Residing in W Xi'an: Modern Poetic Living in an Ancient City

Residing in W Xi'an: Modern Poetic Living in an Ancient City Beneath Xi'an's ancient city walls, I sought a place to stay, never expecting to encounter such serendipitous poetic living at W Hotel. This trendsetting establishment sheds its flamboyant exterior, using delicate strokes to craft tranquil moments that resonate with the 13-dynasty capital. The lobby greets with soaring ceilings where silk-like art installations float, casting dappled Tang dynasty patterns through light and shadow. Receptionists offer warm sour plum tea with a gentle "You must be tired from your journey," instantly soothing urban fatigue. Elevator mirrors reveal clever designs—turning around, I catch the twilight hues of Qujiang Lake outside, playfully mirroring abstract artworks within. Room doors open to embrace soft warm lighting. The elegant beige-and-indigo palette features shadow puppet elements narrating local stories. The balcony unveils the greatest surprise: the distant silhouette of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda emerges through dusk, while nearby water gardens reflect building lights like a living ink painting of the city's millennia-old splendor. The bathroom's smart glass transforms with a touch, framing city nightscapes during baths. Dining here radiates warmth. Morning brings the aroma of freshly ground soy milk, with chefs preparing plump shrimp wontons bobbing in broth, paired with Shaanxi stone-baked flatbreads—comfort for body and soul. Afternoons call for osmanthus cold brew lattes at the lobby lounge, where coffee richness meets honeyed floral notes, complemented by jujube pastries for an authentic Chang'an tea time. Evening bar visits reward with live guitar renditions of "Xi'an People's Song," swapping electronic beats for folksy tenderness. Floor-to-ceiling gym windows overlook lush courtyards, where jogging treadmills frame koi gliding through ponds. Returning at night, turndown service delivers lavender sachets and bedside copies of "The Longest Day in Chang'an," inviting guests to read millennium-old tales under moonlight. Departure gifts include bookmarks inscribed "Chang'an Everlasting." This urban sanctuary weaves ancient narratives through contemporary design, helping every traveler find their poetic dwelling where tradition meets trend.