Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao: A luxurious Huizhou retreat nestled in a millennium-old town
Reminiscent of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Five Phoenix Tower evokes memories of the past, while the ancient opera stage evokes a dreamlike waterside village.
Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao, Aman's sister brand and Ahn Luh's first resort in China, is nestled in the ancient town of Zhujiajiao, boasting over 1,700 years of history and often referred to as the "Venice of Shanghai" and the "Hollywood of Shanghai." Centered around the Five Phoenix Tower, a Ming Dynasty-era "First Government Office in Jiangnan," and the ancient opera stage from the late Qing Dynasty, the hotel has been meticulously restored by renowned architects. The hotel blends the graceful charm of Jiangnan water towns with the mystical charm of ancient villages in southern Anhui, offering a luxurious escape through time.
Hotel Address
No. 505, Zhuhu Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai, 201713269. The Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Visitor Center is diagonally across from the hotel, and the core area of the town is approximately a 5-minute walk away.
Decor and Ambience
Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao's design exemplifies the fusion of Eastern and Western influences. The hotel, designed in collaboration with renowned Malaysian architect and interior designer Mr. Feng Zhijun and Australian lighting design team The Flaming Beacon, fully preserves the centuries-old artistic conception and beauty of the harmonious interplay between ancient architecture, natural scenery, and Jiangnan gardens.
The hotel's core buildings are the 600-year-old Ming Dynasty Hui-style "Five Phoenix Tower" (also known as the "First Official Hall of Jiangnan") and an ancient opera stage built in the late Qing Dynasty. The Five Phoenix Tower, named for its five pairs of wings resembling the outstretched wings of a phoenix, boasts intricate construction and magnificent form. A pair of century-old stone lions guard the ancient residence for centuries, while lush, century-old Podocarpus trees flank it.
At night, elegant lighting and soft red hues create a sophisticated atmosphere, creating stunning photos. The hotel gardens feature nearly 10,000 plants of over 100 species, each displaying a unique seasonal beauty: spring blossoms, summer greenery, autumn colors, and winter branches.
Room Types and Layout Features
Ahn Lu Zhujiajiao offers only 35 townhouses, each with its own private courtyard, offering exceptional privacy. All rooms feature a luxurious Swedish DUX mattress (210*200cm), Ploh linens, a BOSE audio system, and a Nespresso coffee machine. Some rooms also have Hermès amenities.
Room Type Size Features
Yangting Pavilion (120㎡) is an entry-level room with a 55㎡ private garden and a combined bedroom and living room.
Dongli Pavilion (140㎡) is named after a line from a poem by Tao Yuanming and features two private courtyards.
Tinglan Pavilion (140㎡) offers a more squared-off space, with the bedroom and living room almost completely connected.
Chiyuan Pavilion (200㎡) is the only room with a private pool, featuring an L-shaped interior layout.
The room's roof is designed to resemble the arch of a wupeng boat, a reminiscent of the Jiangnan water village. Different soups are served each night, depending on the season.
Getting There
Driving: Approximately one hour's drive from downtown Shanghai; free private parking is available at the hotel.
Metro: Take the subway to Zhujiajiao Station (approximately 1.8 km from the hotel) or Oriental Land Station (approximately 4.8 km from the hotel), then transfer to a taxi or local transportation.
Airport/Train Station:
Hongqiao International Airport: Approximately 35.3 km.
Liantang Station: Approximately 16.8 km.
Jinshan North Station: Approximately 33.3 km.
Required Documents and Documents
Check-in: After 3:00 PM, Check-out: Before 12:00 PM. Front desk staff are available 24 hours a day.
Age Restriction: Guests must be 18 years or older to check in.
Deposit: A deposit of RMB 2,000 per room is required and accepted in cash, credit, or debit cards. It is refundable upon check-out.
Pets: Pets are not allowed.
On-site Activities and Activities
The hotel offers a variety of cultural experiences:
Guided Tours of Ancient Buildings: These are held every morning and are highly recommended for in-depth learning about the structures, rituals, and other aspects of these ancient buildings.
