A 1933 Residence Reimagined
The story of the property begins at a specific address, 118 Dongdajie Street. Built in 1933 by Wuxi entrepreneur Zhang Xiaocheng and his sister Zhang Chuquan, one of the city’s first Western-trained gynaecologist-obstetricians, the residence was reimagined nearly a century later alongside a new building to form the hotel that stands today.
The name “Xi Zhe” reflects this dual heritage: “Xi” refers to Wuxi, while “Zhe” combines two characters evoking the idea of double blessing. It also mirrors the layout of the site, where the new building and the historic residence sit in reflection of one another.
An Architecture Between Heritage and Modernity
The design of the hotel seeks a balance between history and contemporary living, drawing on the codes of traditional Jiangnan architecture within a modern hospitality setting. At reception, the furniture takes its cue from the medicine cabinets once found in traditional Chinese medicine clinics.
In the lobby, a spiral staircase echoes the design of the original staircases at the Zhang Xiaocheng residence, an architectural form known locally as “Zhuanpan Lou” or “Zouma Lou” and characteristic of Wuxi’s traditional buildings.
Today’s travellers are looking for stays that feel personal, authentic and deeply connected to their destination, said Alexander Shockley, Senior Director, Lifestyle & Collection Brands, Asia Pacific at Hilton. He added that the group’s lifestyle brands are designed to meet these expectations by offering differentiated experiences that give guests the freedom to express themselves, discover local culture and connect authentically, and that as Hilton continues to grow its lifestyle portfolio in China, it will keep strengthening the positioning of these brands and delivering distinctive experiences to travellers across the country.
A Cultural Immersion in Jiangnan
The hotel is set in the heart of Wuxi’s heritage district, close to the former residences of Qian Zhongshu, Xue Fucheng and Hua Yanjun (Abing), as well as Chong’an Temple, Nanchan Temple, the historic Qingming Bridge district and the ancient town of Huishan. Together with the hotel’s own history, this setting forms a genuine cultural journey for guests.
SANWEI Bistro draws on Jiangnan’s culinary culture, pairing local Wuxi flavours with contemporary techniques, alongside purple clay tea rituals and traditional music performances. Housed in the former Zhang Xiaocheng residence, Now and Then – French Bistro & Bar introduces modern mixology within the building’s original brick-and-timber architecture. The Artist Center, set in a corner of the lobby, will regularly host cultural events, continuing Wuxi’s tradition of literary gatherings.
The hotel pairs the timeless charm of a Republican-era residence with a modern travel experience, said Winnie Zhu, General Manager of Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton. She noted that, set in the cultural heart of Wuxi and surrounded by the historic residences of notable figures, the hotel gives guests the chance to slow down and immerse themselves in the refined Jiangnan setting, where past and present coexist to create meaningful stays.
Rooms and Facilities
The property has 105 rooms and suites spread across the historic residence and the contemporary building, with garden views and, in some cases, access to a private courtyard. Terrazzo flooring and traditional lattice patterns recall Jiangnan’s residential architecture, while Art Deco-style rugs evoke the nostalgia of the Republican era.
Bedside lamps inspired by traditional palace lanterns and woven bamboo headboards complete this regional identity, as do stools shaped like plum blossoms, Wuxi’s floral emblem. The hotel also features four pools – indoor, outdoor, hydrotherapy and children’s, with a dedicated pool bar – along with wellness treatments including sound bowl therapy and guided breathing sessions. A 24-hour fitness centre, flexible meeting spaces and pet-friendly service round out the offering.
Hilton Strengthens Its Lifestyle Offering in China
Demand for personalised stays connected to their destination is making lifestyle hospitality one of the fastest-growing segments in the Chinese market. Hilton already operates properties under the Canopy Hotels, Curio Collection by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Motto by Hilton banners in the country.
This momentum forms part of a broader brand strategy for the group, which recently unveiled Outset Collection, a new lifestyle brand dedicated to independent hotels. Curio Collection, for its part, continues its global expansion, as shown by the recent opening of the Elika Cave Suites Cappadocia in Turkey.
Since opening its first Asia Pacific property in Sanya, China, in 2017, Curio Collection has expanded into cities including Xiamen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Qingdao and Luoyang, making it one of the group’s fastest-growing lifestyle brands in the country. Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton is located at 65 Jiankang Road, Liangxi District, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Hilton opens first Curio Collection hotel in Jiangsu Province
Milestone: First Curio Collection by Hilton property in Jiangsu Province, China
Property: 105 rooms and suites blending a 1933 historic residence with new-build architecture
Location: Liangxi District, Wuxi, within Wuxi Center 66; developed by Hang Lung Properties, managed by Hilton
Highlights: Four pools, wellness programming, SANWEI Bistro and Now and Then – French Bistro & Bar
Portfolio: Fifth Hilton lifestyle brand now present in China, alongside Canopy, Tapestry and Motto
