Asia

10 most luxurious oriental hotels in China

If you’re dreaming of an oriental escape with all the trimmings, there’s no better way than experiencing one of these luxury Chinese hotels.

We’re lucky to have amazing Chinese cuisine right on our doorsteps: everything from Shanghainese dumplings to bustling yum cha restaurants and the best glutinous congee to fill your midnight cravings.

But if you want to go all out, nothing beats the real deal itself. If you’re dreaming of an oriental escape with all the trimmings, there’s no better way than experiencing one of these luxury Chinese hotels. They offer the latest modern conveniences without compromising on authentic culture – think peaceful gardens, holistic Chinese treatments and, of course, delicious food.

Banyan Tree Lijiang Resort | Lijiang

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Hidden within the untouched environment of UNESCO World Heritage site Lijiang is the Banyan Tree Resort. The hotel effortlessly embraces the balance of oriental tradition and modern design with exclusive villas joined to a heated outdoor jet pool. A backdrop of the fabled Jade Dragon Snow Mountain completes the picture.

Banyan Tree Lijiang is best known for offering guests soothing massage and spa treatments, as well as providing authentic Chinese banquet-style dining with local musicians on an outdoor stage.

The Resort is in short reach of Lijiang’s ancient settlement, known as the Venice of the east. The old town has an abundance of canals, bridges and cobblestone streets surrounded by classic Chinese architecture.

Hotel Banyan Tree Lijiang

Top rated
Lijiang
9.2 Excellent (697 reviews)

Four Seasons Hangzhou at West Lake | Hangzhou

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Just an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai is the quaint lakeside village of Hangzhou and the enchanting Four Seasons hotel.

The hotel is situated on West Lake, Hangzhou’s main tourist attraction. This harmonious resort has 75 five-star rooms and suites with open terraces and prime forest views. Those seeking a more luxurious experience can stay in one of the three private villas, which can be accessed by a traditional rowboat across the lake.

Hotel amenities include an imperial-inspired spa, an indoor swimming pool and an infinity pond with unobstructed views of West Lake. The hotel restaurant has a variety of cuisines on offer, including high-end Cantonese, Shanghainese and local dishes from the region.

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake

Top rated
Hangzhou
9.8 Excellent (795 reviews)

Regent Beijing | Beijing

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Amidst the maze of alleyways that the emperors of China once planned with precision is the award-winning Regent Beijing. This prominent luxury hotel is found deep within the heart of the historic quarter near the Forbidden City.

The five-star Regent Hotel comprises of 500 stylish rooms and suites and five elegant dining options. A variety of cuisines from all over the world is offered, with some ranking among the top restaurants in Beijing. The Regent Beijing prides itself for its impeccable Chinese customer service, with the hotel famed for treating its guests with courtesy and respect.

Regent Beijing

Top rated
Beijing
9.2 Excellent (3806 reviews)

Banyan Tree Hangzhou | Hangzhou

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Banyan Tree Resort in Hangzhou is located in the tranquil Xixi National Wetland Park. The spacious suites and villas are constructed with tiled rooves and ivory walls, and are equipped with the most luxurious modern facilities.

The channels, lakes and lush gardens create a resort reminiscent of a charming Jiangnan-style town. The grounds and surrounding wetlands are thriving with plants and animals native to the region.

Banyan Tree Hangzhou is filled with sophisticated amenities, all with oriental touches. A guest favourite is sampling Chinese tea and savouries whilst on a traditional Jiangnan sculling boat.

Banyan Tree

Hangzhou
8.8 Excellent (108 reviews)

Pan Pacific Suzhou | Suzhou

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The traditional exterior may not match the modern interior, but that’s the beauty of the Pan Pacific in Suzhou. The architecture has been designed to replicate the famous gardens of Suzhou with upturned eaves, arched bridges and canals.

Pan Pacific Suzhou is in close proximity to the city’s major tourist attractions like the Taihi Lake and the Hanshan Temple. It is also just an hour’s drive from Shanghai.

