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September 14, 2016

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Inner peace and calm after grand entry into Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao

EMBEDDED at the tranquil ancient Zhujiajiao water town in suburban Qingpu District, Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao offers historical surroundings, first-class design, an ecological system, picturesque scenery, first class facilities and convenient transportation.

As you walk through the hotel gate, two highly impressive historical buildings stand guard.

On your right is Wufeng Building (Five Phoenix), over 600 years old and built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was moved from east China’s Anhui Province and rebuilt as a lobby of the hotel.

On your left is an ancient opera theater built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), a venue where various social activities and Chinese opera performances were held.

The Wufeng Building, which covers an area of 1,400 square meters, resembles a typical ancestral hall from ancient times and has long been revered for its exemplary artistic flourishes. The five pairs of flying phoenix-shaped roof-ridges represent high position, good luck and fortune. A pair of lion statues, more than 100 years old, sit at the gate of the building, representing power and prosperity. They all make for an impressive welcome for guests to Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao.

“Our aim is to create a combination of modern and traditional Chinese lifestyle,” says Simon Kong, the Malaysian general manager of the hotel. “Rooted from Chinese culture and inserted with international facility standard, our hotel will make guests indulge in a minimalistic and idyllic way of life.”

The opera theater, which covers an area of 120 square meters, boasts exquisite wood carvings and decorated golden dragon pillars. Many Chinese opera characters are carved across the wall of theater. With two verbenas planted at the front, the theater is a popular place to hold a traditional wedding ceremony, fashion show or themed events.

Kong says that the name of the hotel comes from traditional Chinese culture. “Ahn” means tranquil and harmony, while “Luh” refers to a hillside hermitage or retreat.

With the concept of inner peace, happiness and calm, the hotel recently presented the solo art exhibition of Song Decheng, an expert of Buddhist art. Held at Wufeng Building, the exhibition showed a collection of refined masterpieces featuring the essence of Chinese and Buddhism cultures from the Tang (AD 618-907) and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties.

“The hotel is a platform for vacation, aesthetics, culture and life,” says Kong. “We invite guests to explore the philosophy of life and look forward to a nature-carved hideaway that combines modern comforts with luxury and elegance.”

Strolling around the hotel’s artistically designed garden makes for a delightfully relaxing pleasure. A winding corridor, a clump of grass and a setting of fine carvings all play a subtle role in creating a classical atmosphere.

Dotted across the garden, the hotel has 35 villas, each with their own courtyard and private garden. The shaped rooftop gets its inspiration from the sense of grace evoked by the boats and the tone of a typical Chinese water town.

All the villas are equipped with high-speed wifi, a king-size bed, cotton textiles, ultra high-definition flat LCD TV, central air conditioning and a floor heating system.

“You will never get bored here because we plan lots of activities featuring Chinese traditional culture and health,” says Kong.

At the hotel’s library, the Chinese Medicine Room is staffed by experienced doctors. They will offer suggestions about regular diet and traditional Chinese medicine.

You can also join tai chi or yoga classes in the garden surrounded by green plants and experience nature while concentrating on breathing in and out during the exercises.

The Ahn Luh spa helps you to relax, recover and achieve balance of body, mind and soul within a peaceful environment where excellent service is the norm.

Calligraphy performance, weaving skill speech and tea ceremony rites are also on the agenda.

“We also take MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) business as an important role,” says Kong. “The hotel has tailor-made services ‘One Master One Day’ for every guest and makes them feel at home.”

The Wufeng Building and the opera theater provide a unique setting for meetings and events. They are also superb venues for holding traditional Chinese weddings.

Imagine the arrival of the bridal sedan chair at the square followed by the three prayers ceremony (bow to god, parents and each other) at the ancient theater. The couple can host an outdoor feast with the Wufeng Building providing an inspiring backdrop.

The hotel also has an eight-meter-high ballroom and multi-function halls. A homemade green bean cake with your company’s logo is served at tea.

Two distinctive restaurants offer Chinese and Asian cuisine along with fresh local ingredients and pleasant ambience.

Kong took the helm of Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao last December and has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. His key idea of leadership is inspiration, creation and independence.

Best Deal

Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao offers over 1,700 sqm of wedding venue which consists of an opera stage, Wufeng Building and magnificent outdoor swimming pool, unfolding an exquisite or classic Chinese wedding with a once-in-a-lifetime romance in the timeless heritage and contemporary luxury.

GM’s Favorite

It was the T8 in Xintiandi, before it was closed down recently. With the decors and ambience, and of course I have enjoyed every meal there, a simple bread to the sophisticated dessert! The restaurant was designed by the late Jaya Ibrahim, and I sincerely hope that they will preserve most of the designs at the new T8. Very much looking forward to continuing the T8 gastronomical journey by this fall.

Footprint

General manager of Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao

 

General manager of Angsana Tengchong Hot Spring Village




 

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