Fuchun Resort

Hangzhou

The splendor of Hangzhou, the former imperial city under the Southern Song dynasty, has always provided inspiration to artists and visitors passing through. Chaoying, a poet of the Yuan dynasty, praised the beauty of its landscapes in these words: “There is a paradise in the sky, and on earth, there is Suzhou and Hangzhou.” The city, built on the banks of the Lake of the West, dominates the lakefront with temples, pagodas and gardens. Classified a UNESCO world heritage in 2011 for the quality of its ancient, cultural Chinese landscape, the site is an exceptional example of a cultural tradition consisting of embellishing the landscape to reflect the idealized fusion between man and nature. The scenery around the lake has inspired numerous artists and is often used for theatrical demonstrations directed by Zhang Yimou, director of the film, Hero and the creator of the opening ceremony for the Beijng Olympic Games.

Living on Mount Fuchun

At the foot of Mount Fuchun, a gentle veil of mist rises above the calm waters of the lake. Only the silence reigns over the site, where terraced tea plants dominate the green hills of the “Dragon’s Well”. Set in the heart of this serene landscape lies an elegant structure whose inspiration includes the work of Chinese painter, Huang Gong-Wang, the eldest of the four masters of the Yuan dynasty, who was fascinated by the beauty of the site. In 1347, he painted the hills in the form of an idealized panorama of which the Fuchon Resort possesses a magnificent copy. Under the supervision of architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the hotel offers guests a look at the artistic universe of the Yuan dynasty. The organization of the interiors respects the concepts of Feng Shui the goal of which is to harmonize the environmental energy of a place in order to improve the well being of the occupants. Like a gentle invitation to relaxation, the hotel’s spa offers treatments inspired by traditional Tibetan medicine including yoga, phytotherapy and healthy nourishment. A Long Jing tea, a particular favorite of the members of the Qin dynasty’s imperial court, is a perfect way to punctuate this moment of well being.

“In Asia, we live mainly outdoors, and so it’s impossible to disassociate the outside from the inside. The terraces, swimming pool and gardens are part of the global vision in which the building itself becomes one of the elements.” (Jean-Michel Gathy, architect)