Aman Plans Fourth China Hotel in Shanghai

Aman’s fourth property in China, set to launch in 2017 in Shanghai, will comprise a village of historic dwellings surrounded by a sacred camphor forest. The Aman Shanghai project entailed the disassembling, relocation, and restoration of more than 30 villages, comprising 50 Ming and Qing dynasty houses chosen for preservation, and 10,000 ancient camphor trees.

The houses were disassembled piece by piece to reveal ancient building techniques used in their construction. Ornate carvings and elaborate stone reliefs, which would have taken up to 10 years to carve, depicted family histories dating back more than 2,000 years. These and other architectural elements joined the rescued camphor trees on a long journey via a fleet of flatbed trucks to Shanghai where they are being resurrected.

An old factory was used to safely store and catalog the disassembled houses before they were fully restored by craftsmen. Contemporary structures were built alongside the reassembled ancient houses, creating a sanctuary that is now a living reminder of Jiangxi’s past.

 Within easy reach of Shanghai and set on just over 100 acres filled with the rescued millenarian trees and ornamental lakes, the resort comprises an Aman Spa with two pools; six dining venues; and Nan Shu Fang, a garden centered by one of the antique villas. The resort’s new suites and villas complement the 24 restored antique villas, complete with contemporary interiors and private pools.

Aman’s first property in Shanghai follows Aman Summer Palace in Beijing, Amanfayun in Hangzhou, and Amandayan in the UNESCO-protected Old Town of Lijiang. Aman now has 31 hotels and resorts located in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Dominican Republic, France, Greece, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Laos, Montenegro, Morocco, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, the Turks & Caicos Islands, the United States, and Vietnam.