What’s it like to stay at the hotel Chairman Mao visited over 20 times? West Lake State House

2024 Most Memorable Hotel Stay: Hangzhou Xihu State Guesthouse The West Lake area is home to many incredible hotels, but during my visit, I was fortunate enough to secure a night at the prestigious Hangzhou Xihu State Guesthouse—a place I had long dreamed of staying. Nestled on the western shores of West Lake, this iconic guesthouse boasts a prime location with 2 kilometers of exclusive lakeside access, surrounded by water on three sides, and spans a sprawling 360,000 square meters. Its history dates back over a century, encompassing the estates of late Qing dynasty scholar Liu Xuexun and reformist Kang Youwei. With its rich historical significance, unrivaled location, and impeccable service, the guesthouse has hosted numerous diplomatic events in modern Chinese history, including President Nixon's 1972 visit to China, the G20 Summit in 2016, and BRICS conferences. Its title as "The No.1 Garden of West Lake" is inscribed by renowned calligrapher Sha Menghai. The Stay The reception is housed in Building 8, the same building used for G20 Summit VIPs. Breakfast is also served here. Our Room:My grandmother and I stayed in a beautifully traditional room with décor that reflected Chinese cultural heritage through its warm color palette and intricate design. My Parents' Room:Their room featured a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese style, complete with a bathtub and a private courtyard, creating a serene and luxurious ambiance. The welcome fruits and desserts were of exceptional quality, and the L'Occitane bath amenities added a touch of indulgence. Exploring the Guesthouse The guesthouse is vast, with many historical landmarks, including sites related to Chairman Mao Zedong's work and the G20 Summit exhibition areas. With so much to see, I didn't plan any other attractions during my stay. Building Highlights: Building 1: This building, where Chairman Mao stayed over 20 times, is the oldest but closest to the lake. Around it, you can find places where Mao learned English, read, and picked tea. Adjacent is the famous Octagonal Pavilion, just 15 square meters in size, where the 1972 U.S.-China Joint Communiqué was drafted, marking a historic thaw in relations between the two nations. Building 7: Originally part of Kang Youwei’s estate, this building backs onto Dingjia Mountain and faces West Lake. Nearby is the Qingyi Qingyu Pavilion, a wooden structure by the lake where Chinese and U.S. leaders enjoyed tea and the scenic views during the G20 Summit. Dingjia Mountain: Early morning hikes here were a delight. At the summit stands a mahogany house, once part of Kang Youwei’s estate, where Mao composed works like Observing the Tide and Ode to the Plague Fighters and drafted China's first constitution in 1954. Other Notable Spots: The History and Culture Exhibition Hall (located in Building 6) displays Mao's tableware, memorabilia from the Liu Estate, and custom tableware sets from the G20 Summit. The Gardens: Impeccably maintained, the landscaped grounds offer breathtaking scenery at every turn—truly a place where every step feels like stepping into a painting. Service Having passed the test of hosting the G20 Summit, the service here is impeccable. The staff, young and well-trained, embody professionalism with warmth and grace. Shuttle services between buildings and the main gate are efficient and convenient. Final Thoughts The last time I was this impressed by a hotel was at the Four Seasons in Venice. Staying at the Xihu State Guesthouse felt like stepping back in time, experiencing history and luxury seamlessly intertwined. For me, this was more than a stay—it was a journey through culture, history, and unparalleled beauty.