Staying at the Most Stunning Lakeside Hotel in West Lake

Walking along Beishan Road
The drizzle is fine, birdsong drifts by
A faint mist rises over West Lake
Century-old stone steps glisten with the moisture of Jiangnan

Arriving at the hotel in the afternoon
The fountain at the entrance flows gracefully, surrounded by lush greenery
This is the rebirth of the east wing of the Hangzhou Shangri-La Hotel
Now returning under the name "Shui Zhixin Ju"
Pushing open the heavy door feels like stepping into the home of an old Jiangnan silk merchant

Gold leaf, silk, and velvet fill the view
Murano crystal chandeliers shimmer like ripples on the lake
Antique furniture exudes the texture of bygone eras
It's been a long time since I've seen a new hotel with such style
A veritable paradise of Chinese maximalism
Every inch of space seems to hold an untold story

In Hangzhou, no hotel boasts a more stunning view of West Lake than the old Shangri-La
Now, that breathtaking window scene continues at Shui Zhixin Ju
Even lying in bed, you can gaze at the entire expanse of West Lake
Velvet sofas, loquat tree-painted headboards—unapologetically opulent
The minibar is like a treasure chest, filled with teas and fine wines
The high-tech mattress adjusts for firmness and even has a wake-up function
Even the bath amenities are complete, with three jars of scented bath salts and petals
Rooms like this make me want to stay in forever
Especially gentle with the sound of rain outside

The hotel pool is reached by a separate elevator in the garden
Descending to the sound of waterfalls, it's a world apart
Hidden in a cave-like space, reminiscent of the Water Curtain Cave
I love it so much that even swimming feels like a vacation

The rain continued into the evening as I headed to "Yin Hubian" for dinner
Velvet sofas and luxurious stone tables weave a European-style languor
Chinese ingredients presented with Western flair, paired with a touch of Jiangnan intoxication

Breakfast the next day began before a massive mural
Yellow croaker noodles, soy milk, and fried dough sticks served in delicate, petite dishes
It felt like being a young lady of the Republic of China era
After eating, I walked up to the fifth-floor terrace
West Lake gently receded into the distant mist and rain
Rainy days are never a reason for regret
West Lake is beautiful in sunshine, and just as enchanting in rain

Shui Zhixin Ju is such a place
No special plans needed, no exaggerated filters required
Just bring your heart, and you'll hear what life's noise usually drowns out:
—The sound of rain on roof tiles
—The touch of velvet against skin
—And the wind drifting slowly from the lake
Whispering, "Welcome home"