Staying in a hotel can be a rich cultural experience, especially in a historical city like Nanjing. Ma Xue visits a classical mansion where past and present come together in a delightful confluence.

'Pick any one of our suites and flip it upside down, and you'd find exactly 348 amenities and a story behind each one," says ZhuWenbo, general manger of Yihe Mansions, Nanjing.

This is something no general mangerwould say lightly, but there is such a treasure trove of artifacts in Nanjing that Zhu can speak with confidence.

Nanjing, which means "southern capital", was once the heart of the political administration of China, during the period of the Republic of China before 1949, colloquially known as "Min Guo".

Although it was a short period, Nanjing developed an unmistakable identity during that time with a lot of space for new ideas and cultural creativity. That was a time when culture flourished in Nanjing in ways not seen since.

For those who want to know more about this period and take a trip down memory lane, YiheMansions is a real find.

It is located on Yihe Road in the legation quarters that was, and still is, one of Nanjing's most gracious neighborhoods.

Within the mansions thickly shaded by Nanjing's signature plane trees, the Min Guo-style buildings show the influence of American architect Henry K.Murphy, the principal advisor on the urban planning of Nanjing under Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek, leaders of the Kuomintang during that period.

These century-old mansions were revamped with a distinct look that has minimal similarity with the high style of that period, that which is more commonly seen in Shanghai architecture.

In the most discreet way possible, each of the 26 buildings tells a story.

The first hint of their pedigree is written on the old brass plaques by the door. The names of the previous owners include Xue Yue, nicknamed "the Patton of Asia" by US commander Claire Lee Chennault of the Flying Tigers. Another historical resident was Chen Bulei, the former deputy secretary-general of the KMT's central political council.

Once past its brick facade, visitors are embraced by the genuine warmth inside.

Perhaps it has something to do with the megawatt smile of the butler waiting by the door 24/7, or the vintage linens on the bed, but it is certainly the little touches that brighten the visit.

Up close and personal, it is the details that impress - such as a welcome note in a retro Min Guo-style envelope written in the traditional vertical columns, with a vintage Chinese fountain pen thoughtfully placed beside it.

For the complete experience, the Min Guo banquet is a must.

In Yihe Mansions' two Chinese restaurants, perfectly matched porcelain dinner sets differ in every dining room. All feature popular Chinese themes and elements, from the chopstick holders to the ceramic base plates.

The banquet has an impressive procession of dishes, all carefully written on a pocket size collapsible menu individually prepared for each guest, so well made that it should be treasured as amemento.

It also helps each diner connect immediately when the manager introduces each dish and its interesting anecdote.

For example, Young Marshal Prawns was one of the dishes Zhang Xueliang, nicknamed "the young marshal", used to prepare for Chang Kai-shek.

"As an integral part of our training, we go to great lengths to make sure all our employees are familiar with that period of history," says Zhu. "To us, it is more than just selling the food. We are telling a part of our country's history."

Zhu believes as more people in China begin to look back in history to seek their roots, the awareness will spread to overseas Chinese. They will be the next wave of visitors coming back to their ancestral land.

From Zhu's perspective, Yihe Mansions has a part to play in both preserving and maintaining history.

"Yes, it is business, but at the same time, we strongly feel this is part of our social responsibility, that we can share with our guests something of this particular period of history while they are staying with us."

Contact the writer at maxue@chinadaily.com.cn.

(China Daily 01/18/2014 page13)