Amanyangyun, a Relocated Camphor Forest and Ming Dynasty Village Near Shanghai

Amanyangyun is a remarkable feat of preservation, a village resort set amid a relocated camphor forest just south of downtown Shanghai. Its thirteen re-mastered Ming and Qing dynasty houses were carefully transported brick by brick from Fuzhou in Jiangxi Province, saving both the ancient dwellings and a forest of camphor trees from a reservoir project.

Across 140 hectares, guests cycle among giant camphor trees and stone villas to the tea house and art gallery, and in homage to its 80-tonne King Camphor Tree, the resort runs a King Camphor Tree Seedlings Program. Dining spans five venues, including the Italian restaurant Arva, the Chinese restaurant Lazhu serving little-known Jiangxi and Chaoshan cuisine, a hotpot restaurant, and the Bei TeaHouse.

The result is a resort unlike any other in China, where heritage architecture, living forest, and contemporary design intertwine. Amanyangyun offers a serene retreat within easy reach of one of the world's great cities.

Staying at Amanyangyun? Book your stay with me for preferred-partner perks.