Hengdian's Hidden Gem: Elan Inn Yingshicheng - Unforgettable China Stay
Elan Inn Yingshicheng: My Chaotic, Unexpectedly Wonderful Adventure in Hengdian (A Review That's As Messy As My Luggage)
Okay, so, Hengdian. Let's be honest, it wasn't exactly on my bucket list. But a friend needed a ride, and suddenly, I was there, land of sprawling film sets and… well, mostly film sets. And where did we end up? The Elan Inn Yingshicheng. Buckle up, folks, because this review is gonna be a wild ride, just like my experience. (And yes, I’m slightly hungover while writing this, so forgive the scattered thoughts.)
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Accessibility - The "Uh, Okay, This is Actually Pretty Good" Category:
I didn't need accessibility features, but I noticed them. The elevator was a lifesaver, especially after a long day of dodging extras in medieval costumes. Things seemed generally wheelchair accessible from what I saw (though I didn't exactly go scouting). A huge plus. They also had facilities for disabled guests, which is always reassuring, even if you're not using them.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: This is where it gets a little… hazy. There were restaurants, obviously (more on those later), but I wouldn’t swear to their absolute accessibility layouts. My focus was more on the food.
Internet Access - The Wi-Fi Whisperer
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Yay!) And it actually worked. Fast, reliable. A miracle! Especially when you're trying to upload Instagram stories of yourself looking vaguely glamorous in ancient Chinese robes. Seriously, though, the Internet and Internet [LAN] options were solid. I even got the Wi-Fi in public areas to function without much hassle.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - From "Meh" to "OMG I Need This Again!"
This is where Elan Inn REALLY surprised me.
- Pool with view: A decent-sized outdoor swimming pool – nothing spectacular, but after a day of tramping around film sets, it was pure bliss. Definitely a positive point.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Okay, so, confession time. I’m a sucker for a good spa. The sauna was legit, the steamroom was hotter than a wok on high, and I opted for a massage. And friends, it was glorious. Pure, unadulterated, muscle-melting bliss. I might have fallen asleep mid-rubdown. Don't judge me. The Body scrub was also offered, but the whole spa was one of my favorite experiences there.
- Fitness Center: I saw… a fitness center, and I maybe considered going. But the lure of the pool, the sauna, and the… dessert bar… was just too strong.
- Foot bath: I didn't get around to trying the foot bath, but I wish I had. I walked SO much…
Cleanliness and Safety - The Anxious Traveler's Delight
Okay, I'm a germaphobe. There, I said it. So, I paid very close attention to this. Frankly, I was impressed.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. I felt safe.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: More than just a check, I could smell the clean.
- Safe dining setup: They take it very seriously and I saw the staff sanitizing everything after a meal.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff and everyone wearing masks made me feel safer which leads to a great impression.
And the safety/security feature like the CCTV in common areas and 24-hour front desk, I'm sure helped people that were not as paranoid as me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Foodie's Frenzy (and a Few Minor Mishaps)
Alright, let's talk about the food. Because, let's be real, that's what makes or breaks a hotel, right?
- Restaurants: Plural. Good.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet… Oh, the buffet. A glorious, sprawling feast of Asian and Western delights. Asian breakfast included noodles, dim sum, and more than I could possibly name. Western breakfast had your usual suspects: eggs, bacon, pancakes (though the pancakes weren’t exactly what I’m used to. Slightly…flat. But edible!). The Coffee/tea in restaurant was there, too. Buffet in restaurant was good. And the desserts in restaurant… let's just say I may have eaten my weight in them.
- A la carte in restaurant: They have it, I didn't use it.
- Room service [24-hour]: This was amazing when I wanted a snack in the middle of the night!
- Poolside bar: I didn't investigate. But the poolside bar certainly sounded enticing.
- Snack bar: I saw it, I wanted it, I just… didn't need it because of the buffet.
- Alternative meal arrangement: I didn't request any, but I believe they would accommodate.
The Minor Mishaps:
- The “International Cuisine” - not exactly Michelin-star quality. Think…safe, accessible, and not particularly exciting. The dishes, served in the Asian restaurant, were edible but forgettable - but I wasn't there to be a food critic.
