I stayed at ZM Valley Resort as part of a destination wedding for the international student who lived with us. She had discovered this unique hotel in her travels and decided it was where she wanted the wedding, which her Chinese relatives could attend.
The ZM Valley Resort is not just one of the most interesting boutique hotels I have seen in China, but one of the most interesting I have encountered in my travels to 76 countries.
Location
ZM Valley Resort is located a few hours outside Shanghai, in a green valley far from the urban sprawl. The distance is long enough to create a psychological separation from the city, yet short enough to make the resort practical for a long weekend escape.
Most guests arrive by car, either their own or via a hired driver, and that is the most convenient option. The hotel provides a charging station for electric cars, which are common in China these days.
What I appreciated most about the location was how quickly the scenery changes. Highways give way to rolling hills, trees, and farmland. The air feels cleaner, and the noise level drops noticeably. This is not a resort surrounded by shopping malls or tour buses.
Public Spaces
The first impression at ZM Valley Resort comes from its public spaces, which lean toward eclectic and artistic. The lobby is in a building with a green living roof and large windows. The space looks as much like a gardening shop or an art gallery, with all the plants and artwork in the space. The entrance door is itself a hand-carved wooden work of art.
The property was created by an architect with an obvious sense of flair.
There is a small business center area for guests who need to check email or handle work tasks, but the overall feel of the public spaces suggests that work is optional here. Paths from the main building lead into landscaped gardens and walking areas. The main lawn behind the infinity pool was used for the wedding ceremony.
Room Features
My room at ZM Valley Resort was huge and thoughtfully laid out like a contemporary museum exhibit. Large windows brought in natural light and offered views of greenery. The bed was generously sized and comfortable. The wall behind the bed was a floral mural, and the bed’s headboard was carved wood. This is a room that you walk into and say, “Wow!”
My room had a 12’12’ enclosed balcony at the front of the property.
No two rooms were the same. Each room had a number but also a name. Even the outside of the building looks as if each room were added by a completely different architect and builder.
The room included reliable Wi-Fi, a well-positioned desk for light work, and a seating area that encouraged relaxation. Climate control was effective and quiet. The bathroom was modern and well-appointed, with a separate toilet and shower room with a rainfall shower.
Special Features
The resort emphasizes sustainability, with visible efforts to minimize its environmental impact. Thoughtful landscaping, such as the living roof, water-saving features, and a general philosophy of blending into the environment rather than dominating it, is evident throughout the property.
There is a large game room with foosball, ping pong, and pool tables. There is a small movie theatre off the main lobby.
- Get a universal plug adapter
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- To get to facebook and other sites from China you will need a VPN.
Food and Dining
Dining at ZM Valley Resort focuses on quality ingredients and regional flavors rather than an overwhelming number of choices. The main restaurant serves Chinese dishes.
Breakfast was a fixed menu of Chinese dishes, including beans and rice, corn, eggs, fried bread, and dumplings. The restaurant itself is a work of art, with butcher-block tables, a concrete floor, and large stained-glass panels.
We had the main wedding feast in the restaurant, so I did not get a chance to see the everyday menu.
Facilities and Amenities
Outdoor spaces are a major part of the experience. Gardens, walking paths, and quiet corners are scattered throughout the property, making it easy to find a place to read or think. I was there on a fall weekend, so it was a bit too chilly to enjoy the infinity pool.
Things Nearby
While ZM Valley Resort itself could easily fill a short stay, there are nearby attractions for guests who want to explore further. The surrounding area includes small villages, scenic hiking routes, and seasonal agricultural activities, depending on the time of year.
For travelers interested in local culture, short drives lead to traditional towns and markets where you can see a different side of life near Shanghai.
Final Thoughts
Rooms at ZM Valley Resort can start as low as $88 a night. Look for rates at Trip.com.
If you are in the Shanghai area, the ZM Valley Resort provides an out-of-town retreat to a world of art, color, and whimsy that few other places can duplicate.
