Shangri-La Group officially launched its new ultra-luxury brand, Shangri-La Signatures, with the opening of its inaugural property, The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou in China.

According to the hospitality company, Shangri-La Signatures redefines modern luxury through the lens of cultural authenticity and human connections. Each property under the brand is envisioned as a refined private residence, created through collaborations with world-renowned designers and artisans. Rooted in local heritage, the hotels will offer curated immersive experiences across art, wellness, gastronomy, and storytelling.

As the first hotel in the brand’s portfolio, The Silk Lakehouse draws inspiration from the refined elegance of a Jiangnan silk merchant’s home. Designed by Belgian Gert Voorjans and Spain’s Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the property is a blend of Eastern tradition and contemporary sophistication.

Set of the shores of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Silk Lakehouse occupies the former site of the Xiling Hotel, once a prestigious destination for state dignitaries. The property preserves and reinterprets original cultural elements, including the restored Autumn in Yandang Mountain Ou sculpture by master artisan Zhou Jinyun, originally commissioned in 1971 to welcome former U.S. President Richard Nixon. This preservation reflects Shangri-La’s connection to Hangzhou, where the Group opened its first hotel in Mainland China in 1986.

Highlights of The Silk Lakehouse include:

• a crystal art installation in the lobby, composed of 1,930 hand-blown Murano glass pieces, evoking the gentle movement of West Lake’s willow branches;
• 68 elegantly-appointed rooms and suites, offering panoramic views of West Lake or the property’s gardens, freestanding bathtubs, AI-responsive mattresses, heated towel systems, and more;
• a Personal Host Programme, which pairs guests with dedicated hosts who curate tailor-made itineraries, from Song Dynasty-style tea ceremonies and incense making, to enamel craft, seal carving, silk weaving, and traditional Hangzhou fan making;
• and a range of wellbeing facilities, activities and experiences, including a grotto-style indoor swimming pool and sunrise yoga and Tai Chi.

The Silk Lakehouse also presents a collection of refined dining concepts that honor Hangzhou’s culinary legacy:

• The Living Room by Alan Yu: A modern Western dining experience led by Michelin-starred Chef Alan Yu, blending European techniques with locally sourced ingredients for a contemporary East-meets-West experience;
• Golden Silk: A tribute to regional cuisine, reinterpreting classic Hangzhou dishes alongside flavors from Wenzhou, Ningbo, and Taizhou;
• Tea Room: A serene setting inspired by Song Dynasty-style tea rituals, offering immersive tastings of local favorites – Longjing and Jiuqu Hongmei teas;
• The Living Room by SANYOU: In partnership with San You, a laureate of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, guests enjoy creative cocktails featuring baijiu and other regional spirits.