minimalist design. The resort lies at the end of Fayun Lane — a bamboo-lined pilgrim's path once used by Buddhist worshippers traveling to Lingyin Temple, one of China's most revered Chan Buddhist sanctuaries located within walking distance of the property.
Accommodations range from intimate courtyard houses to large villa suites, all featuring separate living areas, private courtyards or gardens, and deep soaking tubs. The natural landscape of bamboo groves, tea terraces, and ancient camphor trees forms the immediate setting, and several pavilions have their own vegetable gardens providing produce for the resort's kitchen. The 46 total accommodations vary considerably in layout, as each historic building has a distinct floorplan.
Dining at Amanfayun centres on Fayun Annie, an elegant Chinese restaurant serving Hangzhou's celebrated cuisine including the iconic Dongpo Pork slow-braised in Shaoxing rice wine, West Lake Vinegar Fish, and seasonal dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from the surrounding Dragon Well (Longjing) tea region. A dedicated tea lounge hosts daily tea ceremonies using leaves harvested from the resort's neighbouring plantations.
The Aman Spa occupies converted farmhouses and offers holistic treatments blending traditional Chinese medicine with contemporary wellness techniques, including herbal compress therapies, acupressure massage, and guided meditation. An outdoor swimming pool is set discreetly within the garden landscape. Cultural programming encompasses tea master sessions, silk embroidery workshops, calligraphy classes, and morning tai chi on the pavilion terrace.
Amanfayun is a short drive or scenic rickshaw ride from West Lake, Hangzhou's UNESCO-listed centerpiece landscape of causeways, pagodas, and willow-lined shores. The resort's position within the Longjing tea region allows guests to visit working tea farms and purchase freshly harvested spring Longjing tea directly from farmers during the April harvest season.
Amenities
- spa
- swimming pool
- tea village
- restaurant
- cultural activities
- temple access
- gardens
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
22 Fayun Lane, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310013
30.2422, 120.1108 — View on map
Highlights
- Restored Qing Dynasty tea-farming village converted into luxury pavilions and villas
- Adjacent to Lingyin Temple with direct access to bamboo forests and tea terraces
- Fayun Annie restaurant serving celebrated Hangzhou cuisine including Dongpo Pork
- Aman Spa offering traditional Chinese medicine treatments in converted farmhouses
- Cultural programming including tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and Longjing tea farm visits
Tips
- The spring Longjing tea harvest (late March to mid-April) is a special time to visit — the resort organises tea-picking experiences with neighbouring farmers.
- Book the tea ceremony experience in advance as it fills quickly, particularly during peak season (April–May and October).
- Request a villa accommodation if budget allows — the two-storey free-standing villas offer the most complete sense of privacy within the tea village.
- Lingyin Temple is a short walk through the bamboo forest; early morning visits (before 8am) offer the quietest experience of one of China's most sacred Buddhist sites.
- West Lake's signature causeways and pavilions are best explored by private rickshaw hired through the resort's concierge for a more personalised route.
- Amanfayun's setting is car-free and deeply quiet; guests seeking Hangzhou's urban dining and nightlife scene will need a 15–20 minute drive into the city.
FAQ
Where exactly is Amanfayun located relative to West Lake?
Amanfayun is located approximately 3 kilometres northwest of West Lake's main shoreline, within the temple and tea-plantation zone at the end of Fayun Lane. A short drive or rickshaw ride connects the resort to West Lake's major scenic points.
What is the minimum stay requirement at Amanfayun?
Amanfayun does not impose a mandatory minimum stay, though most guests book two or three nights to fully experience the tea village setting, spa, and day-excursion programming. During Chinese national holidays, minimum stays may apply.
Is the resort appropriate for families with children?
Amanfayun welcomes families with children and can arrange interconnecting pavilion accommodations. The resort's expansive grounds, tea terraces, and cultural workshops are well-suited to curious younger guests, and the concierge team tailors programming to family groups.
How close is the resort to Hangzhou's main transport links?
Hangzhou East Railway Station, served by high-speed trains from Shanghai (45 minutes) and Beijing, is approximately 20 kilometres from the resort. The resort provides private transfers; taxis and ride-hailing services are also readily available.
Accessibility
Amanfayun's campus consists of historic stone-paved paths and multi-level traditional buildings, which present significant challenges for wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility. The resort staff will discuss specific accessibility requirements in advance and can accommodate certain needs within individual pavilions. Guests with significant mobility impairments are advised to contact the resort directly before booking.
When to visit
Spring (March to May) is the finest season — the Longjing tea harvest peaks in April, West Lake blossoms with lotus and magnolia, and temperatures are mild. Autumn (September to November) offers clear skies and comfortable walking weather with smaller crowds than the peak spring season.