Yangzhou State Guesthouse nestles serenely alongside the Slender West Lake, facing scenic spots such as the Long Dike in Spring Willows(also known as Changdichunliu), Xuyuan Garden, and Little Gold Hill across the water, embracing the delicate charm of the lake's shimmering beauty. Encompassing 400 acres of landscaped gardens, the property features fifteen distinct buildings thoughtfully arranged throughout the grounds. Among them are Buildings 1, 2, and 9, which exemplify the artistry of classical garden design, while Buildings 8 and 18 showcase contemporary aesthetics, together creating a modern garden sanctuary that honors tradition while embracing the future.
More than just a place to stay, Yangzhou State Guesthouse is a pilgrimage destination for Huaiyang cuisine. It is home to the "Two-Diamond" Black Pearl-rated restaurant Quyuan Teahouse and the "One-Diamond" restaurant Shan, offering guests unparalleled culinary experiences. The property also boasts a range of premium facilities, including a 50-meter standard hot spring swimming pool, the elegant Lanpu Teahouse, a scenic gym, and a Chinese traditional-style travel photography studio, catering to guests' comprehensive leisure needs.
"Discover a city by staying within a garden." We go beyond providing mere accommodation, striving to create an immersive living experience that integrates Yangzhou's regional spirit and carries forward its millennia-old cultural heritage. Every moment spent here is destined to become a cherished urban memory.
"This was by far the most comfortable stay I've ever had. Building 8's decor isn't the traditional 'old money' or 'cadre' style of a five-star hotel; it's quite minimalist, perfect for a relaxing getaway. The staff were excellent. When they learned I preferred a quieter room, they proactively upgraded me for free to a room away from the Quyuan (some rooms near Quyuan can be disturbed by early morning calls starting at 6:30 AM). The room's amenities, including the turndown service, were all top-notch and clearly superior to standard chain five-star hotels. The hotel's garden scenery is beautiful and well worth the price. When checking out, I asked to keep my room key as a souvenir. You can also request a customized souvenir key, but it takes 15 minutes to make, and I was short on time, so I just took the original. There are two main downsides: firstly, the express lane to Slender West Lake still requires a ticket. I don't quite understand why, when they offer free travel photography and hot springs, they don't include the 100 RMB entrance fee. Also, the express lane is only open from 8 AM to 5 PM, meaning you can't use it for a night visit to Slender West Lake. Of course, this isn't an issue with Building 8 itself but rather with the entire Yangzhou State Guesthouse group. The other flaw is that breakfast is quite average, and they mandate buying breakfast for two. For a solo traveler like me who also wanted to try the Three Spring Restaurant outside, it felt a bit wasteful. However, these minor issues don't overshadow the overall experience. For a relaxing vacation, and if you're not overly sensitive about the price, Building 8 is undoubtedly the best choice. On a side note, reservations for the Hill Restaurant and Quyuan are genuinely difficult to get. Quyuan's taste isn't necessarily better than the Three Spring Restaurant; its price mainly reflects the view. The Hill Restaurant's food, however, is indeed excellent, far better than the superficial offerings of places like the Peace Hotel."