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Vogue's pick for a romantic adventure. New Aman outpost in Hangzhou, China, "with its peaceful lakes, gardens, and pagodas -- an earthly paradise." In February 2010 Vogue reports that he Chinese government recently restored 47 traditional buildings and employed Amanresorts to turn the compound into its newest hideaway, Amanfayun, with 37 guest rooms and suites and five villas. "Guests can take romantic hikes in the valley, go tea-tasting and temple-hopping or visit the Lingyin Si monastery, with its 81-foot high golden Buddha." [Vogue] Hangzhou offers excellent shopping. Introductory rates at Amanfayun from $333 for a double.

Last Update: February 18, 2010 | Created: February 12, 2010

Homa -- Hotel of Modern Art, Yangshuo

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"In a landscape jagged with limestone peaks and riddled with clear-water lakes, the vast sculpture project known as Yuzi Paradise covers over a thousand acres of flawlessly manicured land. At the centre, beside the towering Yuzi Mountain and surrounded by magnificent artworks, you find the madly slanting grass-topped roofs of Homa – Hotel of Modern Art, an eye-grabbing modern boutique hotel that’s both a shrine to art and a hymn to luxury." [Mr and Mrs Smith]

Last Update: January 22, 2010 | Created: January 19, 2010

Vision Fashion Hotel, Shenzen, Luohu District

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86 755 2558 2888

"Occupying a three-storey glass box in the centrally located Shenzen Grand Theatre complex, the Vision Fashion Hotel's 91 rooms are designed in 60 stylistically diverse themes, each vastly different from the other, from 'heavy metal' to 'rose' to 'intimacy.' [Wallpaper] Good value, room rates from $63.

Last Update: June 25, 2009 | Created: June 02, 2009

Kayumanis Nanjing, Nanjing

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86 25 8410 7777

Less than four hours by car from Shanghai, Kayumanis Nanjing, a new lakeside resort boasts 21 super-stylish villas featuring personal butlers and private plunge pools. "Each... [villa at Kayumanis Nanjing] is constructed of gray slate with sliding glass doors to blur the lines between the lush landscape and sophisticated interiors.... Tai chi and yoga lessons are offered at the Spa & Wellness Center, and hikes to a nearby mountain are scheduled daily." [Town & Country] Villas from $599.

Last Update: October 24, 2008 | Created: October 24, 2008

Banyan Tree Lijiang, Yunnan

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86 888 533 1111

Harper's Bazaar writes, "If you want a spa experience that's really outside the box, this part of northern Yunnan is fascinating -- a small mountain town in the shadow of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain." Accommodations consist of private villas, each with terraces and pools. "The highlight, however, is Banyan Tree Lijiang Spa: everything about it feels exotic." [Bazaar]

Last Update: September 08, 2008 | Created: September 08, 2008

Yide Hotel, Pingyao

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86 354 5685988

Charming 18th century mansion-hotel with an amazing courtyard in Pingyao, the home of China's financial elite during the 1800s. Read more in the attached FT article.

Last Update: July 16, 2008 | Created: July 08, 2008

Dejuyan Folk-Style Guesthouse, Pingyao

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86 354 5685266

Good side trip from Beijing for architectural buffs, reachable by a "comfortable" overnight train. "Midway between Beijing and Xian, the town (Pingyao) is almost unique in China for having retained most of its vernacular architecture, neatly cocooned behind six kilometres of massive walls and a moat. Such is the concentration of traditional homes, shops, mansions and temples that Pingyao became a World Heritage Site in 1997." [FT] The FT points out this hotel as a "characterful" one based in an old courtyard home. Read all about the town in the attached FT article.

Last Update: July 08, 2008 | Created: July 08, 2008

Fuchun Resort, Hangzhou

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86 571 6346 1111

Vogue writes, "In a glorious setting of lakes and tea plantations near the city of Hangzhou, the Fuchun Resort, designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, has 101 elegant accommodations housed in lakeside buildings and mountain villas, some with indoor pools." Activities include visiting Hangzhou's spectacular West Lake and Six Harmonies pagoda, world-class golf, tennis, tai chi and yoga programs. Rates from $282, two-night minimum.

Last Update: April 24, 2008 | Created: April 24, 2008

Banyan Tree Ringha, Yunnan Province

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86 887 828 8822

Recently opened resort near the town of Shangri-La and the restored monastery Ganden Sumsamling [in Tibet]. The FT writes about Banyan Tree Ringha, "While the landscape is barren, the local Tibetan history is rich...This is not territory for Amanjunkies. Tatler adds "Trekking is the only way to do it."

Last Update: October 15, 2007 | Created: October 14, 2007

Gingko, Chengdu

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86 28 8555 5588

"Gingko is the Rolls-Royce of Sichuanese restaurants in the province’s capital city, Chengdu: sleek, glamorous, and dripping with wealth." "This is the kind of restaurant where locals take people they want to impress. The menu is fronted by show-off haute cuisine." "In general, the cooking here is accomplished and sometimes excellent." [Financial Times] Learn more about Gingko in the attached, April 2010 FT review by Fuchsia Dunlop.

Last Update: April 21, 2010 | Created: April 19, 2010