#HotelReview# Autumn would be beautiful because you are here - Changsha Fuli Wanda Vista Hotel
In early autumn 2020, still in the 'post-pandemic' era where we cannot fully let our guard down, it was my mother's birthday again. Thinking back to the previous years when I planned various itineraries for 'taking mom on a hotel review trip', the bar had been set quite high. This so-called 'annual KPI' kept rising, and I was really worried about how to meet it this year, especially given the special circumstances. How would the 'annual big show' play out?
Unable to 'fly to a tropical island for a swim' or 'walk the streets of Chengdu with me', I had to choose a nearby destination. So I visited the trendy, Instagram-worthy city of Changsha, the capital of my beautiful home province.
After comparing several options for our sleep-testing stay, I picked the iconic urban landmark hotel—Changsha Fuli Wanda Vista Hotel.
My choice was based on its location, industry reputation, and hardware and software facilities. Opened in 2012 and adhering to the group's philosophy of promoting 'Chinese culture', this luxury national brand hotel is the only Wanda hotel in our province and my first Wanda Vista property, making it quite special.
Its industry awards from last year include: 2019 Ctrip Hotel Reputation List 'Most Popular Hotel', 2019 Ctrip 'Must-Stay Hotel in Changsha', 2019 HDA Central China 'Best Service Hotel', 2019 Hotel New List 'Annual City Landmark Hotel', and New List Recommendation 'Popular Luxury Hotel'... Endorsements from major industry platforms certainly add to its appeal.
Its location is prime. The hotel sits on the scenic banks of the Xiang River, on Xiangjiang Middle Road in Kaifu District, adjacent to Wanda Plaza, steps away from old town attractions like Taiping Old Street, and close to the CBD. This 'geographical advantage' allows it to perfectly blend the nostalgic humanistic sentiments of old Changsha with the trendy elements of the new star city. (During our stay, dignitaries from politics and business visited the beautiful star city to study Changsha's famous 'night economy', which I took as a positive sign.)
In terms of transportation, it's close to metro, urban rail, high-speed rail, railway station, and airport. I personally tested it and found it convenient; traveling with my mother was hassle-free.
We arrived at the hotel at around 4 PM. A bellboy greeted us and took our luggage, and a smiling 'Wenda Angel' offered us tea and a wet towel, guided us to check-in, and gave a brief introduction. The warmth started from the moment we entered.
PS: According to the introduction, the 'Wanda Vista Angel' is a special greeter position created by Wanda Group for VIPs, offering sincere hospitality and attentive service.
Stepping into the lobby, I imagine first-time guests would be awed by its grandeur. The high ceiling, black-gold Italian marble walls, and traditional Chinese lacquered hibiscus flower murals perfectly blend artistry and aesthetics, exuding luxury without being vulgar—full of oriental charm.
Hunan is known as the 'Hibiscus Kingdom', so hibiscus motifs appear in many places—the crystal chandelier, the flower decorations outside the western restaurant lobby, and the carpet in the executive lounge.
The corridor leading to the elevators is a 'flower path' walked by many celebrities, like Hu Bing!
There's also a bridal sedan chair used for hotel wedding promotions. Since I was wearing a red dress that day, I cheekily got in to soak up some good luck.
We booked an 'Executive River View King Room' and checked in at the 28th-floor executive lounge. The lounge was elegant, comfortable, spacious, bright, and well-equipped with functional areas. (PS: I even borrowed a computer there to work at night.)
The tall cheongsam-clad ladies at the executive lounge were all gentle, polite, and professional, processing our check-in quickly.
Then we enjoyed afternoon tea at the executive lounge. Overlooking Orange Isle, the 'world's largest inland island', facing Changsha's 'Bund' scenery and the 'Victoria Harbour' of the star city, we sipped tea, rested, and felt refreshed.
I had mentioned to the hotel that it was my mother's birthday, but I never expected such a ceremonial surprise. The ladies brought a small cart with a birthday cake to the lounge, along with a large bouquet of flowers—specially chosen sunflowers for the elderly lady. She was overjoyed, and I was deeply grateful. It made a strong impression on us early on.
For dinner, we could have opted for the Happy Hour at the executive lounge, which had plenty of dishes and quick replenishment. I had a bowl of congee, enough to soothe our travel-weary souls.
Returning to our warmly oriental guest room, it was spacious and well-equipped. Drawing the floor-to-ceiling curtains, we enjoyed a panoramic view of the Xiang River. At night, sitting by the window, watching the traffic on Xiangjiang Middle Road flow by, I let my thoughts drift. Our two-day stay was delightful.
Toiletries were from ACCA KAPPA with a white moss scent—my first time trying them.
The bed linens featured the 'Wanda Vista Bed' and 'Sweet Dreams' sleep aid series. I tested them—they were incredibly comfortable, soft, and skin-friendly. After breakfast the next day, while my mother relaxed on the chaise lounge watching the large TV, I crawled back into bed. Wanda Vista made me proud of my 'return-to-bed' title; sleeping here truly relaxes every inch of skin and feels like home.
The highlight of celebrating a family birthday at the hotel was the dining. I had done my research and learned about its Pin Zhen Chinese Restaurant and Meishihui Western Restaurant.
Pin Zhen: Serves classic Hunan cuisine and Cantonese dishes, with a wide variety, exquisite presentation, and delicious taste. Overall performance was excellent. The restaurant is on the 5th floor, with private rooms and a main dining area. The decor is Chinese-style and grand. The private room area also includes a 270-degree luxury river view outdoor terrace directly overlooking the middle section of Orange Isle—scenery everywhere.
