Wuxi Xuntang Ancient Town

AECOM Asia Company Limited

Short description

Our project revitalizes a 5,058-square-meter island village along the Shangxian River, transforming it into a luxurious boutique hotel that preserves historic structures while opening entire island to public exploration. The landscape design enhances outdoor spaces, celebrating the uniqueness of Wuxi culture.

Rooted in ancient systems, the design bridges tradition and modern living. The team studied heritage canal waterfronts in Wuxi to understand how local architecture interacts with water, developing a palette of authentic materials and place-making elements. This approach required a deep understanding of historical lifestyles, materials, and intervention parameters.

With the hotel as the anchor, the design strengthens connections between buildings, streets, and the water. Key interventions include a welcoming arrival through a historic bridge, improved pedestrian circulation, restoration of the traditional central garden, and activation of the canal-front with cultural features.

Today, as visitors stroll through Xuntang Ancient Town’s stone streets, they experience a journey through time. The preserved village reflects Wuxi’s rich heritage while offering a vibrant, contemporary hospitality experience. It stands as a proud symbol of cultural continuity and thoughtful design — where history, nature, and modern life coexist in harmony for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Our project revitalizes a 5,058-square-meter island village along the Shangxian River, transforming it into a luxurious boutique hotel that preserves historic structures while opening entire island to public exploration. The landscape design enhances outdoor spaces, celebrating the uniqueness of Wuxi culture.

Rooted in ancient systems, the design bridges tradition and modern living. The team studied heritage canal waterfronts in Wuxi to understand how local architecture interacts with water, developing a palette of authentic materials and place-making elements. This approach required a deep understanding of historical lifestyles, materials, and intervention parameters.

With the hotel as the anchor, the design strengthens connections between buildings, streets, and the water. Key interventions include a welcoming arrival through a historic bridge, improved pedestrian circulation, restoration of the traditional central garden, and activation of the canal-front with cultural features.

Today, as visitors stroll through Xuntang Ancient Town’s stone streets, they experience a journey through time. The preserved village reflects Wuxi’s rich heritage while offering a vibrant, contemporary hospitality experience. It stands as a proud symbol of cultural continuity and thoughtful design — where history, nature, and modern life coexist in harmony for everyone to explore and enjoy.