Recently renovated landmark property is one of only three platinum five-star hotels in the nation, Xu Jingxi reports from Guangzhou

General Manager Franco Io has marveled at the large gold-foil and marble mural in the lobby from the very first time he walked into the Garden Hotel in Guangzhou.

Recapturing the glamour of 12 beauties in the ancient land of Jinling as depicted in the classic Chinese opus Dream of the Red Chamber, the mural makes a memorable statement about the hotel's cultural roots.

It left a greater impression on Io than all the chandeliers and oil paintings commonly seen in other five-star hotels.

When it opened in 1985, the Garden Hotel was one of the first five-star properties in the capital of Guangdong province.

It is honored by the national tourism administration as one of only three platinum five-star hotels in the country. It is renowned for its fascinating showcase of Cantonese cultural heritage and the personalized service with attention to details provided by its experienced staff.