Previously one of Guangzhou’s best known landmarks, the Aiqun Hotel is the distinctive triangular building on Yanjiang Xi Lu, beside the pearl river. Built in 1937, the hotel was once the tallest building in South China – at a now-diminutive 15 floors. In its heyday, it was the classiest joint in town: the Aiqun hosted the opening reception for the Canton Fair for 10 years, became the residence of choice for overseas Chinese and was the place to be seen for the visiting who’s who of Hong Kong. Retaining many original features, it is still a sentimental favorite amongst older city residents.
The revolving restaurant on the top floor was the first in Guangzhou and has been slowly spinning through time, relatively unchanged ever since it opened. In other eras, it was famous for afternoon tea accompanied by Cantonese opera. Today, the food is reasonably priced dim sum, though the vintage atmosphere and panorama are the main draw. One complete rotation takes an hour and encompasses mostly unobstructed views of Xiguan and the Pearl River. Originally named ‘Castles in the Sky,’ the circular dining area is a charming alternative spot to lunch, take photos and ponder a piece of history.
// 15/F, Aiqun Hotel, 113 Yanjiang Xi Lu, Haizhu District, Guangzhou 广州市海珠区 市沿江西路113号15楼 (020-8186 6668, 8103 8220)
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