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InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland. The first hotel below the surface. Took 12 years to build. Invested nearly 2.1 billion. Overcame 64 technical problems. Completed 41 patents. And officially opened in November 2018.

Last week I made a visit to InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland to explore its characteristics. I am thankful to the hotel Marcom team who gave me a tour so that so I can finish the review.  This is really a property of wonder.  I couldn’t wait to share my findings.

InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland is a luxury hotel located in Songjiang, the root of Shanghai, is 40 minutes from the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center. It sits the landmark of China at 88 meters closer to the heart of earth.

The hotel is conveniently located in

  • 30 minutes by car from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.
  • 60 minutes’ drive to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
  • 30-minute drive from Shanghai Hongqiao High-speed Railway Station.
  • 30-minute drive to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
  • 40-minute drive to The Bund.
At the entrance of the hotel is an artistic sculpture. Looking like dragon rising out of water, it is made of stainless steel and text cutouts.

Hotel’s innovative architectural design follows its natural environment; using the rock’s curved surfaces to create the world’s first luxury hotel that is built at an abandoned quarry pit at an altitude of minus 88 meters.  It has been named amongst “Top Ten Architectural Wonders of the World”.

Hotel’s structure has 2 floors above the ground and 15 floors below it. The design has broken many records and has attracted global attention ever since its construction.
It is a“must-see” bucket list architeture for business and leisure visitors.
Glass plank road
Outdoor rock climbing on spectaclar ciffs next to an amzing waterfall
An outdoor terrace for hosting parties and even landing helicopter!

Located in the lobby of the hotel is the famed  “Adventure at the Center of the Earth” laser water show which takes place four times a day.

The laser water show at hotel lobby
Live performance at the lobby lounge

The Lobby Lounge showcases the hotel’s architectural verve and natural landscape. Here you will enjoy mountain grown teas, specialty coffee, your favorite cocktail and an assortment of refreshing beverages and savory snacks.

Live band performs Tuesdays to Sundays, 14:45 to 14:45.

Hotel’s sightseeing elevator descends all the way from two floors above the ground. At night, there is lighting decorations, thus depicting an image of light strips flying in the air.

Sightseeing elevator
Sightseeing elevator seen from outside
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland _1
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland _2
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland _3

The spectacular Cliff Show is performed daily on 14th floor basement, on a grand stage that measures 18,000-square-meter.

Watch the Cliff Show here

Dining

InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland presents a variety of unique restaurants: the modern all-day dining restaurant “Commune”; the famous “Cai Feng Lou” Chinese Restaurant that serves local Shanghainese, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Cantonese cuisines; and located one floor below water level, surrounded by a 10-metre-deep aquarium that offers the feel of underwater world, is the mysterious and exquisite “Mr. Fisher” specialty restaurant that particularises seafood and western delicacies.

Cai Feng Lou Chinese restaurant. Chef carefully selects fresh, local ingredients from Songjiang area. Since August 2021 it has been recognised in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide.
Mr. Fisher, located below water surface, is specialised in seafood and western cuisine.
Executive Lounge. Suite and Club Floor guests can enjoy personalized concierge services and a 25% discount on hotel limousine booking.

Rooms

Elegantly furnished and spacious guestrooms equipped with 55-inch LCD TV,JBL audio player and sound system, separate shower bathtub and branded bath products. Dyson hair dryers Quarry View of Song Jiang Area.

Duplex suite. 111 – 141 sq. m., is 14 floors below gound surface.
Duplex suite. 111 – 141 sq. m., is 15 floors below gound surface. Underwater view.

Groups & Events

The main feature is a 900 square meter Grand Ballroom, sub dividable into three separate function rooms with the capability for drive in display.

Hotel has a pillarless banquet hall of about 900 square meters and 5 multi-functional meeting rooms of different sizes.

Wellness

Fitness Center features advanced workout equipment including the latest cardio, strength and weights machines. Opens 1:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Indoor heated swimming pool. 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Call or book online:

+86 021 67661888

[email protected]

InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland

Dining Reservation

No.5888 Chenhua Rd, Songjiang, Shanghai

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the entity.


Paul Lo

Paul is the publisher of Red Bird Travel News, from Hong Kong, now living in Shanghai, and has worked at South China Morning Post, Apple Daily, Shanghai Daily, and Global Times.