Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi, where Jiangnan’s poetic charm lingers
Last updated 2026-09-24 — “Let Xixi stay.” It is said that when Emperor Gaozong of the Southern Song Dynasty fled southward, he was deeply captivated by the beauty of Hangzhou’s Xixi Wetland and initially planned to relocate the imperial palace here. Due to various reasons, he had to build the palace elsewhere in Hangzhou, but he couldn’t bear to leave behind such a...
By TRAVELER Luxe
“Let Xixi stay.” It is said that when Emperor Gaozong of the Southern Song Dynasty fled southward, he was deeply captivated by the beauty of Hangzhou’s Xixi Wetland and initially planned to relocate the imperial palace here. Due to various reasons, he had to build the palace elsewhere in Hangzhou, but he couldn’t bear to leave behind such a beautiful place, and thus declared with imperial authority: “Let Xixi stay.” And so, Xixi has “stayed” for over eight hundred years. More than eight centuries later, Banyan Tree was also drawn to this serene and elegant hidden gem, creating a resort infused with the rich charm of Jiangnan.
Open the back door of the lobby, and a Jiangnan landscape painting unfolds before your eyes. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe)
What kind of treasure land could have captured the emperor’s heart? Intrigued by this story, we arrived at Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi full of anticipation. Stepping into the lobby, we were instantly dazzled—the high ceilings exuded grandeur, adorned with vintage birdcages and bronze ware, while antique Ming- and Qing-style wooden chairs were dressed with plush cushions. The moment we sat down and were served warm tea and towels by the attentive staff, we were hilariously convinced we were enjoying imperial treatment.
Stay in a Jiangnan-style residence
After checking in, the staff led us to open the back door of the lobby, and a Jiangnan landscape painting suddenly came to life—tiny bridges over flowing water, pavilions and towers, willows swaying gently, and black-tiled, white-walled Jiangnan residences nestled among them. It was a breathtakingly tranquil human habitat, realizing the unfinished vision of Emperor Gaozong.
The staff offered to drive us to our room in a golf cart, but we preferred to stroll leisurely through the Jiangnan water town. Crossing small bridges, passing through bamboo and willow groves, and walking into the alleys of ancient residences, we almost felt like actors in a scene from Along the River During the Qingming Festival. The thought that one of these elegant, scattered homes was ours filled us with excitement.
We finally found our home in this beautiful Jiangnan enclave, with golden-calligraphy couplets carved on the wooden pillars by the door. The 36 residences at Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi each feature unique couplets. We tried memorizing ours, as if sharing a secret code with the house, instantly feeling a sense of belonging—truly like coming home.
Each residence is adjacent to the flowing waters and greenery of Xixi. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe)
After knocking solemnly on the iron ring of the wooden door and pushing it open, a small courtyard came into view, followed by a rather heavy glass door leading into the room—the first sight was truly breathtaking. The high-ceilinged space and wall decor exuded elegance, with a luxurious, wide armchair beside which lay a copy of Dream of the Red Chamber. Lighting an incense stick and settling into the most comfortable position to read the novel would surely enhance the aristocratic ambiance. On the other side, the bedhead featured an expansive floral-and-bird painting stretching to the ceiling, infusing the opulent space with refined cultural charm. Behind the painting was the wardrobe and bathroom area, where the meticulously carved washbasin resembled a porcelain artwork, and even the toiletries were thoughtfully gender-specific. Incidentally, the floor-to-ceiling curtains are electrically controlled—each use makes you feel just a bit more pampered.
Living up to the beauty of XixiEach of the 36 residences has a terrace embraced by flowing water and lush greenery. Soaking in a hot tub here, sipping tea, and gazing at the starry sky while enjoying the gentle breeze is an indescribably blissful experience. We recommend visiting in spring or autumn to fully embrace the poetic ambiance of Xixi. If you’re a fan of traditional Chinese culture, you’ll be even more enchanted. Compared to the grand luxury of Banyan Tree, Xixi is more suitable for younger travelers or small families.
The rooms exude refined elegance. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe)
Take a boat ride through Xixi
The elegantly Jiangnan-style Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi is widely loved. In August last year, its sister brand, “Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi Chun,” was launched nearby. Also situated by the Xixi Wetland, it offers the same serene waters and greenery but combines modern flair with classic Jiangnan charm. The rooms feature lattice woodwork and vintage photos of old Xixi, creating a distinctive vibe with simple design. A white freestanding bathtub is separated from the room by a dark red velvet curtain, adding a touch of luxury. The rooftop houses an outdoor pool and a small bar, perfect for a morning swim or casual drinks with friends. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere makes it more suitable for younger guests or small families compared to the opulent Banyan Tree.
