All that was left of the nearly 300-year-old Imperial Guard Temple was the facade. Film producer Zhang Zhenyan reinvented the rest using beams salvaged from other structures and concession-era antiques. The result is this swoon-worthy, 10-room boutique hotel, favoured by movers and shakers of the Chinese film world. Zhang's son, who speaks fluent English, and his wife manage the place.
The 1st-floor lounge serves espresso drinks and cocktails.