Step into a living masterpiece of industrial heritage and natural wonder at The Sugar House Retreat. Set within a meticulously preserved 1960s sugar mill, this architectural icon is a breathtaking dialogue between raw concrete, weathered brick, and the ethereal karst mountains. It is a “monastic-chic” sanctuary where the rugged soul of a bygone era meets the avant-garde luxury of the present, offering a stay that is as much an art experience as it is a getaway.

LOCATION
The Sugar House occupies a dramatic riverfront position along the emerald waters of the Li River, framed by the jagged limestone peaks that have inspired Chinese poets for centuries. While it is just a short drive from the vibrant energy of Yangshuo’s West Street, the resort feels like a world unto itself—a secluded enclave where the morning mist rolls off the river and through the towering historic chimneys of the old mill.

YOUR ROOM
The guestrooms and villas are a study in sophisticated minimalism, blending the original textures of the mill—reclaimed stone and wood—with sleek, contemporary finishes. Expansive glass walls invite the dramatic mountain silhouettes into your living space, while private terraces offer the perfect spot for quiet reflection. The interiors are serene and spacious, featuring high ceilings and custom furnishings that echo the hotel’s unique industrial-chic aesthetic.

WHY WE LIKE IT
The centerpiece of the resort is undoubtedly the infinity pool, framed by the skeletal remains of the old sugar loading dock and extending directly toward the river—it is quite simply the most photogenic pool in China. We love the “1969 Bar,” housed in the old press room, where you can sip craft cocktails amidst the original machinery. From sunrise yoga on the riverbank to exploring the hotel’s private art galleries, every moment here is a celebration of Yangshuo’s hauntingly beautiful landscape.