The Secret Whispers of Nanjing Hidden in the Shadows of Plane Trees

Walking along Hanzhongmen Street, the dappled shadows of plane trees paint a mottled canvas on the old buildings, and "Journey Healing Lodge" nestles within these folds of time. Pushing open the door, the wrought-iron handrail of the spiral staircase carries the charm of a Republican-era mansion, while the corridor walls are adorned with vintage photos of Nanjing: the Qinhuai River with its rhythmic oar sounds, the stone steps of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the old street scenes of Xinjiekou. The dark green wallpaper features subtle patterns reminiscent of cheongsam buttons from the Republican era, and the wooden furniture glows with a warm luster. Opening the window reveals the sunset painting the skyscrapers of Xinjiekou. In the evening, following the map provided by the butler, you can turn into an alley for a bowl of pig skin noodles, watching as the streetlights flicker on one by one—blurring the line between 2025 Nanjing and the nostalgic frames of a Wong Kar-wai film. Late at night on the terrace, the breeze carries the distant glow of Wutaishan Stadium and the moonlight over Chaotian Palace, while downstairs, the warm light of a convenience store illuminates someone buying Jinling-brand ice cream. The true charm of this city lies in the collision of old and new, and this lodge happens to be the key that unlocks it. Journey Healing Lodge (Nanjing Xinjiekou Shanghai Road Metro Station)