Published : 2022-11-04
There is no need to fly to Europe to seek out scenic spots, as it turns out there are many castle-shaped hotels in China, each with its own characteristics, magnificent and full of European romantic atmosphere.
This article will take you to explore four castle hotels in China. Want to experience life as a princess and a prince? Without further ado, quickly read what is shared below.
Jilong Castle in Guizhou: The "Castle in the Lake"
Every girl has a princess dream, and coming to Jilong Castle (吉隆堡) in west China's Guizhou Province will surely make that dream come true.
Jilong Castle, located on the shore of Wanfeng Lake (萬峰湖) in Xingyi City (興義市), Guizhou Province, is surrounded by cliffs on all four sides and is connected to the shore only by a suspension bridge.
Seen from a drone's-eye view, the panoramic view of the castle is like a Disney princess castle, both unique and dreamy.
Jilong Castle features a Gothic design style. The hotel is surrounded by the rugged karst landscape with its grotesque rocks, integrating with the lake and the peaks.
It is a rare lake-centre castle in China and is therefore also known as the "Chinese version of Neuschwanstein Castle".
When visiting Jilong Castle, it is best to take a small boat, admire the beautiful scenery of the lake, and capture the beauty of the castle hotel with a wide-angle lens, creating the most precious souvenir of your journey.
There are also many popular photo spots in Jilong Castle, such as the glass walkway and the zip line, which are sure to leave everyone with happy memories. After visiting Jilong Castle, visitors can stay in a B&B in the nearby Wanfenglin Scenic Area (萬峰林景區).
Read more: Exploring world's first quarry hotel in Shanghai
Wencheng Castle in Shandong: The "Dark Ancient Castle"
In Penglai District of Yantai City (煙台市蓬萊區), Shandong Province, along the winding and glittering Golden Coast, stand three European-style castles that combine Baroque, Rococo, and Gothic styles, named Wencheng Castle (文成城堡).
The three castles have a total construction area of about 40,000 square metres, making it one of the largest castle hotels in China.
Among them, "Castle No. 3" of Wencheng Castle is primarily Gothic in its architectural design, with decorations tending towards the Baroque style, such as the magnificent theatre-style hall, the vivid angel murals, and the elegantly shaped lamp post decorations. Every corner carries a trace of European architecture.
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Inside Wencheng Castle, there are royal-style suites, such as the King's Room and Princess's Room.
The rooms are magnificent and opulent, where gold-threaded floral carpets are paired with burgundy velvet curtains, creating a look that is grand yet tasteful.
Unmissable attractions at Wencheng Castle also include the wine cellar and the Grape Hall. The wine cellar is built from nearly 10,000 irregular volcanic stones, giving it a rugged and primitive design.
The Grape Hall adopts the concept of harmony between man and nature. The designer has skilfully carved biblical stories and allusions onto grapevine-shaped pillars.
Visitors can read the related stories while admiring the craftsmanship, which is fascinating.
Castle Hotel in Dalian: "The Romantic Castle"
To experience the luxury and grandeur of a castle hotel, the Castle Hotel in Dalian City (大連市), Liaoning Province, is an excellent choice.
The spacious lobby of the Castle Hotel features a classic European style, with white as the main colour scheme, a vast sense of interior space, complemented by elegant, black leather seats, and a long, winding staircase. It makes you feel like you have stepped into the story of Cinderella losing her glass slipper.
Read more: China's Wangxian Valley: A fairyland with cliffside houses
Inside the Castle Hotel, it adopts a magnificent Bavarian castle-style architectural design. Upon entering the lobby, be careful not to be dazzled by the crystal chandeliers.
The white walls are adorned with artistic oil paintings, making it feel like a stroll through a gallery or art museum.
In addition, the hotel's Gothic-style light-transmitting windows allow for excellent natural light in the lobby, corridors and restaurants.
When the sun is shining, it's not a bad idea to enjoy a sunbath while savouring a hot coffee!
Naked Castle in Zhejiang: "The Natural Ancient Castle"
Naked Castle (裸心堡) is built on the mountainside of Moganshan (莫干山) in Zhejiang Province, amidst a dense and beautiful bamboo forest. The exterior is embraced by a green forest, while the interior is spacious and bright.
The continental-style ancient castle features nearly 100 guest rooms. Each cliffside suite offers a distant view of lush, layered mountains, a delightful and pleasing sight.
The most iconic feature of the suites at Naked Castle is the enormous round bathtub in front of the window. The 90-degree corner window directly faces the mountains.
During the day, you can quietly admire the lush green scenery and enjoy a moment of tranquillity in nature. At night, you can bathe while gazing at the twinkling lights and stars in the distance, adding a touch of romance.
It is worth mentioning that Naked Castle specifically hires handsome Scottish men in kilts to act as castle guards. They also serve as tour guides for visitors, making guests feel as if they are truly in Europe, a very distinctive feature.
Having said that, are you tempted yet? Before your next trip, why not browse the website's recommendations? Perhaps they will give you more inspiration for your planning!
