Slow Travel in Guangzhou, Staying at Xana Hotel – A Different Kind of Home Experience

The New Year's COVID-19 pandemic had thrown my long-planned trip into disarray. As the city reopened and the situation improved, it was time to relax my cooped-up body. But during these special times, necessary precautions were still a must, and extra care was needed for everything from eating to having fun! As someone who loves to travel, this wasn’t my first time in Guangzhou, but I’d always just passed through hurriedly or changed planes. This time, I decided to slowly soak in the city. With everything prepared, I headed to Guangzhou — the city I’d been longing for.

Since I was arriving at and departing from Baiyun Airport this time, I didn’t choose a hotel in the city center. I found this Xana Hotel online, very close to the airport and with convenient transport. After dropping off my luggage, I dashed off to explore the city!

Liuhua Lake Park White House

My first stop was Liuhua Lake Park, home to Guangzhou’s “White House.” Located within the park, this artificial lake was built in the 1950s to divert floodwaters. It’s part of a system of four man-made lakes, including Liuhua Lake. Later, it was turned into a park and opened to the public free of charge. Besides its original flood-control function, it’s now a large comprehensive park for sightseeing, recreation, and relaxation.

Dense woods and high-rises surround the lake, and water makes up over 60% of the park’s total area. Palms, banyan trees, flowering shrubs, and open lawns create a strong South Asian tropical vibe.

The highlight here is the Liuhua Lake White House. The whole building seems to float on the water, brimming with exotic charm and perfect for photos. No wonder it draws plenty of shutterbugs every day.

In Guangzhou, don’t miss the dazzling night views. The best spot is Xiaoman’s Waist (officially the Canton Tower), the city’s highest point offering a great bird’s-eye panorama. The main tower body stands 454 meters tall, topped by a 146-meter antenna for a total height of 600 meters — the tallest tower in China and the second tallest in the world after Tokyo Skytree. You can go up and enjoy the night scene.

Between 168 and 334.4 meters, there’s the “Spider-Man Walkway,” the world’s highest and longest skywalk. A revolving restaurant, the “Sky Drop” free-fall ride, and an outdoor photography platform also set world records. Thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss the world’s highest Ferris wheel at the 450-meter top. Ladies with guts, go for it!

Besides the tower itself, the Pearl River promenade below offers a wonderful night view, with skyscrapers reaching into the clouds all lit up in color.

If you come to Guangzhou, you can cycle or stroll at a leisurely pace, stop for street food now and then, and watch the crowds go by. It’s laid-back like Chengdu but in its own way, truly delightful!

Staying at Xana Hotel (Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Branch)

The hotel is super convenient, less than 5 kilometers from the airport. By taxi, it’s under 10 minutes and just a minimum fare. More importantly, the hotel offers free airport pick-up and drop-off. We arranged it directly with them, and a young staff member was there to help with luggage — wonderful for us ladies.

Front Desk / Lobby — Love at First Sight

I have to say, the interior décor hits you with a fresh, pleasant vibe the moment you step in. The hotel logo behind the front desk is beautifully designed. A faint, pleasant scent drifts through the space, making the lobby feel cozy and inviting.

The young man at the front desk left a particularly deep impression — hahaha — so warm and polite. The front desk is the face of a hotel; with such service, it would be embarrassing not to stay here.

Worthy of mention is the lounge area next to the front desk — this is what impressed me most. Unlike other hotels I’ve stayed in, the décor here is a feast for the eyes. Red wine is available for purchase, perfect for grabbing a bottle with your bestie to enjoy rare “goddess” time, or just having some snacks and soaking up the unique atmosphere.

Neatly displayed are a variety of brand-new books, free to browse whether you’re waiting or just relaxing. Sitting alone in a chair, you can savor a rare touch of literary calm.

It’s the little details that show the spirit. If you left home in a rush, the hotel kindly offers various daily necessities like facial masks and mists — both imported and domestic, available for purchase as needed. My favorite is a pair of yellow kawaii slippers — super cute!

Other stylistic touches are equally distinctive, giving guests a sense of uniqueness and warm hospitality. That big Chinese character “倔” (stubborn) seems to speak to the hotel’s personality and style: be yourself, while offering guests a wonderful and memorable stay.

The Room — Cozy and Homey

From the moment I opened the door, pleasant surprises awaited: a subtle fragrance, a neat and orderly space that looked so comfortable and inviting. I knew I’d have sweet dreams tonight.

The hotel is newly opened, so all facilities and equipment are brand new and spotless. As a clean freak, especially during this pandemic, I pay extra attention to hygiene. The room was so clean I felt completely at ease — the hotel clearly excels in this area.

The room is spacious, with a sofa where I could lean back and watch TV when tired, or sit with friends chatting about everything under the sun.

Everything was neatly arranged, with thoughtful little touches everywhere. The smart control system is great; I switched on the Bluetooth speaker, played some soft music, and instantly felt my fatigue melt away.

Entering the room, what I looked forward to most was the bed. I flopped down eagerly — wow, so comfortable, so soft! I felt I could drift off any second, and after a long day of walking, I simply didn’t want to get up.

I’ve always loved hotel rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Sitting at the desk, making a cup of coffee, turning on my laptop, I quietly soaked up the coziness — no words needed at that moment.

I have to mention the bathroom. The toiletries were stylish, fresh, and cute. There’s a sensor light, and you can even play music while showering — absolutely fantastic! Details like these reveal the hotel’s quality.

The thing I loved most in the room was the bathtub — such a thoughtful design. Before resting, I took a lovely soak, lay quietly listening to music, washed away all fatigue, and then had a beautiful night’s sleep.

Restaurant — Satisfying Your Appetite

The hotel restaurant isn’t huge, but it has great style, making you feel the special ambiance while you eat.

Breakfast offers a variety of snacks and dim sum to suit your taste — lovely, just lovely!

All in all, this hotel deserves plenty of praise: excellent location, close to the airport and easy to find, only about 10 km from Guangzhou North Railway Station. More importantly, it offers not just a hotel stay but a different kind of home experience.

Final Thoughts

Guangzhou doesn’t have falling autumn leaves or biting cold. For someone who’s been living in Chengdu, the winter warmth here is especially enviable — sipping morning tea with pastries, old men with newspapers and birdcages, young people taking photos at the Red Brick Factory... Every city has its iconic and unique side, and for Guangzhou, life here feels as if it has remained unchanged from ancient times to now! If I come again, I will definitely stay at this Xana Hotel again!