Jiangnan garden hideaway
Willow-lined waterways, gentle birdsong, and wooden rowboats gliding past black-tiled pavilions evoke a secluded imperial garden estate.
“Winding pathways meander through the 17 acres of landscaped gardens and interconnected lily ponds, making the resort feel like a Zen retreat…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Low-rise Jiangnan pavilions with black-tiled pagoda roofs, symmetrical open corridors, and lily-filled lagoons along West Lake.
Remarkable
Private wooden boat send-offs, dedicated garden concierges, and intuitive service across eighty-one courtyard rooms and villas.
Remarkable
Lagoon boat meditation, Longjing tea tasting ceremonies, and morning garden tai chi led by a martial master.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Tatler.
The Four Seasons blends effortlessly into this environment, with its 17 acres of gardens and waterways and its low-slung traditional pavilions.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Tree-lined Lingyin Road runs along the northwest shore of West Lake, placing ancient temples and misty tea plantations minutes from the gate.
The rooms
Two-storey pavilions house rooms with silk detailing, marble baths, and private terraces opening directly onto quiet lagoons and bamboo gardens.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated indoor lap pool sits beneath skylights and timber pillars, alongside an outdoor pool among the gardens.
The garden baths
Outdoor hydrotherapy tubs sit within private courtyards, offering open-air floral soaks framed by whitewashed walls and foliage.
Restaurant
Jin Sha
Michelin-starred Jin Sha serves regional Zhejiang cuisine across a lacquer-trimmed dining hall and private lagoon pavilions.
The hotel’s convenient location in the West Lake historic district restricted its height and so all of the rooms are spread across just two floors.
At the table
Breakfast buffets and Italian dishes are served beside folding doors that open onto a rockery and waterfall garden.
How it began
Opened in 2010 on the site of Jin Sha Gang village, the low-rise compound mirrors Southern Song dynasty imperial water gardens.
“The reception hall is full of handcrafted wooden furniture built using a beautiful interlocking beams technique and the spiral chandelier... gives the space a refreshing and brighter look.”
Good to know
Stay here
Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou At West Lake
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.