- The “Vegetarian restaurant” – I couldn’t find one. But that didn’t stop the buffet from providing vegetarian options.
- The bottle of water: provided daily, but sometimes I had to ask.
- The coffee shop: I don't remember this detail so I don't think I needed it.
I had a slight incident with the "Chinese tea" I ordered from room service at 3 AM. Let's just say I was NOT familiar with the local variety, and let it be known that the tea was strong enough to strip paint. I was up for hours. Good times.
Services and Conveniences - The "Ah, Now THIS is Hospitality" Stuff
- Cash withdrawal: Right there, in the lobby. Convenient.
- Concierge: Helpful, polite (though my attempt at speaking Mandarin was met with amusement. Fair enough).
- Daily housekeeping: Room always perfectly made up.
- Dry cleaning: Didn't use it, but good to know.
- Laundry service: Also available!
- Luggage storage: Essential, especially when you're as indecisive as I am.
- Convenience store: Stocked with the essentials (and, crucially, snacks).
For the Kids - Are They Welcome?
- Family/child friendly: Seemed like it.
- Babysitting service: Yes! Because parents need breaks.
- Kids facilities: I did not see any.
- Kids meal: Available.
Access - Checking In and Out, and Getting Around
- Check-in/out [express]: Efficient
- Check-in/out [private]: Available.
- Elevator: Always available and working.
- Exterior corridor: Easy to navigate.
- Car park [free of charge]: Perfect for those of us driving, like me.
- Car park [on-site]: Convenient.
Available in All Rooms
- Air conditioning: Absolutely essential in that climate.
- Free bottled water: Very much appreciated.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial after that 3 AM tea debacle.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Again, the best amenity.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
My Personal Room Situation (The Nitty Gritty)
My room? Comfortable. Clean. Well-appointed. I had:
- Air conditioning: (Thank GOD)
- Desk: Perfect for furiously scribbling notes (like this review!).
- Coffee/tea maker: (Used carefully after my tea experience).
- Hair dryer: Useful after the pool.
- Safe: Didn’t use it, but good to know.
- Mini bar: (And a mini fridge to store the snacks).
- Bathrobes, Slippers: These were great, I didn't have to go to the spa to feel like a spa queen.
- Towels: Plentiful and fluffy.
The Imperfections?
Okay, it wasn't perfect
Nanjing's BEST Hotel Near South Railway Station? (Ji Hotel Review!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're heading to Hengdian, China! Specifically, the Elan Inn in Hengdian Yingshicheng. This isn't a meticulously planned itinerary, honey. This is a feeling. A messy, glorious, slightly-sleep-deprived feeling. Prepare for the rollercoaster.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Wall of… Hengdian! (Kinda)
Morning (Approximately 8:00 AM, give or take a massive jet lag wallop): Land in Hangzhou. The airport is… well, it's an airport. Efficient, yes. Memorable? Not particularly. I spent the entire flight trying to figure out how to say "Where's the bathroom?" in Mandarin. My brain is still mush.
Mid-Morning (Around 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): The actual trek. The drive from Hangzhou to Hengdian is, let's say, "scenic in a certain industrial-landscape way." Lots of factories, which is, you know, China. Finally, we arrive in Hengdian, a town that screams, "We're all about the movies!" I'm immediately overwhelmed. Seriously, I feel like I've been catapulted onto a massive film set.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Check into the Elan Inn. The room is… functional. Cleanish. The view from the window? That's where the magic happens. This particular shot is, let's just say, authentic. The bed's a bit firm, but whatever. The world is my oyster, and that oyster is currently trying to figure out where to get some decent coffee.
Late Afternoon / Early Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): The first "filming base." Ah, the Ming and Qing Palaces. It's a behemoth. A sprawling, glorious, slightly-overwhelming replica of… well, palaces. And the sheer scale? Mind-boggling! I was expecting something that was going to be cheesy, and instead, I was blown away by the sheer level of detail. The "Great Wall" here is a tad diminutive compared to the real deal, but still good enough to make you feel insignificant and make you want to take a selfie to send to your friends.