Near Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi Chun is the China Wetland Museum, which introduces China’s wetlands through interactive multimedia while focusing on Xixi Wetland, showcasing its history and evolution. Learning about Xixi Wetland beforehand adds depth to a boat tour.
Xixi Wetland has been inhabited since the Han and Jin dynasties. For centuries, it was dotted with scattered villages and fishponds. Perhaps residents once raised pigs by the water, or gathered under old persimmon trees to enjoy opera and songs, or rowed through reeds in small boats. The area was once filled with the sounds of daily life. However, due to pollution and urbanization, it gradually lost its charm. Since 2003, the Chinese government has undertaken extensive restoration efforts, relocating residents and reviving the ecosystem, transforming Xixi into a tranquil and elegant destination. Today, Xixi is clean, orderly, and has attracted films like If You Are the One and Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains. Yet, drifting along its waters, one can’t help but feel a slight absence of the vibrant human touch. Amidst the shimmering waters and lush greenery, a hint of nostalgia lingers.
Delicious Hangzhou cuisine at Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi’s Baiyun Restaurant, including Longjing shrimp and thick soup with mandarin fish. Mandarin fish is a freshwater species known for its tender flesh, often called the “freshwater grouper.” As Hangzhou is not coastal, its cuisine emphasizes river delicacies. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe)
Brewing Hangzhou time
Both Banyan Tree Chun and Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi are just a 15-minute drive from downtown Hangzhou and West Lake. For unique local souvenirs, visit the popular Qinghefang Ancient Street. To learn more about Hangzhou’s famous tea, West Lake Longjing, head to Meijiawu.
Meijiawu is an ancient village with a history of five or six hundred years, where serene tea terraces cascade across the mountains, and nearly every household is involved in the tea business. Tea harvesting begins a few days before Tomb-Sweeping Day, and the freshly picked tender leaves are unfermented, requiring about eight hours of pan-firing to become Longjing tea. Brewing Longjing doesn’t require elaborate tools—a cup with the right amount of tea leaves and water heated to 85–90°C is all you need. Sometimes, to show respect for the tea and guests, the brewer may pour water from a height, using wrist movements to make the kettle spout nod three times. This stirs the leaves beautifully and is poetically called the “Phoenix Nods Three Times.” Hangzhou locals say “eat tea” instead of “drink tea,” as Longjing tea leaves are tender and rich in pectin, which aids digestion. They’re even edible or used in cooking and soups.
In Hangzhou, it’s easy to feel sentimental. The “Phoenix Nods Three Times” ritual of brewing Longjing, the diverse flavors of Hangzhou cuisine served on round tables, a small boat ride on Xixi Wetland like a special performance, and the bridges and streams of Banyan Tree—all are utterly captivating. When immersed in the classical Jiangnan painting-like scenery of Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi, why not play the part of a refined scholar and let your emotions guide you in savoring Hangzhou.
[Info]
Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi
Address: No. 2, Xixi Paradise International Tourism Complex, Zijingang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
Tel: +86-571-8586-0000
Website: www.banyantree.com/zh/hangzhou
Banyan Tree Hangzhou Xixi Chun Resort Hotel
Address: No. 8, Xixi Paradise International Tourism Complex, Zijin'gang Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
Phone: +86-571-8500-2000
Website: www.angsana.com/zh/hangzhou
China Wetland Museum
Address: No. 402, Tianmushan Road, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
Phone: +86-571-8887-2933
Website: www.cnwm.org/index.do
Xixi National Wetland Park
Address: Main Entrance of Hongyuan, Fangxi Road, Wuchang Subdistrict, Yuhang District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
Phone: +86-571-8908-1133
Website: www.xixisd.com
Hangzhou Chayuancun Tourism Service Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 5, Meijiawu Village, Hangzhou
Phone: +86-571-8709-3547
● Further Reading:
Three Innovative Restaurants by Carina Lau Just Opened at The ONE in Tsim Sha Tsui
http://goo.gl/FnDFBs
MOOK Travel Life Network – The Largest Chinese Travel Information Platform
www.mook.com.tw
A leisurely wild duck in Xixi Wetland. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
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