9 luxury resorts in China with breathtaking natural surroundings

Mountains, monasteries and misty tea fields surround Amanfayun, situated in a restored village near Hangzhou, China. Located just 15 minutes from the famous West Lake, this unique property offers guests a serene and culturally rich experience. Be sure to put on some comfortable walking shoes so you can explore the nearby  pilgrimage circuit of seven ancient Buddhist temples.

It features 46 stone dwellings for guests to stay—including some which are over a century old. In place of a typical spa, Amanfayun has a traditional Chinese bathhouse. Featuring three rooms, each has a circular tub for two, a steam room and a double shower.

Tatler tip: If you can, book one of Amanfayun’s 21 private villas. Spread over two storeys, the spacious, free-standing houses offer separate living areas and private massage rooms. 

Amanyangyun is a luxury resort located on the outskirts of Shanghai, revered for its blend of historical preservation and modern luxury. The resort's creation involved the ambitious relocation of an entire village from Fuzhou, Jiangxi province, to Shanghai, preserving fifty Ming and Qing dynasty houses and thousands of camphor trees—a monumental effort spearheaded by entrepreneur Ma Dadong and the Aman Group to save the village from destruction due to a new reservoir project.

The resort features 26 restored residences, adorned with ornate carvings and reliefs that narrate family histories spanning two millennia. The centerpiece of Amanyangyun is Nan Shufang, a space inspired by the royal reading pavilion in the Forbidden City, where activities such as calligraphy and tea ceremonies take place.

The Aman Spa offers luxurious treatments, and has thermal facilities, a fitness centre, and yoga and Pilates studios.

Lux Chongzuo, Guangxi Resort & Villas sits in the picturesque borderlands of China and Vietnam. This boutique resort offers a unique blend of modernist design and natural beauty, set against the backdrop of stunning karst rock formations and the tranquil Mingshi River.

The resort's architecture draws inspiration from the traditional stilted Ganlan houses of the Zhuang minority. Each suite features a private terrace looking out to the otherworldly landscape, while six exclusive villas boast a private outdoor pool.

Indulge in a range of immersive experiences, from culinary adventures enjoying local delicacies to high tea on a bamboo raft, or exploring the region's natural wonders like the Detian Transnational Waterfall and habitats of rare species like the clouded leopard and white-headed langur.

Bamboo forests, tea plantations, and quaint farming villages surround this 60-acre resort, located in a secluded valley in MoganShan just two hours’ drive from Shanghai. 

Choose from two styles of lodging: Tree Top Villas or African-inspired Earth Huts, both designed to maximise the incredible surroundings while minimising environmental impact. Whichever you choose, around-the-clock room service and on-call butlers are at your disposal. 

By day, explore Naked Stables’ verdant surroundings by horse riding, mountain biking or hiking, before cooling off in one of the resort’s three heated outdoor pools. In the evenings, cultural and craft workshops take place in The Naked Galleries.

Located at the foot of Mount Qingcheng in Dujiangyan, China, near Chengdu, this luxurious mountain resort offers a unique blend of modern luxury and traditional Chinese architecture. It has 52 spacious suites and villas—even the smallest guest room is a generous 850 square feet—including some with private pools.

Its award-winning spa features an indoor pool and fitness centre, and offers treatments rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and that harness Taoism's healing powers to align your Qi. 

Despite how remote it feels, Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain is just an hour and a half drive from Chengdu and its surrounding attractions, including ancient temples and the nearby Dujiangyan Panda Base. 

You probably wouldn't expect to find a Relais & Châteaux property tucked away in the enchanting woodlands of China's Sichuan province. But alas, there's Su Shien Valley, a cradle of Taoism ideal refuge for a spiritual retreat and an initiation into ‘the way’ of ancient China.

Every detail feels deliberate, with elegantly minimalistic décor that includes light wood, raw stone and fluid lines, accented only by the lush surrounding forests and oversized calligraphy paintings. Guests rooms feature large bay windows and interior courtyards, some with private traditional soaking tub. It is encouraged here to slip into the rhythms of nature, be it on long walks or simply soaking in the onsen as you take in the views and enjoy the hush.

The main restaurant is situated in a bamboo grove and serves seasonal Sichuanese cuisine.

Tatler tip: Carve out some time to partake in a tea ceremony or two. The crackling of the fire, the gentle pouring of water and the raw earthenware is a wonderful way to connect with the elements. 

Located near the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the 19-room Tsingpu Baisha boasts majestic views of Lijiang's most iconic mountain range. This 19-room hotel was designed by renowned architect Yoshimasa Tsutsumi, who combined elements of local Naxi culture with traditional Japanese design. 

Four existing village houses and the main gate were preserved, with the masonry façade of the old structures made by stacking local Wuhua stones. A series of new buildings bring the property into the present, connected by sunny tree-lined pathways.
 
Beyond the striking architecture,Tsingpu Baisha further immerses its guests in the local culture through salon-style discussions and folk story-telling sessions, as well as local handicraft workshops. Those looking for adventure can enjoy guided hikes and mushroom picking around the scenic mountains in the area, led by local experts, scholars and Naxi villagers.

Once little more than a collection of derelict structures and a scattering of small lakes, Shanghai-based design firm Neri&Hu breathed new life into this tranquil property at Guangzhou's picturesque Slender West Late—where restored historic courtyard houses combine contemplative indoor spaces with breathtaking natural landscapes.

Multiple courtyard enclosures—created in a grid of walls and interconnected paths—house suites, amenities and gardens that enevelop guests in the the region’s heritage.The gridded walls, constructed entirely out of reclaimed brick, create an enticing play on light and shadows, inviting guests to explore the hotel’s series of passageways.

The restaurant showcases fine Huiyang cuisine using organic ingredients grown locally. 

NOW READ 

7 boutique hotels that are so under the radar, they likely won't pop up on your next Google search

24 hours in Shenzhen: Where to stay, eat and shop

Inside Tokyo’s most stylish suite: Spacious lounge area, lush views and two terraces