Yangshuo Sugar House
Post-industrial heritage resort. Raw concrete meets weathered brick, bamboo installations hang in cave-like voids, and the 1960s sugar-pressing rooms are now a cocktail bar and restaurant. The mood is calm, minimal, and genuinely interesting — not a typical luxury hotel.
Book a Garden Townhouse or Pool Villa if road noise is a concern — they're set further inland
Why It Matters
Designed by award-winning Vector Architects and interior designer Ju Bin, the property won international architecture accolades for its adaptive reuse of the 1969 sugar mill. The spa is built inside the original molasses storage tank. The rooftop pool sits inside the preserved industrial truss frame over the Li River. It holds a Michelin One Key designation.
A former 1960s state-owned sugar mill transformed into one of China's most architecturally distinctive luxury resorts. Beijing-based Vector Architects (Dong Gong) preserved the original industrial buildings and truss, then added a new wing of perforated concrete-and-handmade-brick accommodation — over 60,000 bricks crafted by hand from local sandstone — that reads like lacework against the karst cliffs. The result sits on a hillside above the Li River in Yangshuo, with views that make the infinity pool feel like a scene from a painting.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Garden Townhouse
At 109 sqm these are multi-level townhouse-style units with mountain views and garden access. Significantly more private than the retreat rooms and further from road noise. Also available in a pet-friendly variant and an Octonauts-themed kids' version.
1 King Bed (2m×2m) · 109 sqmHeritage Suite
The largest multi-bedroom option at 131 sqm, sleeping up to 4 adults and 2 children. Available in two variants named after local landmarks: Gongnong Bridge and Chaoyang Village. Set within the heritage-preserved section of the original sugar mill buildings.
2 King Beds (2m×2m) · 131 sqmLittle Yellow Duck Themed Family Suite
A jump up in space to 101 sqm, with a whimsical children's theme. Sleeps 2 adults and children. Larger layout with a living area. The hotel also offers an Octonauts-themed Garden Townhouse for families who want even more space.
1 King Bed + 2 Single Beds · 101 sqm
Pool Villa
The top accommodation at 186 sqm with a private pool. Set furthest from the main road and completely private. Stunning views of the karst mountains. Note that the private pool is unheated and may be too cold to use in winter months.
1 King Bed (2m×2m) · 186 sqmSugar House Deluxe Retreat King
An upgraded version of the standard retreat, with improved positioning or finishing within the new concrete-and-brick wing. Mountain views and the same 66 sqm footprint — the 'deluxe' distinction typically means better floor or aspect.
1 King Bed (2m×2m) · 66 sqmSugar House Deluxe Retreat Twin
Twin configuration of the Deluxe Retreat. Good for friends or two guests who want separate beds with an upgraded room position.
2 Single Beds (1.35m×2m) · 66 sqmSugar House Family Retreat
Configured for families with one parent bed and a single for a child. Sleeps up to 2 adults and 2 children. Mountain views and terrace.
1 King Bed + 1 Single Bed · 66 sqmSugar House Retreat King
The entry-level room, but at 66 sqm it's genuinely spacious. Mountain views, private terrace, local stone and bamboo details throughout. Standard rooms on the north-facing side can pick up road noise — ask for a higher floor or a room set back from the main driveway.
1 King Bed (2m×2m) · 66 sqmSugar House Retreat Twin
Same 66 sqm layout as the King Retreat, configured with twin beds. Good option for friends or family traveling together. Mountain views and private terrace.
2 Single Beds (1.35m×2m) · 66 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Guided canyon trekking through mountain streams near Xingping. Available June–November only. Professional guides, transportation from hotel included (on non-holidays).
Professional-guided exploration of the famous Moon Water Cave in Yangshuo. Transport included (non-holidays). Minimum 2 people.
Bamboo raft from the hotel dock to Guanlian Dock (25 min one-way, 10-min walk to West Street) or round-trip (50 min). A classic way to see the karst river scenery at water level.
Stand-up paddle boarding on the Li River, Yulong River, or Gaotian Long Village waterway. Available June–November. Professional guides included.
Routes of varying difficulty on the hotel's riverside karst rock wall, 50 meters high. Professional instructors and gear provided. Yangshuo is internationally known for world-class rock climbing — this puts it right in your backyard.
An ancient Chinese fishing technique using trained cormorant birds, demonstrated by a fisherman at the hotel dock. One of the most iconic images of Guilin / Yangshuo.
A professional landscape painting artist guides guests through creating their own miniature painting on a fan or canvas bag. Workshop or Screening Room, 09:00–17:30.
A daily ritual where a basket is lowered from the balcony delivering an afternoon treat — a nod to childhood memories and the mill's heritage. Complimentary, daily at 16:00.
Zhang Yimou's legendary night show performed on the Li River, using the actual karst mountains as a backdrop with thousands of lights. Hotel can arrange tickets and transfers.
A guided walk through the original sugar factory buildings with a narrator telling the story of the mill in the 1960s. Ends with a vintage-themed exclusive postcard. Daily at 16:30.
Guided candle-making or sachet-crafting session using essential oils, dried flowers, and locally sourced materials.
Outdoor poolside tai chi led by professional instructors. Runs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Guided yoga session in the dedicated gym yoga room. Focuses on body-mind harmony.
Make your own handmade syrup using the sugar mill's traditional tools, with vintage-inspired packaging to take home. Heritage craft meets hands-on experience.
4-hour cruise from Longtoushan Dock to Yangdi, departing 13:00. Includes simple boxed meal and hotel transfers. The classic way to see the Li River's karst scenery.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Creative event spaces with modern AV technology for corporate meetings, events, and weddings.
Children's activity area with playground. Open 09:00–18:00.
Quiet reading room with curated book collection. Open 09:00–18:00.
Pets welcome with prior agreement at check-in. Fee: CNY 500 per pet per night. Pet-friendly Garden Townhouse room type available.
The resort's showpiece: set inside the preserved industrial truss framework at the hilltop edge overlooking the Li River. Open 08:00–20:00. One of the most dramatically situated hotel pools in China. Not heated.
Separate pool area for younger children alongside the main infinity pool.
Located in the Little Boiler House. Sells Yangshuo Sugar House cultural products, exclusive hotel skincare oils, and local artisan handicrafts. Open 09:00–18:00.
Hotel-arranged Mercedes-Benz 4-seater (RMB 800 from airport, RMB 450 from Yangshuo station) or 6-seater (RMB 960 / RMB 480) transfers, one-way.
Dedicated yoga room within the fitness center. Used for complimentary morning yoga classes (Tue/Thu/Sat).
Equipped with Technogym professional-grade machines. Open 12:00–24:00.
BUILD YOUR YANGSHUO SUGAR HOUSE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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