Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Unveils Newest Luxury Property in Nanchang City
shangri laShangri-La Hotel, Nanchang opened on February 8 in Honggutan, the new central business district of Nanchang, China. Sited on the most sought-after location on the west bank of the Ganjiang River, the hotel has direct views of the magnificent 1,300-year-old Tengwang Pavilion, one of the four famous towers in China, is a five-minute stroll from the popular Qiushui Square, and is within 30 minutes drive from the train station and Changbei International Airport.
The rich heritage of the Nanchang region as the home of porcelain is woven throughout the hotel’s interior design. Blue and white porcelain has been produced in the region for over 1,700 years, and many high-quality examples of this art are on display in the hotel’s public areas. Nanchang’s art scene has also influenced the hotel’s approach to its interior style with the inclusion of traditional Chinese ink paintings. Incorporated in the open spaces are lotus emblems to honor Zhu Da – the city’s most prominent calligrapher and painter from the Ming Dynasty – who rendered the flower in many of his artworks, plus a five-meter (about 16-foot) handcrafted chandelier that was inspired by the beauty of blooming flowers and adds visual intrigue to the lobby.
The hotel’s 473 guestrooms and suites ranging from 45 to 149 square meters (about 484 to 1,603 square feet) are modern in cool silver and beige tones that complement the Ganjiang River, which can be viewed through full-length windows. Embellished with porcelain and patterns from traditional Chinese paintings on the carpet, the rooms are also practically equipped with in-room entertainment and free Wi-Fi. At dusk, the colorful sights of Asia’s largest music fountain at Qiushui Square and its nightly light display can be seen from across the waterway.
Providing an exceptional standard of quality and service is the hotel’s Horizon Club Lounge, where guests can appreciate extra privileges including express check-in and check-out, complimentary breakfast buffet and evening cocktails, and full concierge service. The private space, on level 32 of the hotel, was designed with commanding 180-degree vistas and an airy outdoor terrace.
Five dedicated levels of Club rooms are as sophisticated as they are spacious and easily accommodate a day bed and a walk-in wardrobe that lead into a luxurious marble bathroom.
Dining at the hotel is an opportunity to sample creations from talented chefs at the three restaurants and lounge. Café Hong, the all-day dining outlet, features five show-stopping open kitchens that vie for attention alongside an impressive two-meter (about 6.5 feet) high and eight-panel porcelain screen, and over-sized porcelain lamps in the customary blue and white colors. Asian, Chinese and Indian selections are on the menu and lavish buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
One level above the café is Zi Yu Xuan, a Chinese restaurant specializing in classic Cantonese and Gan cuisines. Chef Eric Yue uses the freshest ingredients to bring out the delicate flavors in his beautiful dishes that rival the river view from the restaurant. Private functions or special occasions can be hosted in eight separate dining rooms.
For informal meetings and get-togethers, the Lobby Lounge offers sweet and savory options, as well as live entertainment.
The extensive recreational facilities at the hotel’s health club cater to guests of all levels of fitness and practices. In addition to multi-purpose gym equipment, a 25-meter (about 85-foot) indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna room are a beauty salon and spa.
A total of 3,880 square meters (about 41,764 square feet) of event space capable of holding 1,800 guests includes a 1,683-square-meter (about 18,115-square-foot) pillar-less grand ballroom that is attached to an expansive foyer with a river view. A junior ballroom and five other function rooms complete the hotel’s meeting facilities.
Special introductory rates are now available at Shangri-La Hotel, Nanchang until July 31, 2015. Priced at RMB550 (about US$88) and RMB600 (about US $96) – subject to 15 percent service charge – for single and double occupancy respectively, the offers include Deluxe Room accommodation, breakfast buffet at Café Hong and double Golden Circle points and dining credit for Shangri-La’s Golden Circle members.
