Shanghai Zhujiajiao Anlu Hotel | Private Courtyard in a Water Town

I recently stayed at the Shanghai Zhujiajiao Anlu Hotel, which can be called the pinnacle of Jiangnan-style villa hotels. The hotel was designed by national treasure-level ancient architecture craftsmen, an Australian lighting design team, and Malaysian architect and interior designer Mr. Feng Zhijun. The experience was truly exceptional. ⭐️ Anlu Hotel is located in Shanghai's famous Jiangnan water town, Zhujiajiao, right next to the ancient town. It offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling surroundings, with deep courtyards that fully respect the environment, blend with nature, embrace the landscape, and stay close to culture. The design preserves the essence of Hui-style architecture, captures the spirit of Jiangnan gardens, and creates an elegant modern aesthetic. ⭐️ Zhujiajiao Anlu Hotel consists of 35 standalone villas, along with restaurants, a lobby, fitness facilities, and a pool. The property is vast, and walking from the lobby to the guest rooms feels like strolling through an ancient Jiangnan water town, with every step revealing a new scene, full of charm. ⭐️ The hotel lobby is housed in a two-story old mansion, with a central skylight that keeps the traditional Chinese interior bright. In addition to retaining many traditional Chinese architectural elements like beams, columns, and tiles, the lobby is adorned with cultural decorations, scholarly items, and artistic displays, making guests feel immersed in a refined atmosphere. ⭐️ The guest rooms are the highlight of Zhujiajiao Anlu Hotel. There are 35 restored courtyard-style villas, each a standalone residence with its own private courtyard, ensuring tranquility and seclusion. The rooms feature a blend of Chinese and Western layouts, designed as south-facing, single-story villas with three sections. The central area is a living room and study, flanked by a bedroom and an open-concept bathroom. The freestanding bathtub faces the courtyard, offering a relaxing experience. The roofs mimic the arched shape of traditional Wupeng boats, exuding freshness and elegance that embody the Jiangnan water town style. The villas are divided into four categories of varying sizes: Yangting Pavilion, Dongwan Pavilion, Tinglan Pavilion, and Chiyuan Pavilion, all featuring panoramic courtyard-view suites and exclusive private gardens. ⭐️ The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant offers local specialties and other Asian cuisines. Located next to the pool, the restaurant features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoor pool view while dining. There’s also an open-air terrace restaurant serving a variety of exquisite light luxury snacks. ⭐️ The hotel provides diverse recreational facilities, including a spacious indoor pool and a relaxing spa. In line with Zhujiajiao’s ancient town charm, the hotel also offers cultural experiences like Tai Chi, tea ceremonies, and guqin performances, adding a rich cultural dimension to the stay. Overall, the experience was fantastic—truly the pinnacle of Jiangnan water town villa hotels.