Shangri-La Launches ‘Signatures’ Brand with the Opening of The Silk Lakehouse in Hangzhou
A heritage-rich retreat on West Lake marks the debut of Shangri-La’s new ultra-luxury brand.
Photo: Shangri-La Signatures
In a move intended to redefine modern Asian hospitality, Shangri-La has officially launched its new ultra-luxury brand, Shangri-La Signatures, with the debut of its first property: The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou. Set on the edge of the storied West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the intimate retreat marks a new era for the brand, blending poetic design, local heritage, and immersive wellness.
According to Shangri-La, Signatures is envisioned as a refined evolution of the brand’s core ethos: homespun hospitality, cultural depth, and emotional connection. Each property in the Signatures portfolio is designed to feel like a sophisticated private residence, brought to life through partnerships with global design talents and rooted in its locale. For its debut, Shangri-La tapped designers Gert Voorjans and Lázaro Rosa-Violán to create a modern-day Jiangnan silk merchant’s manor, layered with textures and stories that honor the region’s artistic legacy.
The Silk Lakehouse occupies the historic site of the former Xiling Hotel, once a preferred retreat for dignitaries. The new hotel preserves elements of its past, including a restored sculpture originally commissioned to welcome President Nixon in the 1970s. A lobby centerpiece—a kinetic chandelier of 1,930 Murano glass pieces—is designed to mimic the gentle sway of willow trees over West Lake.
With just 68 rooms and suites, The Silk Lakehouse offers a serene and highly personalized stay. Its amenities include panoramic views, freestanding soaking tubs, and AI-enabled mattresses. Each guest is paired with a personal host who curates tailor-made cultural experiences such as silk weaving, fan-making, and incense ceremonies—all immersions designed to celebrate Hangzhou’s soul.
Dining is equally curated, from the Michelin-starred Living Room by Alan Yu, where European technique meets local ingredients, to Golden Silk, which reinterprets regional flavors. The Tea Room revives Song Dynasty traditions, while cocktails at The Living Room by SANYOU feature baijiu and local botanicals in a nod to East-West synergy.
