The InterContinental in a flooded quarry in China is really opening

Back in 2013, I wrote about plans to build an InterContinental hotel in a disused quarry near Shanghai.  Not only would the majority of the hotel be below ground level, but two floors were actually going to be underwater.

I’m not sure anyone really expected it to happen, and the 2015 opening date came and went.  However, bizarrely, InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland is now ready to open.

To quote:

“InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland is expected to open its doors in the fourth quarter of 2018. Developed by Shimao Group and managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) the luxury hotel, mostly below ground, is getting ready to welcome guests with an amazing landscape in a deep pit of a former quarry in southwestern Shanghai.

The 18-story hotel has two floors above ground, and 16 below ground, including two floors underwater. With a construction area of more than 61,000 square meters, the hotel features 336 rooms and suites that all boast balconies where guests can enjoy a spectacular view of waterfalls from the surrounding cliffs.

In contrast to the traditional architectural concept of building high-rises, InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland adopts an unconventional design of extending space beneath ground by truly reflecting the natural landscape of the quarry.

Reaching down to 88 meters below ground, the hotel reshapes the relationship between city and nature, turning an abandoned quarry into a treasure of wonder and beauty. The opening of InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland will prove to create unique and tremendous value to the city, standing out as a must-visit destination itself to welcome its growing guests.”

If you are keen to be the first to stay, you can find out more via the InterContinental website here.  Booking does not seem to be open yet.  Folly or stroke of genius?  We will find out soon enough.

IHG Rewards update – December 2021:

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