The Xiang River beauty is fully visible, and the Yuelu Mountain views are like a painting from afar. The terrace is spacious and often a gathering spot for Internet celebrities. I heard it's the same spot where Zhao Liying attended the launch of 'Chinese Restaurant' a few months earlier. It's also where the fan group 'Lian yu Bai Shicong' celebrated reaching 20 million followers.
As a Hunanese who has lived in Guangdong, I can say that choosing Pin Zhen for my mother's birthday dinner was very suitable and wise. The waitresses were very enthusiastic. One, possibly the manager, upon hearing it was my mother's birthday, helped us choose dishes, starting with cold appetizers, recommending based on our tastes and the restaurant's specialties. The results exceeded expectations.
For soup, we chose nourishing fish maw and mushroom broth. Fish maw soup is perfect for the elderly, very nutritious.
I highly recommend the 'Stir-fried Yellow Beef'—this is the real deal in Hunan cuisine, with red pickled peppers. The taste was irresistible. Even the peppers were delicious! Loved it.
The 'Yongzhou Blood Duck' they recommended was indeed good—flavorful and goes well with rice. We initially wanted greens, but the waitress suggested a mixed vegetable hot pot, which was generous and perfect for the cool early autumn in Changsha. Very thoughtful!
'Scallion Oil Cake' is better in Changsha! Pin Zhen's scallion rings were crispy and not overly greasy. I regretted not ordering more.
As a Cantonese expat, I also ordered a 'Mango Pomelo Sago' to see how their dessert compared. It didn't disappoint; it was almost as good as in Guangdong.
In summary, Pin Zhen Chinese Restaurant at Wanda Vista gave me more than expected. The family birthday dinner was very enjoyable.
Meishihui Western Restaurant: Combines Chinese and Western cuisines, with buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner, and à la carte options to satisfy various tastes. Located on the first floor near the lobby, the entrance features whimsical soldier figurines, presumably from a previous event based on Grimm's Fairy Tales. Another side has the iconic 'I ❤ Hunan' logo, a classic photo spot that has appeared in the media.
The indoor area is spacious with high ceilings, providing a sense of space. The dining area and food display area are clearly separated, with an open kitchen. Everything is well-organized.
Breakfast: Apart from standard Western fare, there were many local specialties: tofu pudding, wontons, rice tofu, sugar oil cake, Changsha rice noodles, and Hunan-style shaomai! As a Cantonese expat who hasn't had a Hunan breakfast in a long time, I was thrilled.
Buffet dinner: Also impressive—Japanese sushi, small hot pot, Western grilled meat and sausages, chilled seafood that could be cooked upon request, and a variety of beautiful desserts. It was a feast for the eyes and palate.
They like to interact with guests. During the meal, staff would wheel around specials of the day. That day, they served garlic-flavored small lobster, grain-fed 100-day Australian beef ribeye, and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall in individual portions, with great ceremony. I was particularly impressed by the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall—rich, nutritious, not greasy, and satisfying.
What touched me more: the chef, upon learning it was my mother's birthday, made a bowl of longevity noodles with a sunnyside-up egg, with a broth made from premium stock. I tried some; it was delicious and not bland.
One reason I like Meishihui is not just the variety of food but also the background music—they played a soothing tune called 'Bamboo Dance' that I love. Hearing it several times at Wanda Vista made me feel relaxed.
The lobby lounge, popular with business travelers, is beautifully decorated and offers trendy desserts, snacks, and drinks. Professional tea masters serve Chinese tea ceremonies for tea lovers, making it ideal for meetings and gatherings.
As guests with executive lounge access, I cheekily asked the staff and had tea break at the executive lounge. Their afternoon tea set looked like a summer menu—a three-tier birdcage with a fusion of Chinese and Western items: sandwiches, salmon rolls, chocolate mousse, cheesecake, ice cream, seasonal fruits, coffee, and tea. Enjoying it with the unbeatable view of Orange Isle was delightful.
Due to a packed schedule, I didn't have time for the fitness center and pool, but I visited briefly and chatted with the staff. He enthusiastically introduced the facilities—advanced equipment, and they even have reservation-based yoga classes for hotel guests. They also set up a WeChat group for guests to 'meet a better self'. Well done.
One step above typical luxury hotels, Changsha Wanda Vista also has an exclusive private club called 'Mingshi Club' on the top two floors, designed for urban elites. It has private elevators, butler service, luxury entertainment, and stunning city views. A private, exclusive business and leisure space for VIP members.
I didn't dare to ask or go there, haha.
Changsha, as the birthplace of Chu civilization and culture, has a long history, profound cultural heritage, and many famous figures. Its highly developed entertainment and media industry attracts visitors from all over. Famous spots like Orange Isle and Taiping Street are iconic. Our birthday trip naturally included a walk on Orange Isle and nostalgia at Taiping Old Street—you know, thanks to our prime location!
Cultural icons include the nationwide famous tea brand 'Cha Yan Yue Se' and the 'Super Wenheyou' at Hisense Plaza, a new city landmark that even Jack Ma visited. As a shop-hunter, I was thrilled that two Cha Yan Yue Se stores are next to the hotel at Wanda Plaza—no queues! Super Wenheyou is only 1.5 km away. We visited at off-peak times and were lucky again—a satisfying trip for foodies.
Truly 'Xiang' (Hunan) perfect.
'Rhyme as it is, the mind opens.' Our 2020 birthday trip with my mother to Changsha Fuli Wanda Vista Hotel was leisurely and comfortable. Autumn would be beautiful because you are here. 😊
