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A Legend Reborn In the historic city of Xian, a new era in luxury travel and hospitality await discerning travellers

with the revival of its most prominent landmark, anchored by one of the only five Sofitel Legend guesthouses worldwide, the signature ultra-luxury brand of Accor Group. By Tony Goh

L ong before the discovery of the Terracotta Army in 1974,

Xian was already an important cultural destination for visitors eager to experience the picturesque city wall, along with many other historic landmarks such as the Big Goose Pagoda – a city wall dating back to the Ming Dynasty – and the repository of sacred manuscripts.

Acknowledged as one of the world’s finest cities in its heyday, the ancient city of Xian was China’s capital for a total of 13 dynasties, and is today a vibrant centre for education, high tech industries and tourism.

For a city that has been around for more than 5,000 years, it is apt to say that Xian is a city that won’t die. This immortality is today buttressed by a thriving dining and modern shopping scene which lines its main business and

tourist districts. But the modern theme of what Xian

has to offer is centered on this grand complex known as Renmin square. The newly refurbished guesthouse is now open and known as Sofitel Legend

Peoples Grand Hotel Xian. This property becomes the brand’s

19th property in Greater China, and a member of the exclusive Legend Collection that includes such historic landmarks as Hotel Metropole Hanoi and Sofitel Legend the Grand Amsterdam.

It started life in 1953 as the state guesthouse, back when this property was Xian’s only hotel licensed to accommodate foreigners. Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand is characterised by lofty ceilings and spacious interiors, and it features 71 rooms and suites restored to convey a sense of a bygone time and place, when it was the grandest place in this century-old city.

The Peoples Grand Hotel Xian is part of Renmin Square, a hotel complex with 40,000 sqm in area and managed by Accor. A hotel known for its rich heritage, it is still visited by a long list of VIPs and celebrities as it was also the first statehouse in the city certified to host foreign visitors, and sitting on the grounds of the former Imperial palace within Xian City’s walls.

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As the most exclusive brand under Accor group, the word ‘Legend‘ denotes a portfolio of finely-crafted criteria for the qualifying hotels; chief among them is one that comprises a history of being a legendary place, hosting legendary guests and having legendary stories.

Only the finest hotels in the world can gain the privilege of coming under the Sofitel Legend brand, and the Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian is the first hotel in China and the 5th hotel in the world to be added into this elite list.

Inside, history came alive in all its splendour, and my curiosity grew with every step into this well-preserved building of the Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian. Like finely-aged wine, this grand hotel of yesteryear has gotten only better with time under careful preservation efforts, ensuring that much of its rich history is preserved with new stories waiting to be written.

Personalised butler service is extended to guests from the moment of arrival, and other facilities include an extensive garden setting, private health club, swimming pool and spa, an authentic Italian restaurant, an exclusive top-floor Louis XIII Bar and a private museum.

The top-notch service preceded the 600-threadcount bed that could be held accountable for my good night’s sleep. Aligned with Sofitel’s signature style, the hotel offers amenities such as Hermès toiletries and French-designed

headed by Italian Head Chef, Andrea Zamboni. Serving authentic Italian fare for lunch and dinner, the restaurant’s fine culinary features include a wood-fired pizza oven, open kitchen and elegant antipasti table setting; against its laidback setting of antiquity - flushed metal gates as windows and classical music in the background.

Meanwhile, the 1953 Lobby Lounge embraces a new meaning of high-tea. Filled with nostalgic illustrations for history buffs, the ambience has been restored, holding up to the past as an elegant tribute.

floral arrangements. Sheltered links to the neighbouring

Convention Centre and Grand Theatre also make this new property ideal for meetings and events.

Breakfast at Sofitel Legend People Grand Xian isn’t like the usual buffet spread. Guests have a choice to select ala-carte hot meals off the menu comprising Chinese, Continental, and American cuisine, overlooking a garden.

Despite Accor’s French roots, the Dolce Vita boasts wheat and noodles as its main source of dining pleasure,

Lobby

Louis lllX Bar

Continental & western cuisine for breakfast

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A private museum showcasing well-preserved collections such as gold plates used during the times of operation is another must-visit during your stay at the Sofitel Legend People Grand Hotel.

Famous political figures that have visited or stayed in this property include China’s former Premiers Zhou Enlai and Zhu Rongji, and Marshal Chen Yi. The hotel’s guestbook has also been signed by numerous heads of state including former French President François Mitterrand, royalty from

Europe and Asia, and Henry Kissinger, one of the most famous Secretaries of State in US history.

One of the main attractions around the hotel complex is of course the city wall. The well-preserved walls stretch on for about eight and a half miles around the historical core of the city.

While you can walk the length of the walls in about half a day, it’s more fun to hop on a bike and enjoy the views on two wheels. The walls are nearly 40 feet high, so they offer a

perfect vantage point to see the parks, temples and residential buildings of Xian.

The hotel is located within walking distance to notable attractions such as the Forest of Steles and the colourful Muslim quarter where the spice trade once flourished for many centuries. Today, locals and visitors frequent this area to savour ethnic cuisine and souvenirs.

The feel of this beautiful property is a perfect mark of French elegance in the heart of this timeless city, with its rich history and cultural crossroads at the start of the ancient Silk Road. Its modern day legend, however, is just beginning.

Meeting room

Suite

Modern day Xian

Luxury Fittings of Sofitel Legend Xian

Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian319, Dong Xin Street – Xian, Shaanxi Province, 710004, ChinaTel: +86 29 8792 8888 W: www.sofitel.com