Amanfayun

Tucked beside ancient Lingyin Temple, this place offers a rare stillness that seeps into your spirit.

The serene pool, framed by centuries-old stone walls and bamboo groves, feels like a place where time dissolves completely. It's hard to believe bustling Hangzhou exists just beyond the trees — here, the only soundtrack is rustling leaves and distant temple bells. The old proverb says 'Above, there is heaven; below, there is Suzhou and Hangzhou,' and Amanfayun embodies this with effortless elegance. More than a hotel, it's a sacred pause where every moment feels like returning to something ancient and essential.

My soul got soothed upon arriving — a stark contrast from the hassles elsewhere in the West Lake area.

This location is absolutely impeccable for Hangzhou. The moment I arrived, there was this immediate sense of calm that felt like the perfect antidote to the chaos of the main West Lake tourist areas. It's an incredible getaway for anyone interested in experiencing cultured lifestyle and traditional Chinese culture. I was able to join the monk-led chants at Yongfu Temple early in the morning and enjoy Amanfayun's own tea gardens — exactly the kind of authentic cultural immersion I was hoping for.

This was one of the most memorable trips in China — the place holds an energy unlike anywhere else we've ever been.

I'm genuinely moved by how deeply this property connects you to the spirituality of the land and the people who came before. The rich culture, religion, and stunning nature create something truly transformative. Both the Steam House and vegetarian restaurants delivered culinary experiences that felt organic, fresh, and authentically rooted in place. The entire Amanfayun team set an incredibly high bar — special thanks to Kris, Luna, Nina, Sara, Uncle Jin, and Chef Chen who made our stay impeccable.

This was the first location that really helped me relax my active mind — simply Zen on earth.

I came here wanting to extend my stay immediately. The sound of waterways combined with access to nearby Michelin restaurants and activities created something truly magical. This property is heaven on earth in the most literal sense — the natural setting and spiritual atmosphere work together to create genuine tranquility. Everything about the experience felt designed to quiet mental chatter and connect with something deeper.

I really enjoyed the serene, green atmosphere and sounds of nature, though the Hangzhou House restaurant was a major disappointment.

The government reconstructed this old village beautifully, removing modern buildings and restoring traditional houses before leasing to Aman. The setting creates genuine tranquility, and our room handled the August heat wave well with dual AC units. The Steam Room restaurant delivered a solid dinner, and breakfast lets you order unlimited small portions à la carte. But Hangzhou House was truly disappointing — bland mushroom dish, basic braised beef, and lackluster service for SGD 350 for two. The Michelin star feels unwarranted. That said, the free singing bowl performance was lovely, and WeChat service in English was almost instant.

Amanfayun made trip planning very easy with day trips, private guide, and transport — but the property didn't feel exclusive.

My first time in Hangzhou, and the hotel's tour services were incredibly convenient with private guides and transport arranged seamlessly. I stayed in the Deluxe Village Suite — spacious for two adults with an authentic antique feel, though the dim lighting wasn't ideal. Being next to Lingyin temple was fantastic, but it gets super crowded even on weekdays. What bothered me was that the hotel allows non-staying guests to visit the restaurants, so random people walk around the premise. This didn't feel exclusive at the price point. That said, the food at Tea House and Hangzhou House was fabulous — abundant and served with beautiful simplicity.

Amanfayun lies in a pristine, lush wooded valley filled with birdsong — like a recreation of an ancient village.

The villas and restaurants are laid out along a stream in this magical setting that feels completely authentic yet luxurious. Everything about the environment is green, serene, and deeply calming. The staff are consistently friendly and helpful, with service that feels genuinely immaculate. I'd highly recommend requesting Tony Tong as your English-speaking guide for the adjacent temple — he really brings the history to life. This hotel will absolutely make you fall in love with Hangzhou.

We've been to five different Amans so far — this is the worst.

The hotel feels old, and the staff quality is genuinely problematic. When we arrived, there was urine everywhere in the lobby, staff were constantly on their phones and impolite, and nothing felt worth the 7,000 RMB rate. Even basic service like waiters delivering correct dishes was a constant issue — almost everything that could go wrong did go wrong. The only competent person we encountered was Alex from Hong Kong. I seriously suggest they shut this place down or hire an entirely new team.