A City of Fireworks, a City of Poetry: A Cultural Retreat by the River
📍 First Encounter: A Poetic Beginning by the Puyang River
Arriving at No. 1 Binjiang Middle Road, the Chinese red gate and the new Chinese-style architecture complement each other. Stepping into the lobby, warm yellow lights outline the gilded plaque inscribed with "Zhushi Jicheng" (Everything Accomplished), reminiscent of the elegant calligraphy of Wang Xizhi. Display cases on both sides showcase old maps of Zhuji and celadon tea sets, offering a glimpse into the city's thousand-year history.
🛏️ Check-in: A Serene Escape Embraced by Nature
The guest rooms, themed "Jiangyue" (River Moon), feature 270° floor-to-ceiling windows that capture the verdant Taozhu Mountain and the shimmering Puyang River. The cotton and linen bedding exudes a natural texture, while the Wu and Yue totems on the pillows add a touch of understated elegance. Lying down feels like being gently cradled by the river breeze.
The bathroom boasts a dry-wet separation design, with a hand-held showerhead that releases water as fine as spring rain. The walls are adorned with plain-colored tiles, and a bamboo laundry basket sits in the corner. Instead of the usual bottled amenities, a handwritten note rests on the countertop: "If you need toiletries or towels, please call the front desk, and we will deliver them to you at any time." This minimalist approach gently echoes the "decluttering" travel philosophy.
🍽️ Dining: Decoding Zhuji's Culinary Secrets
Breakfast at the Fuqiaotou Restaurant is a carbohydrate lover's dream: the chewy texture of Ciwu noodles coated in a secret broth, the refreshing coolness of Mulan tofu drizzled with mint syrup, and freshly made Tangyang, glutinous rice balls tumbling in hot oil like golden clouds.
Dinner at the Qianjinglou Restaurant is a true feast for the senses: the soft and savory shark fin rice cakes, the rice cakes absorbing the essence of the shark fin; the pan-fried butterfly fish with skin as crispy as gold leaf and flesh as tender as snow; and the most stunning dish, the four-grid cold appetizer, with milk lotus seed jelly adorned with flower petals, offering a refreshing sweetness.
📜 Culture: An Immersive Journey Through the City's Memory
The City Memory Exhibition Hall on the second floor of the hotel unveils Zhuji's past and present: old food coupons, 28-inch bicycles, and Yao Ming's CBA jersey narrate the city's transformation through time. Stroll along the corridor in Hanfu, copy verses from the Book of Songs, weave red ropes, and toss coins into the fortune jar, experiencing the warmth of history through traditional crafts. The most unforgettable experience is the "Ceramic Culture Floor" at night, where exquisite porcelain pieces shimmer under the lights, showcasing a thousand years of elegance, as if engaging in a dialogue with the ancients.
🏋️ Stay: A Blend of Activity and Tranquility by the River
Start your day with an invigorating workout in the 24-hour gym, followed by an afternoon coffee at the Chengshi Balcony, watching the boats sway on the Puyang River. In the evening, gather with friends at the camping bar for a drink, listening to folk singers perform "The Ballad of Washing Silk." If you wish to explore the surroundings, Xishi's hometown is a 10-minute walk away. During a night tour of the Huansha River, the "Dream of Xishi" light show unfolds on the water, transporting you back to the Wu and Yue period.
💌 Conclusion: Encountering the Beauty of "Zhushi Jicheng" at Zhuji Grand Hotel
During this two-day, one-night stay, from Taozhu Mountain in the morning light to Puyang River in the evening glow, from the delectable Xishi tofu to the intangible cultural heritage crafts, Zhuji Grand Hotel seamlessly blends urban culture with modern hospitality. Whether for business or leisure, this is the perfect starting point to decode Zhuji. As the blessing of "Zhushi Jicheng" echoes in your ears, you realize that life is beautiful and worth living to the fullest.