Wuxi Xuntang Ancient Town

Set within the Shangxian River wetlands of Taihu New City, Wuxi Xuntang Ancient Town represents the masterful revitalization of a 5,058-square-meter island village. Transforming a derelict settlement into a luxurious boutique hotel that preserves historic structures while opening the entire island to public exploration. The landscape design enhances outdoor spaces, celebrating the uniqueness of Wuxi culture. This project exemplifies a sustainable model for preserving the vanishing "Jiangnan water town" typology.
Rooted in ancient systems, the design bridges tradition and modern living. The site layout respects the original urban fabric, centered on an 1888 Qing Dynasty stone-arch bridge, now a protected municipal heritage site. Our intervention strategy focuses on "repairing" rather than "replacing." By studying Wuxi's heritage canal waterfronts, the team developed a palette of authentic materials and place-making elements, utilizing Taihu rocks and traditional gray brick to seamlessly blend new hospitality functions with historic textures.
With the hotel as an anchor, the design strengthens connections between buildings, streets, and the water. Our team reinterpreted classical scholarly gardens for modern use. The restored Central Garden features a poetic "Moon Gate" and a traditional zigzag bridge, evoking the region's literati past. A new pedestrian loop system, comprising the Village Walk, Garden Walk, and Bamboo Walk, improves circulation while revealing hidden historical artifacts, such as stone feeders and column bases.
Today, the waterfront is activated with cultural features, transforming a once-passive edge into a vibrant social interface. 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 contemporary hospitality experience, standing as a proud symbol of cultural continuity where history, nature, and modern life coexist in harmony for everyone to explore and enjoy.