The trendy low-rise neighbourhood south of Tianhe Nan Yi Lu, called Liuyun (六运小区) on a map, is the beltline which separates Huacheng Square from the Tianhe Sports Centre and ranks among Guangzhou's most satisfying environs.
Grandview Mall opened in 2004. Image via Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Tianhe
Bookended by towering offices and ultra-modern malls, the neighbourhood comprises of decades-old but well-kept 8- to 10-storey apartment blocks. During the daytime, ancient peoples play badminton in white sleeveless shirts under the shade of gnarled and twisting Banyan trees. At night, the neighbourhood erupts with trendy youngsters in search of the hot new street snack or mysterious herbal variation of lemon tea.
Image via @Dennis.Pen/Xiaohongshu
Every inch of the available storefront is rammed with brutalist pour-over coffee shops, craft beer bars and some of the only vintage thrift stores we've seen in the Middle Kingdom. We can say with confidence that it's one of Guangzhou's best-kept secrets - hidden in plain sight.
Image via @vivi慢生活/Xiaohongshu
When the air hums with heat and the humidity hung like a hot blanket in the air around you, contingency plans must be concocted when exploring this purely pedestrian paradise or any other outdoor venue.
Thankfully, we found sanctuary in The Lounge.
Image via Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Tianhe
The bar in the lobby on the fifth floor of the Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Tianhe is a modern yet comfortable space overlooking neighboring Parc Central and the dazzling downtown skyline. On this fateful Friday night, Mr. Kakanoki created a special list of cocktails to showcase their collaboration with William Grant & Sons. Established in 1887, the brand represents some of the world's most iconic spirits, including Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum.
Image via Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Tianhe
The cocktails designed for the evening include a creamy drink with earl grey and Sailor Jerry, a lychee-espresso concoction with Hendrick's and an astonishingly creative drink called Oda Nobunaga involving Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch and clarified tomato juice. Our favorite of the night, however, was a twist on the classic Rusty Nail, elevated with a chrysanthemum foam to make it less reminiscent of small-town rock shows.
Mr. Kakanoki uses dry ice and foam infusions to impress his guests. Image via Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Tianhe
The kitchen prepared a buffet of comforting bites, and the atmosphere remained classy, despite the heavy cocktailing. The Lounge is spacious - separated into a more intimate room with tables and an open area for standing and storytelling around the sleek, dark island bar.
Image via Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Tianhe
While slightly more upbeat on a Friday night than the average hotel lobby bar, its atmosphere maintains an elegance that we should expect to find in the Marriott. It makes an excellent selection for any type of rendezvous. We know we'll be back to see the sun set over the Tianhe Sports Centre through the floor-to-ceiling westward windows.
Location：5/F, The Lounge, Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Tianhe
Operation hours: 10:00 - 23:00
For Reservation: +86-20-8353 0573
[Cover image via Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Tianhe]
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