A Must-Stay in Guiyang: The Atour Hotel in Future Ark, Experience a Comfortable Journey

## **Atour Hotel Guiyang Future Ark: A Reader's Sanctuary in the Concrete Jungle** ### **Arrival: A Sense of Suspension in the New Urban District** Guiyang's Future Ark carries a certain sci-fi aura in its name. This new urban area, rising along the Nanming River, is a forest of towering skyscrapers, and the Atour Hotel is nestled within one of these steel giants. The car passes brightly lit shopping malls, under-construction office buildings, and still-vacant storefronts, finally stopping in front of an understated glass-walled building. There's no ostentatious signage, just a small Atour logo, exuding a restrained "those who know, know" vibe. Pushing open the door, you're greeted by Atour's signature "Bamboo House" library—a wall-to-wall bookshelf filled with volumes ranging from literature to social sciences, and even a few photography collections on local Guizhou culture. The lobby is free of pungent fragrances, filled only with the subtle aroma of tea and the scent of paper. The reception staff, dressed in Atour's signature navy blue uniforms, greet you with smiles that feel less like standardized training and more like a natural greeting between friends: "Hello, how was your journey?" ### **The Room: A Balance of Minimalism and Warmth** The room embodies Atour's consistent Japanese minimalist style: light wood furniture, grayish-white bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light. There are no superfluous decorations, but thoughtful details abound: a copy of "Guiyang Walking Guide" rests on the bedside table, its bookmark a hand-drawn sketch of Jiaxiu Tower; the minibar is stocked with locally sourced "Polar Bear" mineral water and two bags of Zunyi red tea. The mattress is just the right firmness, making almost no sound when you turn over—a godsend for light sleepers. Atour's "Prandt" bedding has always been one of my favorite things about the hotel; its delicate texture is a welcome contrast to the overly smooth, yet stuffy materials some hotels choose in their pursuit of "luxury." The bathroom features a dry-wet separation design, and the toiletries are Atour's custom "Afu" series, with a soothing, non-cloying lavender scent. The shower has excellent water pressure and hot water in three seconds. The only drawback is the clear glass bathroom door; it might be a bit awkward for those sharing the room who aren't close acquaintances. ### **Breakfast and Common Areas: Creating a Sense of Community** Breakfast at Atour is always a highlight. The breakfast area at this Guiyang location isn't huge, but the selection is excellent. In addition to the usual Western and Chinese breakfast options, there's local Changwang Noodles, Sour Soup Noodles, and freshly ground soy milk. While getting my food, I overheard a guest chatting with a staff member: "Is the sour soup even more flavorful today than yesterday?" The staff member smiled and nodded, "The chef used a different kind of chili pepper today, give it a try." This kind of casual conversation is rare in chain hotels. The "Bamboo House" library is open 24 hours a day. Even late at night, you can still find a few people quietly reading or working on their laptops. The books on the shelves aren't just for show; many bear the marks of frequent use, even tucked with notes and slips of paper left by guests. On the title page of a travelogue, someone had written in pencil: "The rain in Guiyang starts and stops suddenly, like life." ### **Surroundings: Day and Night in the New Urban District** Future Ark is Guiyang's up-and-coming area. While it exudes a calm, business-like atmosphere during the day, it comes alive at night with riverside bars and night markets. A ten-minute walk from the hotel brings you to the Nanming River walkway, where locals often walk their dogs and jog in the evenings. A bit further out is the "Ark Theatre," which occasionally hosts performances by local bands. The sound drifts faintly up to the hotel's upper floors, not loud enough to be disturbing, but rather a kind of white noise. If you tire of the bustling commercial area, you can head in the opposite direction—a ten-minute taxi ride will take you to Dongshan Park, where you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of Guiyang. On foggy days, the entire city looks like it's steeped in tea, moist and hazy. ### **Leaving with More Than Just a Room Key** At checkout, the receptionist handed me a handwritten card with a local Guizhou saying: "High mountains, long rivers, take it slow." A small packet of tea seeds was attached, which they said I could take home and plant. What's most appealing about Atour isn't its luxurious hardware, but its "just right" comfort. It understands the efficiency business travelers need, but also recognizes the loneliness of being on the road. So, with a book, a cup of tea, and a little local advice, it adds warmth to a short stay. As I left, a light rain was falling on Future Ark. I glanced back at the hotel, a light on in one of the rooms, the curtains not fully drawn, a figure faintly visible inside—perhaps working late, perhaps just reading that unfinished book. In this new district of the city, Atour is like a gentle anchor, offering a moment of tranquility to those passing through.