Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection By Hilton

The story of Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton begins with a notable residence at No.118 Dongdajie Street. Built in 1933 by Wuxi entrepreneur Zhang Xiaocheng and his sister Zhang Chuquan, one of the city’s early Western-trained obstetricians and gynaecologists, the residence has been reimagined nearly a century later alongside a newly constructed building to form today’s hotel, blending Wuxi’s heritage with contemporary design.

The name “Xi Zhe” is rich in meaning: “Xi” is derived from Wuxi, while “Zhe” combines two auspicious characters to symbolise double blessings. It also reflects the hotel’s distinctive layout, where the new building and historic residence stand in harmony.

The hotel is located in the heart of Wuxi’s cultural heritage district, surrounded by historic landmarks including the former residences of Qian Zhongshu, Xue Fucheng and Hua Yanjun (Abing), and in close proximity to destinations such as Chong’an Temple, Nanchan Temple, Qingming Bridge Historical and Cultural District and Huishan Ancient Town. Together, these landmarks and the hotel’s century-old story create a cultural journey for guests to discover Wuxi’s heritage and local identity.

The hotel’s design seeks to create a balance between history and modernity, incorporating the essence of Jiangnan traditional architecture into a contemporary hospitality setting. Upon arrival, the front desk draws inspiration from the traditional medicine cabinets commonly found in medical clinics of the past.

A spiral staircase in the lobby echoes the design of the original staircases in the former residence of Mr. Zhang Xiaocheng. Known as “Zhuanpan Lou” or “Zouma Lou”, this architectural form represents a classic feature of traditional Wuxi architecture, adding a touch of Jiangnan charm from a bygone era to the space.

The hotel features 105 guest rooms and suites across the historic residence and contemporary building. Guest rooms bring a sense of tranquillity through surrounding garden views, with select rooms offering private courtyards. Terrazzo flooring and traditional lattice patterns echo Jiangnan residential architecture, while Art Deco-style carpets add a touch of Republic-era nostalgia.

Bedside lamps inspired by traditional palace lanterns create a warm ambience, while bamboo-textured headboards add refined tactile detail. Plum blossom-shaped stools, inspired by Wuxi’s city flower, and Republic-era pendulum wall lamps further express the hotel’s regional character.

The cultural experiences at the hotel extend beyond its architecture and interiors. SANWEI Bistro draws inspiration from Jiangnan culinary culture, combining authentic Wuxi flavours with contemporary culinary techniques. Purple clay tea rituals and Wuxi folk music performances create a delightful ambience infused with the charm of Jiangnan. Nestled within the former residence of Mr. Zhang Xiaocheng, Now and Then – French Bistro & Bar brings modern mixology into the residence’s historic brick-and-wood architecture, creating a distinctive social space for guests. The Artist Center, located in a corner of the lobby, will also regularly host cultural programmes, continuing Wuxi’s tradition of literary gatherings.

The hotel also features four swimming pools, comprising indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy pools and a children’s pool, with a dedicated pool bar. Amid the peaceful ambience of the pool, the hotel offers wellness experiences including sound bowl therapy and guided breathing sessions, providing guests with immersive moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Other facilities for added convenience include a 24-hour fitness centre, multifunctional meeting spaces and pet-friendly service.

As travellers increasingly seek personalised experiences and deeper connections with destinations, lifestyle hotels have become one of the fastest-growing segments in China’s hospitality market. To date, Hilton’s lifestyle brands with open properties in China include Canopy Hotels, Curio Collection by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Motto by Hilton.

Curio Collection by Hilton is a portfolio of individually remarkable hotels, each with a bespoke story that is brought to life through distinctive interpretations of local culture and personalised guest experiences. Since opening its first Asia Pacific property in Sanya, China in 2017, the brand has expanded to destinations including Xiamen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Qingdao and Luoyang, becoming one of Hilton’s fastest-growing lifestyle brands in China.

Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton is located at No. 65 Jiankang Road, Liangxi District, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. Guests can visit the official website or call +86 510 8989 8888 to make a reservation.