A river on a rainy day in Jiangnan, China, is a dreamy scene. But the most unforgettable memories are often hidden in that invisible scenery.

© Zhang Xi
Jiangnan is a geographic area in China referring to lands immediately to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Within this region is the village of Shanwan in the Wujiang District of Suzhou city, in Jiangsu Province, where the tranquility of the idyllic town, the quiet expanse of the river and lakes, and the historical culture all blend into one.
The 13-room Qushui Shanwan Boatyard Hotel is China-based GOA’s second project in the area The Boatyard Hotel and Metasequoia Grove restaurant constitute part of the rural revitalization zone located at the entrance to Shanwan Village. The rippling black-roofed buildings are like the crow-top boats gathered and docked on the shore.

© ZHU Hai
With an interior designed by WJ STUDIO, the concept is to give its indoor space rhyme and a temporal experience. When guests come to the Boatyard Hotel looking for the idyllic scenery of a water village, they do not know they have already become part of the scenery. A floating island with a few dead trees stretches as if to welcome and detail the passage of time. The hotel building and its interior are integrated within the surrounding natural landscape.
When you enter the property, a slightly arched trestle bridge and a crow-top boat are moored on the side. Light pours down from the dome’s skylight on a sunny day. If raining, water droplets keep falling on the canopy, and the scenic rocks and Jiangnan’s unique sound and color are revealed in this area alone.

© ZHANG Xi
After passing the bridge, the large, floor-to-ceiling windows open up the view. A bench with a carefully recessed water pattern invites guests to sit and watch the water, trees and clouds on the other side of the isolated island.
When visitors stroll along the promenade, the corridor is a place for relaxation and coffee (and perhaps a good book). The horizontal space and arching roof take in the riverbank scenery one by one, with the morning light and sunset and the viewing bridge extending into the water.
A sunken pool opens to the sky’s light. From the courtyard to the bedroom to the collection, the space progresses from outside to inside and from inside to out. The room facing the riverbank offers a panoramic view of the waterfront. Leaning over the long window sill, guests can enjoy the sunset.

© ZHANG Xi
The guestroom area from the first floor to the second floor guides occupants upward. Light enters the reserved slits, creating a “line of sight” to the interior. Guestrooms on the second floor retain high vaulted ceilings, buffered by a foyer, and then with a horizontal opening to the room layout. The tall and wide floor-to-ceiling windows are enough to incorporate the outdoor scenery into the interior. On the first floor by the water’s edge, the dining area boasts a lake view. Sunk about 12 inches below the water surface, the design recreates the experience of being seated in a boat cabin, sharing in some way the town residents’ memories and day-to-day living experience.
Boatyard Hotel was completed in late 2022. Amenities include free WiFi in public areas, a restaurant, café, swimming pool, hot spring, and fitness and yoga center. The hotel is located about 1.5 hours from Shanghai by taxi. Many high-speed trains run from early morning till late night between Shanghai and Suzhou, with the shortest travel time of 21 minutes (one-way train fare is about $2–7).

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedeFlyer Reviews
Sep 26, 2023Viking Polaris Canadian Discovery Review
While the 372-passenger Viking Polaris expedition ship, launched in September 2022, falls midway in size between Viking Cruises’ intimate river cruise ships and large-scale ocean ships, it is operated with the same attention to detail and personalized service.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
eFlyer News
Sep 26, 2023New Four Seasons Property to Come to Dominican Republic in 2026
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts partners with Cisneros Real Estate to construct a new Four Seasons property in the Dominican Republic. The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia is slated to open in 2026.
eFlyer News
Sep 26, 2023Banyan Tree Group, Ennismore, to Bring Banyan Tree to Bluewaters in Dubai
In mid-September, Banyan Tree Group and Ennismore sealed the deal with Dubai Holding to bring a new Banyan Tree property to Bluewaters, Dubai. This multi-staged project will welcome new brands to Dubai, beginning with the opening of Banyan Tree Dubai this November.
Sponsored Content
IHG® Business Edge: A Better Way to Travel
Many small- and medium-sized businesses face time and budget constraints when organizing corporate hotel travel for employees. To address this problem, IHG® Business Edge emerged as a cost-free business travel solution for small- to medium-sized enterprises, offering travel managers exclusive access to enticing perks, handpicked educational resources and comprehensive company travel metrics. IHG Business Edge connects our loyal customers to our portfolio of 5,800 hotels and resorts across 18 brands in more than 100 countries.
eFlyer News
Sep 26, 2023Vicenza, Italy, Accuses Verona of Stealing Claim to Iconic Romeo and Juliet Location
In a dramatic plot twist that seems to have emerged from one of Shakespeare’s own plays, Vicenza, Italy, recently informally accused fair Verona, Italy, of stealing the claim to the famed Romeo and Juliet. For centuries, visitors have made the trip to Verona’s Juliet House to see the famous balcony.
Romance in Nanuku Resort Fiji
eFlyer Deals
Sep 26, 2023Slideshow
Sep 25, 20238 Reasons to Put Medellín, Colombia, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Medellín, Colombia, with us.
Sponsored Content
Dream a Little Dreamliner: Air Tahiti Nui Brings The Islands of Tahiti to the Air
From the moment you step onboard Air Tahiti Nui’s Tahitian Dreamliner, you will be transported to The Islands of Tahiti. The French Polynesian carrier considered every detail to awaken its passengers’ senses, creating the feeling you are already on the Islands while 30,000 feet in the air.
September 2023
Sep 23, 2023When the Sun Goes Down, the Party Begins on Mykonos
There is something magical about sipping a glass of local wine while watching the sun slip into the Aegean Sea as the afterglow tinges traditional, white-washed Cycladic houses with glorious shades of rose, purple and gold. Ancient Greeks believed Helios, the Sun God, caused sunsets by driving his fiery chariot into the sea. Standing at water’s edge in Mykonos, watching the sky slowly turn from purple to inky black, you almost believe it.
ShareThis