Poetic Dwelling: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Stay at Nanjing Hanbi Lou, Imbued with Six Dynasties Culture

Old memories, a window;

Fireflies paint the screen with fragrance.

For whom do I gather a sleeveful of scent?

Letters on crimson leaves, their affection deep and long.

Nanjing always fills me with poetic charm. Its weighty history adds layers of color to this timeworn city. Wuyi Alley, Qinhuai River, Mochou Lake... almost every spot inspires a poem or a tale~

On this trip to Nanjing, I had the pleasure of staying at the seven-star, internet-famous Hanbi Lou. I had long admired the reputation of 'Hanbi Lou' from its flagship in Taiwan; this Nanjing property is the brand's second on the Chinese mainland.

Staying true to tradition, it nestles beside the water; every room offers an unobstructed 180-degree river view. At the same time, it embraces Nanjing's legacy as the ancient capital of six dynasties—from the moment you enter, a regal grandeur envelops you.

As our car entered the bamboo-lined drive, we instantly felt transported from the urban bustle into a serene garden. Hitching posts by the gate, palace lanterns everywhere, a hall of understated elegance—and at check-in, a welcome cup of Taiwanese-style winter melon tea, surprisingly harmonious with Nanjing's own sweet tooth.

From the 'Moonlight Treasure Box' to the 'Glazed Treasure Box,' the lobby design unfolds in layers, deeply captivating. Celadon pottery harmonizing with a rugged stone backdrop, a handwoven Yunjin brocade screen depicting a landscape painting, and a brass plum tree composed of individually applied leaf pieces...

Every detail is exquisitely considered. You have to admire how the hotel balances nature, beauty, and culture—true luxury revealed in understatement.

Whenever I encounter good design, I can't help but linger. At Hanbi Lou, almost every corner is a scene in itself. The lobby exudes a strong scholarly aroma, with the ancient music of chirping insects and birds woven in.

Down below, a 'winding stream and floating wine-cups' style daydream pavilion awaits, alongside Wang Xizhi's favorite—big white geese, 'curving their necks to sing to the sky' as they stroll contentedly by the green water.

The dim candlelight flickers softly.

I never associated Nanjing with 'resort getaway'—until I met Hanbi Lou. The hotel cleverly separates rooms from common areas. You can chat and laugh with friends in the living lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, then retreat to your room to soak under the night sky and enjoy the direct river view from a plush bed.

Beyond the top-tier facilities you'd expect, the thoughtful in-room details and distinctive service lift Hanbi Lou well above the five-star mark.

A heated towel rack, a bathtub that fills remarkably fast (highlight this!), a culturally infused writing desk, a petite yet exquisite balcony, and bedside multi-function controls—the lights that slowly dim at bedtime are a truly stunning touch. The pure-wood sound system plays a custom resort melody made with a Balinese band, instantly melting away all tension.

The hotel also provides a charming turndown service: not only do they deliver tasty local pastries, but they leave ice and light candles on the table—sipping wine by the flickering flame creates an utterly enchanting atmosphere~

Memories play like silent films,

Etching inch by inch of old time.

He said, let's go wandering,

To beautiful places.

Perched on the scenic, sparsely peopled bank of the Jiajiang River, Hanbi Lou isn't the most convenient to reach. Public transport is lacking, and cabs depend on timing and luck—but this actually lets you fully immerse yourself in the hotel's embrace.

All guests can reserve a free tea ceremony session; currently, the incense appreciation class is also free for the first few sign-ups. These traditional Chinese arts, so often forgotten, came alive again under the patient tutelage of the teachers—I was deeply re-captivated by these mesmerizing intangible heritages.

Among the hotel's offerings, my favorite is the 'celadon percussion music' dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty. Listening to a girl in Han dynasty attire play 'Ode to Joy,' and then trying my hand at it myself, I truly savored the joy of 'playing the dishes'! The porcelain plates ring crisp and clear, the sound lingering in the air. I can't wait for next time to hear a trio of porcelain plates, knob bells, and stone chimes~

I absolutely adore the sound of the celadon percussion!

With lodging and activities sorted, what about dining? Hanbi Lou's Chinese restaurant, 'Shui Sha Lian'—a name full of poetic charm—serves local Nanjing-style Chinese cuisine.

The dishes are beautifully presented, delicious too. Mostly private rooms, respecting local custom, they're perfect for hosting banquets or family gatherings.

The exotic Hojia9 all-day dining restaurant borrows the easy-to-understand Hokkien word for 'yummy,' but serves up a chic global buffet.

Though the buffet hasn't reopened due to the pandemic, the set menus are varied, and the Western dishes and desserts are exquisite—lovely to look at, even better to eat. Rumor has it the chef is a very handsome Frenchman!

The setting sun grows short, my shadow long;

Go somewhere else, forget.

Now the afternoon tea at Hanbi Lou has become an Instagram-worthy hotspot for good-looking crowds. The sun-dappled lawn tea for 2–3 people is only 298 RMB—incredibly good value! You can capture a picnic vibe on the lawn or a uniquely elegant shot in the stylish lobby. Best of all, these pastries are not just pretty—they're delicious! Among high-end hotel teas, the quality stands out.

Set along the riverside scenic belt, the hotel lies next to the planned greenway 'Wanjing Garden,' perfect for a post-meal stroll or bike ride. The scenery shifts constantly—I strolled all the way from 'France' to 'Italy,' enjoying not only beautiful nature but also many thoughtfully designed art installations.

Only after staying can you truly grasp the meaning of 'once in a lifetime, you must stay at Hanbi Lou.' Here, a hotel is far more than a place to sleep—it's a deep dive into local history, a hands-on joy of traditional culture, and it made me fall in love with the sublime design that marries tradition with modernity, nature with humanity. I truly experienced an otherworldly escape.