This is the ideal spot for absolute relaxation. There are both indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness centre and the St Gregory Spa, offering a number of soothing treatments. A variety of restaurants offer fine dishes made from the freshest ingredients, from authentic Cantonese to Italian fusion.

Pan Pacific Suzhou

Top rated
Suzhou
8.8 Excellent (2476 reviews)

Pudi Boutique Hotel | Shanghai

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The Pudi Boutique hotel is centrally located in the former French Concession in Shanghai, within close reach of shops, galleries, tea houses, bars and restaurants. Despite its central location, the hotel provides a healthy balance between relaxation and the hustle and bustle of city life.

The design is contemporary with a hint of oriental. It has a variety of guest common areas, such as a wine room and a courtyard. The walls are adorned with paintings created by famous young Chinese artists, which are also available for purchase. Pudi Boutique is renowned for its spacious bathrooms, complete with natural aromatherapy bathroom amenities.

Pudi Boutique Hotel Shanghai

Top rated
Shanghai
8.7 Excellent (395 reviews)

Regalia Resort and Spa Li Gong Di | Suzhou

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On the Li Gong Di islands in Suzhou is the Regalia Resort and Spa. It’s found on Jinji Lake, one of China’s largest metropolitan lakes. It was the first luxury boutique hotel in the area.

The resort has a Southeast Asian vibe mixed with contemporary Chinese design. The hotel is equipped with 44 rooms, an infinity pool, an authentic Thai restaurant and an Andaman Thai Spa. The hotel prides itself in its outdoor entertainment deck, the ideal spot for afternoon tea or evening drinks while enjoying breathtaking views of Jinji Lake and the Suzhou skyline.

Although the hotel is central, the natural environment and relaxed atmosphere are not lost. The grounds contain an abundance of lush tropical gardens and lotus ponds, the perfect combination of romance and leisure.

Regalia Resort N Spa Li Gong Di

Suzhou

Aman at Summer Palace | Beijing

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Just outside the UNESCO World Heritage Summer Palace in Beijing is the Aman at Summer Palace, an imperial courtyard-style resort equipped with the latest facilities.

The resort is just 15 kilometres from Beijing city centre and is in close proximity to major tourist sites like the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven.

The hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, all reflecting traditional Chinese architecture. The design embraces imperial Chinese elements, as seen in the layout, materials and fabrics used in its construction. There are a range of facilities on offer throughout the resort including a library, theatre, spa, gym, cigar bar and a pavilion for yoga and Pilates sessions.

Aman Summer Palace

Top rated
Beijing
9.0 Excellent (163 reviews)

St Regis Lhasa Resort | Lhasa

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Experience the magnificence of the tranquil Tibetan culture by staying at the St Regis Lhasa. The hotel consists of 150 large rooms and villas along with 12 luxury suites. All guests are treated with true Chinese hospitality, with the iconic St Regis Butler service operating around the clock.

The hotel offers top-quality facilities and amenities including an authentic Chinese restaurant, a tea house and a wine bar. There’s even a Golden Energy Pool which keeps the water at a constant temperature of 28 – 32 degrees.

Guests can also experience five-star traditional Tibetan herbal treatments at the day spa to either unwind or treat altitude sickness. Those seeking a little more action can attend a cooking class at the hotel, where local chefs share their secrets to Asian cuisine.

Hotel The St. Regis Lhasa Resort

Top rated
Lhasa
9.0 Excellent (273 reviews)

Wuzhen Club House | Wuzhen

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The extravagant Wuzhen Club House is found in the historic town of Wuzhen, known as one of the most beautiful riverside towns in all of China. The three ancient timber garden houses were built in the Ming and Qing dynasties with elaborate wood and stone carvings. The buildings have since been restored to create the elegant boutique hotel that it is today while keeping the traditional Chinese garden-style décor.

The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, spa and fitness centre as well as its own private pier with a boat to explore the city. Wuzhen Club House also offers Tai Chi and traditional Chinese craft classes, including silk painting and pottery workshops.

Wuzhen Club House

Top rated
Wuzhen
9.1 Excellent (151 reviews)