Nanjing, ChinaGulou
InterContinental Nanjing
Dragon-scale glass tower
Gulou Nanjing, China
Opened
2010
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
IHGDragon-scale glass tower
This supertall glass tower lifts everyday hotel life into the sky, with rooms and restaurants perched dozens of floors above Nanjing.
What it’s good at
Notable
Glass-enclosed soaking tubs face skyline views across Xuanwu Lake and Purple Mountain.
Listed
The eighth-floor podium deck features an outdoor swimming pool beside a heated indoor pool.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
High up in the 450-meter Zifeng Tower, one of Nanjing's most recognizable skyscrapers, this InterContinental commands some of the most spectacular city views in eastern China.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Gulou Square and its metro station sit directly below. Gulou Park and Xuanwu Lake are both a short walk away.
1 of 4
The rooms
Deluxe rooms set glass-enclosed bathtubs against the skyline. Open Suites add floor-to-ceiling glass looking straight toward Xuanwu Lake and Purple Mountain.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The indoor pool
The heated indoor pool looks straight out over the city through full-length glass curtain walls.
At the table
Summit serves Huaiyang dishes along red-lacquered corridors. Prime Bar pours cocktails over glowing blue tiles on the 78th floor.
How it began
Architect Adrian Smith designed the 450-metre Zifeng Tower, which opened in 2010 as the centerpiece of Gulou Square.
Nanjing
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.