Evening (7:30 PM onwards): Dinner! Finding food is a challenge. Especially for someone with my limited Mandarin ("toilet," remember?). I ended up pointing at a menu item that looked vaguely like chicken and hoping for the best. It was… unexpectedly delicious. A triumph! A small beer for courage and a moment to soak it all in. The sheer weirdness of the entire experience is exhilarating.
Day 2: The Intensity of the Dream Factory
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The afternoon of wandering through the Guangzhou Hongkong Street and Dream Valley. This place is something else. It feels like you are in a movie. I got so pulled in that I wandered off from the organized group. It's a total sensory overload. The crowds, the costumes, the sheer spectacle… I'm going to need some time in a quiet dark room to process it all.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Food. Did I mention finding food can be tricky? Well, I'm still alive, so success.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): I doubled down on Dream Valley. I went back, I stayed longer. In fact, I got completely and utterly lost in its fake magic. The shows, the actors in full costume, the set design… It was just too much, I just wanted to get lost, and I did. I saw more shows, took way too many pictures, and maybe, just maybe, shed a single, solitary tear. The sheer emotional impact of art is enough to make a tough person lose it, and that's exactly what I did, and I loved it. This is the part of the trip I'll be sharing over beers for the rest of my life!
Evening (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Dinner. This time, I pointed at a different menu item. Surprise! It was some other completely unrecognizable, but equally delicious, local food. This has been a trend, and I'm not complaining.
Night (8:00 PM - onwards): Lights, camera, action! I saw a show that was really, really good. It was intense! And I also saw a show that was… well, let's say it had its moments. The important thing is, I was there. I felt. I experienced. And I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a dream about all of this.
Day 3: Farewell (for Now!)
Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Final breakfast. This time, I ordered the "mystery meat" with confidence. It was a bit of a gamble, but the taste worked out well.
Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last-minute souvenir shopping and wandering the little shops near the Inn. I am also, trying to soak in the last moments, before I head back to the real world (with a head full of Chinese food, and a camera roll full of pictures).
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Drive back to the airport. Farewell to the dream factories! I'm not sure if I'll ever be the same person.
Flight Home: Reflecting on what just happened. I'm not sure if I'm completely insane, or if this was the best travel experience ever.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. There were language barriers, the food was mysterious sometimes, and my feet hurt. But it was real. It was chaotic and overwhelming and beautiful and utterly, wonderfully unforgettable. I'll be back, Hengdian. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a phrasebook and a better camera. And maybe, just maybe, a stronger constitution for the mind-blowing craziness of it all. Now, where's the beer?
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Elan Inn Yingshicheng: The Truth (and a Few Lies) About Staying in Hengdian's Hidden Gem
Okay, Seriously, Where IS This Place? Is it Actually Hidden?
"Hidden" is probably a *slight* exaggeration. Let's just say it's not plastered across the banner ads next to the Great Wall. Elan Inn Yingshicheng is in Hengdian World Studios, which is basically a mega-theme park for Chinese history and pop culture. Think Disneyland, but instead of Mickey, you’ve got emperors and ninjas and entire freaking dynasties recreated. You *could* stumble upon it, but you'll probably need a map (or an insanely persistent taxi driver, let's face it). It's tucked away in the Yingshicheng area, so it's not exactly *easy* to find. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? Makes you feel like you've discovered something, even if it’s just a slightly nicer hotel in a sea of… well, let's just say *interesting* accommodations.
Is it Actually *Nice*? Because my last Hengdian Hotel was… memorable. In a bad way.
Alright, I get it. Hengdian hotels can be… let's just say they have character. Elan Inn? Much better. Think clean, modern, and (blessedly) with air conditioning that actually WORKS. The last place I stayed, the AC sounded like a dying walrus. Seriously, it was more annoying than the constant construction noise! The rooms at Elan Inn are actually pretty decent. Not swanky, mind you, but comfortable and they have everything you need. Plus, the staff are generally helpful, even if their English is a little rusty. I remember once, I tried to order a… well, let's just call it a “special” breakfast. The look on the guy's face was priceless. But he got it sorted! And that level of effort, that's what makes it nice. Plus, the beds are actually comfortable! No more sleeping on what feels like a concrete slab.
