Plans for a much-needed reservoir were approved in 2002 and threatened a forest of 10,000 trees and 50 Ming and Qing dynasty historic houses on the outskirts of Shanghai. Chinese businessman Ma Dadong was compelled to save the 2000-year-old Camphor trees earmarked for destruction. 

The trees were moved first, with an 80 per cent success rate, then centuries-old villas began the move to their new home in 2007. During the process, the team rediscovered 400-year-old building techniques. 

The historic trees and homes will provide a new resort for the hotel resort brand, Aman owned by Russian real-estate developer Vladislav Doronin. Called Amanyangyun, the resort is due to open in autumn 2017. The 50 reconstructed houses will provide a mix of contemporary Club Suites and Antique Villas.

Australian architect Kerry Hill designed the minimal interiors, with a brief to blend the old with the new. Mr Hill is the Australian born director of the Singapore and Fremantle based Kerry Hill Architects who specialise in hotel design in tropical Asia.

His designs for the new resort use simple unfinished materials including bamboo, wood and stone. Mr Hill has been influential figure in South East Asian architecture over the past four decades. 

Facilities will include six dining venues, including a 200-seat banquet hall, a club lounge, village shop and swimming pools. A spa with ten treatment rooms, Russian banya and a hammam are part of the experience and guest have the opportunity to learn calligraphy and the process of a tea ceremony.

The first Aman resort opened in 1988 in Phuket, Thailand. Vladislav Doronin bought the company in 2014, and it now owns 31 properties, including three others in China.

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