Cultural Experiences: In the lobby, you can practice calligraphy, play Go, and play the guqin (Chinese zither). You can also play small items like shuttlecocks and tangrams (some activities may require a fee; please inquire at the front desk).
Healthy Morning Exercises: Wake up with a morning exercise class or Tai Chi.
The Spa: Certified by the Thai Aromatherapy Association, it offers authentic Thai massages (package includes a 60-minute spa treatment for one person).
Indoor Heated Pool: Enjoy natural light and beautiful wide-screen windows.
Children's Playground: A children's playground is available, allowing parents to relax and unwind.
Complimentary Travel Photography: The hotel also offers a complimentary traditional Chinese style photoshoot (including three retouched photos).
Restaurants and Cuisine
The hotel has three restaurants:
Snack Bar: Located adjacent to the lobby, it serves a buffet breakfast. The breakfast is hearty, featuring freshly made Shanghainese specialties like xiaolongbao (small dumplings), spring rolls, and fried dough sticks, all highly praised.
The All-Day Restaurant, located beside the scenic pond, features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, allowing guests to enjoy the garden views while dining. The restaurant specializes in Shanghainese cuisine, incorporating local delicacies from the waterside towns of Zhujiajiao, Qingpu District. The signature dish, steamed Taihu whitewater fish in chicken oil and Huadiao wine, is highly recommended, a unique lakeside delicacy found only in Jiangnan.
In addition, the Wufeng Tower's patio offers tea and exquisite snacks throughout the day, making it a great choice for afternoon tea.
Recommended Nearby Attractions
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: Within walking distance. Visiting Fangsheng Bridge, Kezhi Garden, and Yuanjin Zen Temple is recommended. Visit early in the morning or at night to experience the tranquil beauty of the ancient town. Visit the "First Teahouse in Jiangnan" or take a rowboat tour.
Qingxi Country Park: Shanghai's only wetland-themed country park, renowned for its water forest landscape (the fir trees change color depending on the season). It's some distance from the hotel, so driving is recommended.
Oriental Green Boat: A large youth after-school activity camp, suitable for families.
Per capita spending guide
Zhujiajiao Ahn Luh is positioned as a luxury hotel, and prices are quite high.
Rooms: Basic rooms at the Yangting Pavilion typically cost several thousand RMB per night on weekdays. For example, certain packages (including multiple benefits) may have reference prices in this range.
Food and Beverage: Breakfast purchased separately should be inquired with the hotel. Main meal costs vary per person, and signature dishes such as steamed white water fish should be inquired with the restaurant.
Activities: Some activities (such as spas and cultural programs) are additional.
It's recommended to look for packages listed on official channels or travel platforms. These packages sometimes include accommodation, breakfast, and special experiences (such as spas and travel photography), offering better value.
Practical Tips
Mosquito Prevention: The hotel is full of greenery, so mosquitoes are unavoidable. However, mosquito repellent is provided in the rooms, and mosquito coils are lit at the door at night.
Guided Tours of Ancient Architecture: Be sure to join the daily morning guided tours of the ancient architecture, which will provide a deeper understanding of the hotel's cultural heritage and greatly enhance its value.
Best Time to Experience: The hotel and the ancient town are particularly tranquil and charming in the early morning and evening. The hotel's scenery changes dramatically depending on the season (cherry blossoms, ginkgo trees, and snow).
Attire Tip: Bring your own Hanfu or rent Hanfu at the hotel; taking photos amidst the quaint architecture is a truly stunning experience.
Family Friendly: The hotel provides children's slippers, bathrobes, toothbrushes, toys, and more, and the children's playground is also a great place for children to have fun.
Policy Note: According to Shanghai regulations, the hotel does not provide disposable items such as toothbrushes and combs. Please contact the hotel if you require them.
Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao is more than just a hotel; it's an immersive cultural destination. It perfectly blends rich historical heritage, exquisite architectural art, luxurious modern comfort and thoughtful service. It is very suitable for travelers who pursue cultural texture, desire seclusion and tranquility, and pay attention to quality of life. Whether it is a couple's vacation, a family trip or an experience with parents, you can find unforgettable memories here.