[2025 Hangzhou Stay] Travel Guide for West Lake Huangfu Building (Updated Jun)

Push open the vintage glass door of the cream-yellow villa, and the vine-covered high wall instantly blocks out the noise of Nanshan Road. Inside the courtyard, rockeries and winding paths lead to a secluded spot, with teak window frames revealing shadows of the Republic era—carved table lamps from Meiling Residence, old photo walls from Zhongzheng Residence, as if stepping onto the set of "The Story of the Golden Powder Family." A Quiet Time Capsule Amidst the Bustle The afternoon slanting sun spills over the blue brick walls, tree shadows mottled like flowing film. Nestle into the velvet sofa by the red window on the second floor, listen to the ticking of the old-fashioned wall clock, hear the rustling of the phoenix tree leaves outside the window, while just beyond the wall is the bustling crowd of West Lake World. A Hidden West Lake Secret Unlock the Dahua Hotel cruise boat with your room card! Jump onto a carved wooden boat at dawn to enjoy the reflection of Leifeng Pagoda in the mist; cycle along the lake at dusk, from Liu Lang Wen Ying to Broken Bridge Snow, a 10-kilometer loop around the lake unfolds like a private ribbon before your eyes. Even better, next door at the Taurus Restaurant, enjoy Longjing shrimp paired with the sunset, a Republic-era feast for just over 40 RMB per person. Perfect Poses for a Republic of China Style Check-in Shoot the living room from the spiral staircase corner, with arched columns framing a vintage magazine cover; white gauze curtains in the bedroom flutter in the breeze, vintage telephones and enamel table lamps create their own scene. The waiter smiles and hands over a prop: "Soong Mei-ling used to do her makeup here"—instantly, the drama queen in you awakens. At checkout, receive a handmade souvenir from the mountain house: an old West Lake postcard in a gilded envelope, stamped with a 1934 postmark.

It's amazing! Stay in a mansion from the Republic of China era where Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling once stayed. Huangfu Building, also known as Yingbai Building, is a beautiful old mansion from the Republic of China era located by West Lake. It is the only one of its kind in Hangzhou. It is located by West Lake, next to Xihu Tiandi, making it very convenient for dining, accommodation, transportation, and sightseeing. It is especially suitable for families traveling with elderly people and children. Huangfu Building was the former residence of Huang Fu, a veteran of the Tongmenghui, sworn brother of Chiang Kai-shek, and the first mayor of Shanghai. It was built in 1934 and is a two-story brick and wood Western-style courtyard villa. However, before he could move in, Huang Fu passed away in 1936. During the Republic of China era, Nanshan Road was renamed "Yingbai Road" in memory of Huang Fu. After the outbreak of the War of Resistance Against Japan, Huang Fu's wife, Shen Yiyun, donated the building and its entire collection as funds for the war effort. It later became the residence of the Chairman of the National Government. Chiang Kai-shek and his wife stayed at Huangfu Building many times when they visited Hangzhou. Soong Mei-ling was particularly fond of the "Koliadi" piano on the first floor and often played it in her spare time. Therefore, Huangfu Building is also known as "Meiling Villa." The hotel rooms are named after historical figures who once lived here, such as "Huangfu Residence," "Meiling Residence," and "Zhongzheng Residence." As soon as you step into the lobby, you can feel the strong atmosphere of the Republic of China era, with its luxurious yet understated, calm, and comfortable ambiance. As it is part of the Dahua Hotel, you can walk along West Lake to enjoy breakfast at Dahua. If you visit Hangzhou, you must experience this hotel. With a price of just over 1,000, it offers great value for money in terms of service and location. Personally, I think it has more character than staying at Dahua. The hotel not only offers free travel photography but also shares the West Lake cruise service with Dahua Hotel. During peak tourist seasons, this service advantage is particularly evident. While others wait in line for an hour to board the cruise, you can leisurely enjoy breakfast and then take a boat tour from the hotel. The boat is not crowded, providing an excellent experience.

Huangfu Building, also known as 'Yingbai Building', is located by the lake and the street. It was the former residence of Huangfu, an elder of the Tongmenghui, Chiang Kai-shek's sworn brother, and the first mayor of Shanghai. Huangfu Building, built in 1934, is a two-story brick and wood structure in the style of a Western courtyard villa. However, Huangfu died in 1936 before he could move in. During the Republic of China, Nanshan Road was also renamed 'Yingbai Road' in memory of Huangfu (Huang Yingbai). After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, his beloved wife Shen Yiyun donated all her collections in the house as war funds, which later became the Presidential Palace of the Nationalist Government. Chiang Kai-shek and his wife often stayed at Huangfu Building when they came to Hangzhou. Soong Mei-ling especially loved the 'Koliadi' brand piano on the first floor and often played with it in her spare time, so Huangfu Building is also known as 'Meiling Villa'. Huangfu Building has a strong Republic of China style and witnessed the love of Huangfu couple and Chiang Kai-shek couple. It is now a branch of Dahua Hotel and a historical building in Hangzhou.