What's the Deal with the Location? Is it Convenient for… you know… filming places?
Excellent question! The location is *key*. Elan Inn is close to, well, everything. That's the whole point of Hengdian, isn't it? You're probably there to see the film sets, right? This place is within easy reach of a *lot* of them. You can practically roll out of bed and be at the Ming and Qing Palaces. Okay, maybe not *roll*, but you get my drift. Saves on transportation costs, for sure. And trust me, you'll appreciate that after you've shelled out for all the entrance tickets to the fake castles. My first trip, I probably spent 10 hours just figuring out bus routes. No fun.
Food? Is food a thing? Do I need to bring my own snacks?
Okay, food. Food is… *variable*. The Elan Inn has a restaurant, which is… adequate. Don't expect Michelin-star dining, but they serve breakfast (which is usually a buffet of sorts) and have a menu for lunch and dinner. It's mostly Chinese fare, and it's… perfectly edible. I’d recommend trying some of the local dishes. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations! Just be prepared for some spice! It can be REALLY spicy! One time I ordered something that looked innocuous, and... well, let's just say my mouth was on fire for a solid hour. Pack snacks, just in case. Because sometimes you just need a chocolate bar, you know? And sometimes, you just NEED to walk to a local restaurant. Because, Hengdian.
What About the Vibes? Is it a Tourist Trap? Peaceful? Overrun with screaming children?
Okay, here's the thing. Hengdian *is* a tourist destination. Accept that. The Elan Inn, because of its location, gets a fair share of visitors, but it doesn't feel like a soul-crushing tourist trap, thank goodness. It's generally pretty chill. There are families, of course, and sometimes the kids get a bit rambunctious, but it’s never been unbearable, unlike, like, the last time I went to the Terracotta Army and got swamped by a class trip doing the Chicken Dance. The atmosphere is… relaxed. You're not in a five-star resort, so you can't expect the world. But it's clean, it's comfortable, and they don't try to gouge you on everything. And you might even glimpse an actor or two. You never know, right? Just keep your expectations realistic and pack some earplugs just in case. Better safe than sorry.
Is there anything *really* bad? Any dealbreakers?
Hmmm… Okay, here's the unvarnished truth: Don't expect blazing fast Wi-Fi. It's… functional. Sometimes. And the coffee is often… not great. Bring your own instant coffee, trust me. Oh! And one time the elevator was out of order. I was on the fifth floor. That was a long walk! Those are the biggest complaints. The bathrooms aren’t luxurious (but they're clean!), and the air conditioning, while decent, can occasionally be a little… noisy. It’s not the Four Seasons, okay? But honestly? Those are minor annoyances in the grand scheme of things. It's a solid choice.
Okay, you mentioned actors... Spill the Tea! Did you see any? Stalk any? (Be Honest!)
Alright, alright, I'll confess. This is where it gets good! I’ve seen actors! Not like, massive A-listers, mind you. But I *did* once see a guy from a popular historical drama walking through the lobby. I was wearing a ridiculous sun hat and probably looked like a complete idiot as I tried to keep my cool. I might have, perhaps, accidentally-on-purpose "bumped" into him. No, I didn't! Okay, maybe I did. But it was a *very* gentle bump. And he was actually really nice about it! Didn't even yell! It's Hengdian, you're bound to see someone famous (or someone who *thinks* they're famous, which is equally entertaining). It's part of the fun. Just don't go full paparazzi. That's just creepy. And, you know, bad karma.
Final Verdict: Should I Stay at the Elan Inn?
Look, if you're going to Hengdian, and you value reasonable comfort and a good location, then yes, absolutely. It's not perfect, but it's a good base of operations. Think of it as a reliable sidekick for your Hengdian adventure, not the main event. You'll probably have some minor annoyances. The Wi-Fi might test your patience. The coffee might leave you wanting. But the friendliness of the staff,Top Hotel Search
