Zheng is not the only Ming Dynasty inspiration for the uber-luxury hotel. Lines of poetry by the ancient scholar Wen Zhenheng, who once described the ideal bedroom as being "appropriate for a hermit who supposedly sleeps with clouds and dreams of the moon", are etched in the stone walls of each suite's bathroom. Traditional flowers, plants and scenery are reflecting in the hotel's art and its gardens. Guests can also experience a traditional Chinese medicine consultation - as well as a contemporary luxury spa and fitness center. A beautifully appointed tea house is a pet project of general manager Adrian Rudin, who has traveled across southern China to select the premium teas on offer. The tea house, a spare, elegant setting for enjoyment of a quiet cup and contemplation of the gardens outside, is just one example of the hotel's effort to replicate the simplicity of a Ming Dynasty scholar's chambers.

But while seeking inspiration from the past, Nuo manages to combine comfort, style, technology, art and a commitment to green efficiency. Modern touches include electric car-charging stations, energy-saving technologies and a high-performance air-purification system, all of which helped the hotel achieve gold-level certification from the world-respected Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Contemporary Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi serves as Nuo's honorary art consultant, creating a series of works for the hotel's various venues and serving as artistic curator for its gallery space.

If Zheng were to return for a personal inspection, he'd likely find the surroundings as inspiring as his own times.

IF YOU GO

N'Joy at the Nuo hotel

228 yuan plus 15 percent service charge at lunch; 288 yuan plus service charge at dinner; weekend prices subject to change.

2A Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang district; 010-5926-8888.

About this series

China Daily is featuring different cuisines from countries along the Silk Road every Friday.