The backyard of the Mo family's residence. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

"See you next year and we will come back to Wuxi again," said a woman surnamed Tan from Guangzhou, who visits the city for several days every summer vacation.

Seclusion in Oriental Cloud · Mo House homestay is where she always stays.

The Mo House homestay renovated from the century-old Mo family's residence is quite low key except for an old rickshaw parking at the entrance.

The designer Lyu Shaocang said, "Most tourists are disappointed with the homestay when they see the entrance, but when they open the door, they change their minds."

The lobby of Seclusion in Oriental Cloud · Mo House homestay. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]

"This contrast is what I wanted to create," added Lyu.

The Mo House homestay has an old and mottled door, behind which is a Jiangnan-style garden.

In 2017, the designer invested 10 million yuan ($1.46 million) and spent two years renovating the Mo family's residence.

Old items have been reserved as part of the interior trim to create a comfortable atmosphere for a slow-paced life and give tourists an immersive experience of the ancient waterside Jiangnan-style daily life.

A serene atmosphere is created by the dappled shadows of the trees in a guestroom of the Mo House homestay. [Photo/WeChat account: iloveqingpu]

All the guestrooms at the homestay are different from each other and all have names related to the history and culture of Wuxi, such as Xiaolouxiang, which is the oldest and most renowned block in the city.

Lyu has also been cooperating with art institutions and cultural organizations to host art exhibitions, cultural salons, and intangible cultural heritage activities at the Mo House homestay to further revitalize the century-old dwelling.

In 2021, the Mo family's residence received an Honorable Mention at the 14th International Design Awards.