Huilaotang
Overview
Huilaotang translates as “place where old friends gather,” and this spirit is alive and well today. Located in an historic courtyard in the lakeside village of Luxiang, Huilaotang is the perfect place to spend time with old friends or make new ones.
The fertile environment provides some of the freshest local produce in China. The lakeshore is dotted with orange and loquat groves, tea plantations, and waxberry trees, while the lake itself provides fresh fish for locals and visitors alike. There is also an opera pavilion inside the hotel where private performances can be staged.
Inspired by the stately homes of Suzhou, Huilaotang was originally built by Ming dynasty nobleman Wang Ao over 500 years ago. Today, it has been beautifully restored by one of Wang’s descendents, Xing Weiying. Each piece of furniture comes from Xing’s unique private collection of Suzhou antiques.
Travel Information
Location
Luxiang Village, Dongshan Town, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
How to get there?
Closest Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport [SHA], 127km or 79mi from Huilaotang.
Getting There From
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport [SHA] (127km or 79mi): Take high-speed train from airport to Suzhou, CNY 65. Proceed to hotel by taxi. ｜ Rental car with driver, CNY 700-800.
Suzhou (45km or 28mi): Taxi from Suzhou, about 45 minutes, CNY 150. | Private car pick-up, CNY 100.
Please contact hotel for pick-up service in advance.
Climate
Suzhou enjoys the subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by warm, moist weather and four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cool and generally overcast with occasional snow. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit.
- The rainy season runs from June to August. During this period, travelers should bring rainwear.
- In winter, the city feels colder than actual temperatures as most places are not equipped with heating systems.
- Winter temperatures range from 2°C to 11°C (35°F to 52°F).
- Autumn & Spring temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
- Summer temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F).
Health
During the summer, frequent water intake is necessary to prevent heatstroke.
Contact Information
Email: huilaotang@gmail.com
Tel: +86 139.1551.4753
Fax: +86 0512.6630.7707
Accommodations
All guest rooms at Huilaotang are decorated in the classical Chinese style with modern amenities. The Ming and Qing dynasty luxury rooms are individually furnished with Chinese antiques including furniture, silk, and porcelain.
-
General Room B
Suitable for 2 persons. Double twin-sized beds, 20 square meters, furnished with contemporary Chinese style pieces.
# of rooms: 3 -
General Room A
Suitable for 2 persons. One queen-sized bed and a twin-sized bed, 20 square meters, furnished with contemporary Chinese style pieces.
# of rooms: 3 -
Qing VIP Room
Suitable for 2 persons. Single antique queen-sized bed made in Qing Dynasty, 22 square meters, furnished with Qing style antiques.
# of rooms: 1 -
Ming VIP Room
Suitable for 2 persons. Single antique queen-sized bed made in Ming Dynasty, 22 square meters, furnished with Ming style antiques.
# of rooms: 1 -
Deluxe Room
Suitable for 2 persons. Ultra soft single king-sized bed, 28 square meters, garden view.
# of rooms: 1 -
Tatami Room
Suitable for 2 persons. Japanese style room, best Feng-Shui spot in Huilaotang, 20 square meters, private patio.
# of rooms: 1
- Free Wireless Internet
- Cable television
- Central air conditioner
- Heater during winter
- 24-hour hot water
- Prices inclusive of all service fees, taxes, and breakfasts.
- VISA, MasterCard, & UnionPay credit cards accepted.
Facilities
Pavilion performance stage
On the stage, the traditional live show can be arranged exclusively for you and your friends. Experience the way in which ancient Chinese nobles enjoyed their leisure time.
Taste the fine Chinese cuisine made of the freshest ingredients from the local area. You may enjoy your dishes in the comfortable dining hall or in the corridor that encircles the garden.
Day Experience
Morning walk and fruit picking
Take a short walk to the top of the hill behind Huilaotang. Along the way, stop to visit fruit and tea plantations and end the walk with a a bird’s-eye view of Tai Lake. (Fruit/tea picking depends on season.)
Tai Lake cruise
With life-membership of Taihu (Tai Lake) Marine Club, Huilaotang can organize a series of of aquatic sports and on-boat events.
Local opera performance
Enjoy a show of a various local opera put on by outstanding, renowned performers.
Luxiang village walk about
Take a casual walk down the narrow streets of the local village
Circuits
-
Experience the rarified and secluded world that China’s Imperial elite designed to keep themselves refreshed in body and mind. WildChina’s Grand Canal takes you from Suzhou, the Venice of the East, through richly decorated merchant towns such as Wuzhen, and onto Hangzhou, which Marco Polo considered the finest city on earth.
