Boatyard Hotel: Experience China’s Dreamy Riverside Oasis
Embark on a serene journey as you explore the Boatyard Hotel in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. Designed by WJ Studio, this riverside gem offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Nestled within the idyllic town of Shanwan, this hotel boasts a picturesque landscape, where historical culture and natural beauty harmoniously converge. Immerse yourself in the poetic ambiance of this stunning retreat, redesigned in 2023, and find peace amidst the unique design style and enchanting surroundings.
About Boatyard Hotel
Discovering Serenity in the Landscape
The most enchanting experiences often arise from chance encounters with nature. A river on a rainy day in Jiangnan provides a dreamy scene, where one can sway and listen to the rain, awaken to catch the light, and stroll elegantly. However, the most unforgettable memories are often hidden within the unseen beauty.
The wind breezes along the riverbank, revealing the poetic waterfront habitat: a leisurely lifestyle under the moonlit arched bridge, a tranquil mindset beyond daily life, and boundless freedom within a flowing connection to nature.
The Boatyard Hotel: A Harmonious Blend of History and Nature
Nestled in the village of Shanwan in Wujiang District, Suzhou, the Boatyard Hotel sits within a serene landscape where the tranquility of an idyllic town, the expansive river, and historical culture merge. Its rippling black-roofed buildings resemble crow-top boats gathered and docked on the shore, creating a picturesque scene akin to an ink painting.
WJ STUDIO aims to infuse the indoor spaces with rhythm and a unique spatiotemporal experience. As visitors seek out the idyllic scenery of the water village, they unknowingly become part of the landscape themselves.
A Dialogue of Time and Space
In the words of Louis Sullivan, proper architecture grows naturally, logically, and poetically within its environment. A three-dimensional space embraces growth, evolution, and intersections as time flows forward like a river. Momentary landscapes emerge where nature, fields, light, and human design converge at the crossroads of space and time.
Creating a Peaceful Dwelling
As one connects with nature, the heart finds peace and calm within the winds of the field. The hotel’s artistic expression of a “docked boat” signifies a semi-submerged state, inviting those who arrive to settle in and find tranquility.
The design gracefully transitions from outdoor to indoor spaces, capturing the essence of peaceful living. Guest rooms offer panoramic views of the riverbank, while tall and wide floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outdoor scenery inside. Life becomes a long boat journey, pursuing daily tasks and desires, while love guides us back to the essence of living and the deeper meaning of our journey.
Photography by Zhu Hai, Zhang Xi
Visit WJ STUDIO
- by Matt Watts
