Built by the founder of the influential newspaper “Shanghai News” Shi Liangcai for his wife Shen Qiushui, everything about Qiushui Villa is designed to press pause on the bustle of modern life.
The revitalized building fuses the very best of China’s rich history with well-appointed contemporary comforts. The beauty of Chinese culture comes through its landscaping inspired by ancient Jiangnan architecture. Flanked by stone statues and vibrant flowers, the central courtyard sets the scene of the owner’s poignant love story.
The arched cornices and wooden lattice windows on the original building are now protected as cultural relics. The rooms and suites continue this theme, with modern design touches and handpicked antique furniture.
Each suite is named after historical personalities such as the Chinese painter Feng Zikai and the novelist Zhang Ailing – each decorated in a different style.
The spacious garden deck is perfect for holiday reading, while a fitness suite is available for personal workouts. Guests can watch the mist rise from the serene waters of the West Lake’s famed Broken Bridge right from their rooms in the morning.
Step out and one can explore its many winding causeways and bridges by bike; or simply revel in the poetic charm of the mansion’s surroundings.
