For Snow Yang and her parents, Fuyun Yang and Yanping Bai, preserving the past of their 128-year-old property near the mist-shrouded peaks of Weibao Mountain, while looking to the future, shapes The Dawn Luxury Hotel into a beautifully balanced stay. The siheyuan-inspired suites surrounding four, season-reflecting courtyards add to the sense of harmony, with yet more restorative powers in the hands of the spa’s in-house aromatherapist, who creates customised essential oil blends for each guest. Personalisation is prioritised throughout the experience, with an attentive team of butlers bringing the best of Weishan to you.
What does being ‘independently minded’ as a hotel owner mean to you?
Chain hotels often prioritise standardised services, management systems, and amenities, which can limit guests’ opportunities to experience the diversity of the local area and become less sensitive to its cultural heritage. However, our hotel endeavours to bridge this gap by embracing and integrating local culture into our design and services. While our interiors are thoughtfully crafted to exude both comfort and authenticity, we also incorporate innovative yet elegant ancient Chinese architectural design elements based on our property’s heritage, conveying a sense of craftsmanship and dedication that set us apart from larger, group-owned hotels.
Moreover, our personalised approach to hospitality, which is reminiscent of having a dedicated butler, ensures that guests receive attentive care without sacrificing individualised attention. This commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere has resulted in a loyal clientele who repeatedly choose our hotel as their home in Weishan.
What was the inspiration behind the hotel, and where do you continue to find sources of inspiration?
It began with a mindset centred on protection and restoration. As we embarked on the restoration journey, we were in awe of the historical and cultural heritage that emerged, inspiring us to passionately pursue the preservation of this place. For instance, during the restoration process, we stumbled upon magnificent ancient murals hidden behind layers of white paint, and witnessed abandoned villas transform into timeless masterpieces. Though initially coincidental, our aspiration is to continually enhance and perpetuate this legacy into the future.
While our interiors are thoughtfully crafted to exude both comfort and authenticity, we also incorporate innovative yet elegant ancient Chinese architectural design elements based on our property’s heritage.
How do you think your hotel stands apart from other boutique hotels?
In terms of history, the ancient kingdom of Nanzhao’s storied heritage spans 600 years, and the hotel itself holds a legacy of almost 130 years — embodying a fusion of Caravan and Han culture, as well as traditions from the Yi and Hui peoples. The property is designed around a traditional courtyard, with four interconnected Chinese siheyuan, each representing a different season. Guests can traverse these pathways to experience the changing seasons firsthand. The authentic preservation of historical elements can be observed throughout, with three entrances leading to the courtyards, each elevated higher than the last to create a memorable first impression. We also celebrate local festivals and centuries-old craftsmanship, from incense making and woodblock printing to tie-dying.
If you only had 24 hours to get a taste for your hotel experience, what would you recommend a guest must do?
Start your day with breakfast treats such as shredded pork bait, one noodle, three spoon rice and buckwheat cakes, or head to a nearby snack shop with one of our butlers to breakfast like a local. Take a stroll through the seasonal courtyards, shaded by cherry and plum blossoms, tropical rainforest, and a giant persimmon tree, then enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea under parasols in the succulent park, greeting the alpaca, sika deer and peacocks that roam the grounds. Towards sunset, retreat to our spa to discover the detoxifying and revitalising benefits of our immersive ‘Flowery Bath’ treatment, while tucking into the Naozhao snack plates and Qinghua black tea served during every spa session. Dine on Yunnan and Huaiyang fusion dishes overlooking our ancient tree garden, then end the day with a locally brewed plum wine.
How would you describe your own perfect luxury experience?
A hotel with a strong design ethos provides guests with the utmost relaxation, while fostering a sense of being at home. I appreciate a cosy ambiance and butler-style service, in a place where guests can fully immerse themselves in the local culture and history.
Do you have a vision for the future of the hotel?
First and foremost, I hope to see a more peaceful world and greater openness in global travel. This increased openness may have the potential to solve many other problems, as once these larger issues are addressed, others may seem smaller in comparison. I would also like to see more eco-friendly amenities and for more attention to be paid to cultural heritage. As the world is modernising at an unprecedented speed, we must strive to protect time-honoured traditions and cultural heritage.
Latest stories
Independent Minds: Steven Riseley, Castle Elvira
Crumbling castle it might have been for over a century, but Steven Riseley and husband, Harvey B-Brown, are writing their own contemporary fairy-tale at Castle Elvira in Puglia. Following a four-year restoration project with local craftsmen working to keep the original ceilings and stonework intact, the creative couple could finally
How to spend a short break in Syros, Greece
The Cyclades are known for their rugged beaches and iconic blue-and-white stucco buildings — until you arrive in the main town of Hermoupolis on the Greek island of Syros, that is. The bustling port city is an energised contrast from its Cycladic neighbours, where neoclassical mansions in a pastel palette
The dreamiest private villas to rent in Europe
Searching for a have-the-place-to-yourself holiday with room for everyone? These villa-style stays are stylish, spacious, and ever so secluded, with all the added extras of boutique hotel service included. Read on for some standout addresses to bed down in this summer, from Greek island hideaways to Tuscan farmhouses.
On the road in Provence
Fragrant lavender fields, sun-dappled vineyards, rocky Mediterranean coastlines, and buttercream-coloured hilltop villages weave a tapestry of natural beauty across Provence. From idyllic markets to ancient Roman ruins, this itinerary takes you on a road trip through the region’s most coveted cultural and historical sights. Buckle up todiscover the best of
