InterContinental has announced the grand opening of Shanghai Wonderland, a luxury hotel masterfully built into the side wall of a formerly abandoned quarry in Southwestern Shanghai.

Stretching 88 metres underground, the hotel was nominated as one of the architectural wonders of the world by the National Geographic Channel’s MegaStructures series due to its pioneering architectural design.

An architectural feat

The new-build InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland combines the brand’s signature luxury with revolutionary design at a wonderfully unique location, creating an unprecedented experience.

Located at Sheshan Mountain Range, this new hotel is mostly subterranean, with two floors above ground and 16 below ground, including two floors underwater.

Individually designed to best reflect both modern elegance and the unique features of the quarry’s landscape, all 336 rooms and suites provide ample, luxury living spaces with spectacular views of waterfalls and the surrounding cliffs.

The stunning underwater loft offers two awe-inspiring levels: the landing deck at water level houses the outdoor terrace and living room, whilst the underwater bedrooms are encased within a turquoise aquarium where guests will be surrounded by the schools of fish that swim by.

All hotel rooms on the bottom floor are provided with around-the-clock butler service to ensure a truly hassle-free stay experience and keep guests feeling truly pampered.

Offering guests a taste of the InterContinental life

Continuing the brand’s dedication to providing high standards of guest service and delivering captivating destination experiences, InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland offers services and facilities signature to the InterContinental brand.

The award-winning InterContinental Concierge adopts the brand’s “In-the-Know” approach and features a series of curated experiences to help guests discover the beauty and charm of the destination.

Located right above water level in the hotel’s rock quarry architecture, the Club InterContinental lounge offers an exclusive venue for social gatherings and business meetings, and a range of exclusive services and benefits for its guests.

IHG CMO Greater China Lin Wang said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Shimao Group again to open InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland – an architectural masterpiece which is a wonder and beauty in the global hospitality industry.

“IHG has maintained staggering growth since entering the Chinese market in 1984, and the opening of InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland marks a significant milestone in our development strategy and further enhances our luxury portfolio in China.

“With its exceptional experiences and personalised services, the hotel is ready to welcome guests to a world of alluring luxury and natural wonder, inviting everyone to live and enjoy the InterContinental life.”

As the world’s first and largest international luxury travel hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts have been delighting guests with new international destinations for decades – from historic buildings to city landmarks and immersive resorts in every corner of the globe.

Celebrating the brand DNA of service, sophistication and style, InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland will create unprecedented hospitality experiences for guests and stand out as a must-visit destination for visitors to the financial capital of China.