Jianguo Hotel

I seldom share my experiences in Chinese hotels. That is a mistake. China’s hotels are among the world’s most comfortable and reasonably priced.  I am now in the home of chairman Mao and staying at the very comfortable Jianguo hotel. After arriving in  Shaoshan  (over 38 years since my last visit), I have been overwhelmed by the friendliness of the local people and the staff at the Jianguo hotel.  In what may be called one of the more politically important destinations in China, I have found open arms and smiles. My American friends can learn something from this. I am clearly not a local but, even during this time of geopolitical tension, I am receiving nothing less than genuine  friendship, no animosity, and this makes me feel optimistic. I hope that we in the United States can learn from the Chinese people’s example. Thank you, everybody at the Jianguo Hotel. including Liu Zheng who personally took me to Chairman Mao’s residence this morning.  He offered to do this while eating dinner in the hotel restaurant last night (please try the 香椿拌豆腐). He introduced me to the park’s director and facilitated everything to make this visit so special. Liu Jingli just treated me to lunch and is driving  me to the train station. This kind of service I’ve never received before in my hundred plus countries and I think that it is important that we share these stories with the outside world. This hospitality, too, is an essential part of China. (I would argue it is even more real than the news stories we receive out of Washington DC.) Chairman Mao’s home will forever echo with not just memories of the past but optimism of a more respectful and inclusive future.