Perhaps not the first but the Fairmont Peach Hotel is among China’s most famous heritage hotels. The former Cathay Hotel on the Bund, now comprising 270 guestrooms and 39 suites, was built by industrialist Victor Sassoon and designed by Palmer and Turner (Hong Kong’s Pedder Building). Completed in 1929, it has been at the centre of Shanghai life ever since. The classic art deco structure is as recognisable for its green, corroded copper pyramid top as it is for its storied past hosting Gang of Four meetings to post-war government offices.

Alila Yangshuo, Guilin

Taking in the distinctive karst topography of Guilin, Alila Yangshuo’s 117 rooms and suites are housed inside a former sugar mill that has been redesigned by Dong Gong at Vector Architects. Integrating the old with the new, the hotel pays homage to the structure’s history and to its place in the region. Perched on the Li River, the mill built in the 1960s has been preserved and reconfigured, and now incorporates the mill and industrial truss in the hotel’s central core and plaza. Technology has helped to replicate the original design and its connection to the karst surroundings.

Amanyangyun, Shanghai

Not far from central Shanghai is a camphor forest, and at the heart of this forest are a series of Ming and Qing dynasty homes that now serve as the Amanyangyun, Aman Resort’s fourth China property. The meticulously restored historical houses were reassembled piece by piece and brick by brick to their original specifications. The result is 24 peaceful Ming courtyard suites and 13 refined antique villas boasting forest views and natural wood, stone and bamboo finishings inspiring tranquil introspection within historic elegance.

The Linden Centre, Yunnan

At one time a military barracks, a kindergarten and a hospital, the Linden Centre and surrounding complex dates back to the mid-20th century and is a shining example of traditional Chinese Bai-style architecture. Located in a Yunnan village near Dali, Lake Er and the Cang Mountains, the two-storey, 14-suite boutique hotel that was the courtyard home of a local merchant, incorporates the original stone and wood and antiques appropriate to the era and style of the building.

Beijing Hotel NUO, Chang’an Avenue, Beijing

Virtually next door to the Forbidden City, the Beijing Hotel NUO was referred to as the “Grand Hôtel de Pékin” since its opening in 1917. Perched on the iconic Chang’an Avenue, the hotel and its original French facade, marble staircase and 164 rooms and suites was once a Raffles Hotel, and has been the focus for much of modern Chinese history with Richard Nixon, Nikita Khrushchev, Sun Yat-sen and the International Olympic Committee among its guests. Just do not confuse the NUO with the 1970s-era annexe nearby.

The Astor Hotel, Tianjin

The five-star Astor Hotel evokes the romance of a bygone era with all the contemporary luxuries of a world-class hotel – with 152 elegantly appointed rooms and suites in classic Victorian style and more contemporary elegance. It was the country’s first grand international hotel when it opened in 1863. Not far from Xiaobailou metro station, the hotel hosted diplomats, consuls, presidents, prime ministers and glitterati during its life, until it was renovated in 2010.

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