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"