Shangri-La Hotel, Nanjing celebrates opening in China's ancient capital

Shangri-La Hotel, Nanjing the 88th addition to Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, has opened in the centre of vibrant Gulou District of Nanjing city. Known as one of China's four ancient capitals and previously home to six dynasties, Nanjing forms the "Golden Triangle" on the lower Yangtze River making it a prime destination for business and leisure travellers with its thriving economy and historical sites that encompass the UNESCO classified Imperial tombs of the Ming Dynasty and the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, 'father of the Republic of China'.

The 450-guestroom Shangri-La Hotel, Nanjing overlooks the pristine Xuanwu Lake, which features a park -- dotted with temples, pagodas, pavilions, teahouses and other attractions -- and is situated next to an underground train network that easily accesses every direction of the city.

From the hotel, travellers are a ten-minute drive to the Nanjing Railway Station and a 45-minute car journey to Nanjing Lukou International Airport.

Inside the 45-storey hotel, the energy of the bustling district is captured through expansive windows. The lobby, adorned with chandeliers and paintings of plum blossoms – a recurring image throughout the hotel – is a destination in itself. Taking pride of place in the airy hub of Shangri-La Hotel, Nanjing is a bronze installation of children throwing sandbags. Entitled Xi Ya Zi the art piece was specially created by Xiao Xiaoqui, one ofChina's foremost sculptors who specialises in portraying children in action.

The guestrooms at Shangri-La Hotel, Nanjing range from 45 to 72 square metres and include 21 serviced apartments. Designed using earth tones with throw pillows and textured headboards to exude softness; artworks and furniture pieces stand out in the open layout that is complemented by views of the Xuanwu Lake.

Other aspects of the room design include the latest technology and complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as a spacious bathroom accented by a double vanity, separate shower and marble flooring.

In keeping with the muted colour palette, the 26 contemporarily styled suites occupy between 90 and 261 square metres and are furnished with the modern traveller in mind. Multiple areas allow guests to stay with the family, entertain or host a meeting. Suite guests will have exclusive access to the Horizon Club Lounge when it is unveiled in November.

Taking full advantage of the tranquil vista of Xuanwu Lake through floor-to-ceiling windows is the double storey Horizon Club Lounge on level 40 of Shangri-La Hotel,Nanjing. An all-encompassing concierge will personally attend to guests' travel arrangements and requests, and organise daily breakfast, cocktails and refreshments for Horizon Club guests.

Dining options at Shangri-La Hotel, Nanjing include four food and beverage outlets, each with their own distinct identity. Huaiyang cuisine is a specialty at the hotel's signature Chinese restaurant, Jiangnan Wok, led by respected Chef Hou. Decorative mirrors inset into wooden panels harmonise with the elegant surroundings and rich colours in the restaurant and its ten private rooms.

At the all-day dining restaurant, Cafe Xuan, conceived by the famed Japanese interior design company Super Potato, guests may approach the interactive cooking stations to choose from the freshly made buffet or sample Nanjing's traditional roasted duck. For afternoon tea and light bites the Lobby Lounge, which leads to a 3,000-square-metre garden, is the perfect venue to catch up with friends.

JIN Hot Pot and Bar is a dining concept where fresh assorted ingredients are cooked in a simmering pot of stock placed at the table. A beer bar and an outdoor deck will also be a part of the restaurant's facilities upon its opening next year.

In a quiet oasis spread over an entire floor of Shangri-La Hotel, Nanjing is CHI, The Spa. The soothing environment offers specially developed treatments, inspired by Chinese philosophy, in its nine spa rooms. Adjoining the sanctuary is the Health Club and a fully equipped gym with floor length windows, an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms.

Within the hotel are flexible meeting spaces including a 2,100-square-metre, pillar-free Grand Ballroom capable of accommodating up to 1,910 guests for a reception, and a smaller ballroom that can hold 550 guests. Eight further function rooms, some of which provide natural daylight, and a VIP room are available.

To celebrate the opening of Shangri-La Hotel, Nanjing two special packages are available until 28 February 2015.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia